ABOUT THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING RENOVATION PARTNERSHIP

The Affordable Housing Renovation Partnership (AHRP) is a Cape Breton network that does modest demonstration projects to help people stay in their homes and bring vacant homes back into service. AHRP consists of representatives of Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia Community College, Pathways to Employment Society, the New Aberdeen Revitalization Society, and the Cape Breton Council of Seniors.

In collaboration with Cape Breton University’s Tompkins Institute, AHRP funds its demonstration projects through the Cape Breton Tompkins Affordable Housing Fund. This fund was established within the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia as a small, invested legacy fund using money remaining with the Cape Breton Council of Churches at the time of that organization’s dissolution.

Current Projects

For past projects please visit our archive page.

Neighbourhood Handyperson Pilot Project — focused primarily in the community of New Aberdeen. This project helps people stay in their homes by undertaking necessary small repairs to keep a home safe and warm. Since 2020, a total of 15 projects have been completed.

Mechanic Street Project — Working with Warden United Church, AHRP received in 2023 a renovated historic home that its volunteers and community partners had previously volunteered on with Habitat for Humanity. A process has been completed to consider applications for a family to purchase the home at an affordable price. This project has involved the collaboration of the Dominion Credit Union.

Consulting project on “scaling-up” — Working with Common Good Solutions, AHRP is currently examining how to scale up its successful work, including the development of a social enterprise.

Board Members

Dr. Tom Urbaniak, Chair (Director of the Tompkins Institute at Cape Breton University)

Rita MacDonald, Vice Chair (experienced project manager and retired public servant)

Dr. Andrew Molloy, Treasurer (Chair of L’nu, Political and Social Studies, Cape Breton University)

Adrian Wilson (trades instructor, Nova Scotia Community College)

Jenna MacKenzie (Executive Director, Pathways to Employment Society)

Dr. Jan Hancock (Faculty member in Political Science, Cape Breton University)

Bernie LaRusic (President of the Cape Breton Council of Seniors)

Further Information

Contact

For further information regarding the work of AHRP, please contact the following Cape Breton University faculty members.

Dr Tom Urbaniak
(902-563-1226)
[email protected]

Dr Andrew Molloy
(902-563-1858)
[email protected]