A NEW KID ON THE BLOCK?

Dayna, North End Resident and Reader

“I look forward to the always-prompt delivery of the next edition to my mailbox, and to receiving the email alerting me to its availability! I so appreciate that there remains a local community paper at a time when so many others have ceased publication. It’s been a great introduction to the North End!”

Kristina Santone

“Being a part of the North End Breezes board for the past two years has been a privilege. The team does amazing work within the community and serves as a resource hub for all. They are committed, and most importantly, passionate about preserving the North End’s legacy, while also continuing to foster its growth. Whether you are new to the area, or a longtime resident, I encourage you to volunteer with the Breezes in some capacity if you’re able. This team is small but mighty and they are always looking for more support. I’m grateful for the relationships and community I’ve been able to build while serving on the board.

I’ll be joining Welcome Inn as the Executive Director and look forward to taking on a new role in the North End Community while staying connected to The Breezes. “

Welcome to JAMES NORTH BAPTIST CHURCH – a part of the North End since 1887. What???

This newcomer to the North End is really just Hughson Street Baptist Church under their new name and in their new facility at the NE corner of James and Picton Streets. For the past two years you’ve watched the building take shape. The main floor and basement will house all of the church functions and the 2^nd to 4^th floors are the North End Landing – 45 affordable housing apartments, operated by Indwell.

Hughson Street Baptist Church has been located at 383 Hughson St N, across from Bennetto School, for the past 133 years. Their congregation has been more than just a worship gathering on Sundays. Under the leadership of Pastor Dwayne Cline, now in his 29^th year with the church, they have been a trusted place in the community for exploring the Christian Faith through their children’s and youth programs, working in the local Breakfast Clubs, tutoring programs, and hosting after school clubs. For over 25 summers (except this one of course) the North End Soccer League welcomed almost 300 children on Tuesday nights to Eastwood Park. Coffee’s On, the Friday morning drop-in and food bank, and the Thursday night Hub have been safe and welcoming places for people to come for good food and conversation. At Christmas special boxes of food and toys have been a welcome addition to hundreds of homes each year.

In 2011 the church purchased the building at 500 James St N because they had outgrown the old church building and were looking for a way to expand. The original plan was to renovate the existing building, transforming it into a new Worship and Ministry Center, but in conversations with Indwell, that direction changed to include a new affordable housing option in the neighbourhood in partnership with Indwell.

Indwell is a recognized leader for affordable housing in Hamilton. They are a Christian charity that creates affordable housing communities that support people seeking health, wellness and belonging. Their roots go back to 1974 when John and Siny Prinzen saw a need for housing vulnerable adults in the city. They started opening their home to others and this began a chain of events that has grown into a network of housing in the City of Hamilton and beyond. Indwell currently has more than 365 tenants in seven buildings in the City of Hamilton, with 280 other tenants in Woodstock, Simcoe and London. Tenants started to move into North End Landing at the end of August and the move-in will be complete by early October. Indwell homes support individuals with a variety of needs. This building will be home to people who live independently but benefit from the security of a financially viable place to live with some staff support. We look forward to welcoming this new group of friends into our neighbourhood.

The church is looking forward to welcoming neighbours to the new building. They are gathering on Sundays, but in limited numbers due to the pandemic protocols. Check out the website at www.jamesnorth.church for details on attending. There will be an Open House for neighbours in September, a date is still to be determined as final touches are completed and a plan for welcoming people under the pandemic protocols is put in place. Watch for signs and further communications. A grand opening for the facility is planned for November, again, details are still to be announced.

Call the church office for details, 905-527-3972, or email office@jamesnorth.church