The merger of two community housing sites in Peterborough will ultimately mean more housing and support for people who have disabilities, high-risk seniors, and others.
That’s the goal of a recent initiative that encompassed Kawartha Participation Projects (KPP) officially changing its name to Thrive Housing and Support (Thrive). The decision to rebrand coincides with the amalgamation of KPP and Hilliard Park Homes at 800 Hilliard St. into a single organization.
Thrive manages community housing, and provides outreach and 24/7 support to people with physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, acquired brain injuries and seniors who are considered to be at high risk. Along with Hilliard Park Homes, housing includes 18 units at Towerhill Village (17 Towerhill Road) and 30 units at St. Peters (443 Reid St.).
Sandy Woodhouse, Thrive’s CEO, said there are key projected benefits of the merger.
“I would say the most exciting part of the partnership is that two great community housing sites have officially come together to form Thrive Housing and Support, an agency whose mission is to deliver exceptional housing and support services that positively impact people in our community,” Woodhouse told kawarthaNOW.
“The biggest impact on the people as a result of the merger is that Hilliard Park Homes now has the designation as a special needs provider — the same as Towerhill Village — so we are able to house and support more clients with physical disabilities, high-risk seniors, and people with acquired brain injuries.”
The KPP board, after much contemplation, “seized the perfect timing” for the name change, Thrive noted. As part of the transformation, Thrive has released a video explaining the rationale behind the choice of the new name. The video can be viewed at www.thrivehs.ca/thrive-video.
“The rebranding not only reflects the organization’s commitment to growth, but also introduces a new mission statement — creating communities where people can thrive,” Thrive said in a media release.
The organization’s newly launched website at www.thrivehs.ca contains the new vision and values statements, along with other features, including photos and stories about real tenants, clients, and the staff members who work at Thrive.
“In terms of services, Thrive Housing and Support will continue its unwavering commitment to providing community housing and personal support to people with physical disabilities, high risk seniors and people with acquired brain injuries in order for them to live independently and thrive in a way that is meaningful to them,” the organization said. “Clients and tenants can expect the same, if not enhanced, level of service that has become synonymous with the organization.”
Thrive has also announced the addition of 10 new supportive housing units at 191 Rink St., also known as the Sawmill. These units will provide new opportunities for people to live independently.
Out of the 10 new units, five have been specifically designated to Thrive clients, with a priority given to those at risk of homelessness or patients in the hospital who need a home more suitable to their needs.
The Brain Injury Association Peterborough Region has partnered with Thrive, employing a dedicated case manager to provide wrap-around supports to residents in five additional units, to complement the services provided by personal support workers through Thrive.
“This initiative has been made possible through the combined efforts of numerous partners,” Thrive added. “Ashburnham Realty, who constructed and owns the Sawmill, played a pivotal role in working collaboratively with Thrive and providing both units and office space. The City of Peterborough has also demonstrated its commitment to the well-being of the community and prevention of homelessness by generously providing rent supplements, ensuring that living costs remain affordable for clients of the program.”
Thrive dates back to 1978 when it was established under the KPP name. Today, Thrive supports approximately 120 clients with physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and those considered to be high-risk seniors. The organization employs about 100 front-line and administrative staff who support the group of clients. Thrive also extends property management services to its community housing partners.
