Organization Vision: “A Hand UP not a Hand OUT”
In 2003, a devoted local realtor, Dick Wirges, gathered a passionate group of individuals to assist our community in expanding its capacity for affordable housing. By 2004, with the generous support of a $30,000 grant from the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, significant contributions of volunteer construction labour, and the warmheartedness of the St. Paul community, we successfully built our first home, offering a secure sanctuary for a family in need.
Not long after, Servus Credit Union sold a 7-acre parcel of undeveloped land to the Town of St. Paul at a reduced price, conditional upon the allocation of several lots specifically for affordable housing initiatives. In recent years, the Town has taken meaningful strides towards this goal, having sold this remaining undeveloped parcel and now committing to furthering affordable housing by acquiring infill lots within the community that will be generously donated to the St. Paul Affordable Community Housing Society (SPACH).
Affording a home is vital for the stability of rural communities and the retention of a skilled workforce. In places like St. Paul, homeownership promotes long-term residency, enhances family stability, and fosters civic engagement. However, without focused financial support to counteract valuation challenges, models for affordable ownership cannot be implemented on a broader scale. This initiative illustrates how public investment can yield sustainable outcomes in affordable ownership while strengthening the enduring resilience of a rural community.
SPACH operates as a volunteer-run society, with no paid administrative staff. The Board oversees governance, while construction projects are managed through partnerships with experienced local builders and volunteers.
Since 2023, the committee has been revitalized and the project is gaining momentum, successfully securing up to four lots designated for building homes for families struggling to afford a down payment on their own residence.
We have raised sufficient funds to construct our first home, which is currently in the building phase. The future homeowner has been selected and is expected to move into their new dwelling in the spring of 2026. We are now actively fundraising to initiate construction of the second single-family home, with plans to commence the build in the summer of 2026, contingent upon raising enough funds to kickstart the project. The third and fourth lots are zoned R-3 for multi-family residences, which is why our preliminary plan includes the construction of duplexes, allowing for individual ownership of each of the four units.
Together, we can help our community to succeed and thrive. Join us today and be a catalyst for change. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.
Thank you for your generosity and support.
