Homegrown Homes

Homegrown Homes (HH), originally called the Peterborough Community Housing Development Corporation, is a non-profit started by two locals in 1998. Its mission is to provide affordable housing for people on low incomes in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada without relying on ongoing government funding. HH renovates or builds homes using funds from a mix of grants, donations, and creative partnerships. Prisoners and community volunteers often help with the renovations, gaining skills and supporting reintegration.
Peterborough faces high housing costs, with many renters spending over 30% of their income on housing. HH helps by offering rents at least 15% below market rates, and often more. As of late 2009, HH had housed 53 people in 21 homes, including seniors, families, people with disabilities, ex-offenders, and homeless youth. Most homes are older properties, renovated to be warm, safe, and energy efficient.
Instead of owning land outright, HH sometimes uses city-owned land through a special agreement that allows the City to take it back if it’s not used for affordable housing. This approach allows HH to use the land as financial leverage while avoiding long-term government dependency.
The homes are scattered throughout the city, preventing concentrated poverty. Volunteers, including students and church groups, play a key role. HH also supports environmental sustainability by reusing materials and improving energy efficiency, significantly cutting utility costs.
Despite facing challenges like rising construction costs and community resistance, HH has proven to be financially stable and socially impactful. It is now a model for similar efforts elsewhere in Ontario and beyond. HH shows that with local leadership, creativity, and strong partnerships, communities can tackle housing insecurity effectively and sustainably.