This project marks an exciting collaboration between St. Peters Lutheran Church in downtown Kitchener with Indwell. Originally constructed in the 1960s, the church’s expansive Sunday School wing has become too large for their current needs. Instead of relocating, the church chose to team up with Indwell to convert the southern part of the building into affordable housing, while renovating the northern section, including the main sanctuary, to better serve its present functions. Celebrating its 160th anniversary, the church views this development as a meaningful step in fulfilling its mission to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

The renovation will introduce over 40 affordable single-occupancy apartments across the ground, second, and third floors, alongside Indwell’s new offices for their K-W regional hub and supportive spaces for residents. The urgency of affordable housing became clear to the congregation when they found a family of three living in an air vent behind their building. Pastor Mark Ehlebracht noted, “Three people experiencing homelessness were living directly behind our altar while we worshipped in comfort.”

While St. Peters and Indwell will manage their respective programs independently, they plan to share community spaces such as a kitchen, programming areas, social facilities, and a newly enhanced outdoor courtyard. The redevelopment will utilize the existing building structure, with a minor extension and a new elevator shaft, demonstrating how repurposing existing resources can create valuable new housing opportunities for the community.