MARATHON — Local residents, businesses and organizations can have their name become a permanent piece of a new affordable housing complex.
As construction continues at the Gendron Northshore Living affordable housing complex, the Marathon Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation has launched a Buy-a-Brick campaign to raise funds.
Those who buy a brick will have their name permanently immortalized on a wall in their facility to commemorate their contribution.
“The Buy-a-Brick campaign is all about laying the foundation for a new living facility that will benefit the Township of Marathon,” said Julie Michano, the non-profit housing corporation's property manager and head of the Gendron Northshore Living fundraising committee.
According to housing corporation, the campaign will help support part of a $250,000 fundraising campaign for the new $50,000 square foot three-story 50-unit affordable housing complex. Out of the 50 units, 38 units will be two-bedroom suits, while 12 will be one-bedroom suites.
The funding will go toward the interior amenities of the complex like appliances, cabling for internet and television, furniture, yard maintenance equipment, and window coverings.
Since the town is seeing rapid growth of nearly 3,500 residents with the construction of Generation Mine, the need for affordable housing is becoming a dominating site of concern for the community. With the new affordable housing complex, the project will take away some of the strain the community is experiencing.
“Our goal in building this new facility is to provide affordable housing in the region, promoting growth and prosperity. We’re asking donors to help our Growing Home thrive with the understanding that the whole community benefits when local people and newcomers have a place to call home. We are asking local individuals and businesses to lend a hand in providing a safe, quality place to live. It’s all about being good neighbours,” Michano continues.
The campaign offers three tiers for residents, business owners, and organizations to fund. The Neighbour Brick is set at $150, the Golden Brick is $250, and the Corporate Brick will cost $500.
Construction of the complex broke ground last November, and the project is expected to be ready for occupancy within 15 months.
