SSVP London launches its Buy-a-Brick campaign to engage the community in supporting affordable housing

Since the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul London Affordable Housing Committee began fundraising in 2023 for its new six-story building with 73 units, it has continually gained momentum and achieved significant milestones. As budgets and plans developed, the goal continued to increase and was set at $1,700,000 early in 2025. The overall price tag for the new building is $27,000,000.

Looking within the membership of SSVP London to lead the fundraising campaign, Shelley Baker and Mary Michniewicz stepped up as honorary campaign co-chairs. Both are experienced with Habitat for Humanity, and this dynamic duo has mobilized donors in the community at record speed. The fundraising committee members—all volunteers—have worked hard to reach the milestone announced on April 3rd, 2025, at its groundbreaking ceremony. The campaign has fundraised donations of $1,382,000, including a $6,000 donation made that day by the East London Rotary Club.
Having moved from a vision to breaking ground with 81% of their fundraising goal reached and strong partnerships with the city government and community, St. Vincent’s on Huron is becoming a reality. Thanks to the support of over 200 donors, from individuals, foundations, faith groups, service clubs, organizations, and businesses.

Mary Michniewicz announced at the ceremony, “now that the sod has been turned, we are giving the community an opportunity to take part in the construction of St Vincent's on Huron. We are launching our Buy A Brick campaign - buy a single brick or buy a wall of bricks. With your help, we can complete this build - one brick at a time.” Professional-looking flyers were distributed to help spread the word, equipped with a QR code that you can scan to easily donate via the SSVP London Canada Helps page.

Twenty-five dollars buys a single brick, $250 buys a row of bricks, and $1,000 builds a whole wall section. The flyer states, "It’s easy, and you don’t have to lift a thing, but you will lift the spirit of those in need of a place to call home."

Shelley Baker said, “We’re so excited because I believe this is so much more than a building. It’s a foundation for families to live with stability and dignity in clean, affordable housing.”

SSVP London hopes the Buy a Brick campaign will help it reach its fundraising goal. Anyone interested can donate by visiting SSVP London’s website at www.ssvplondon.ca and choosing Affordable Housing on the menu.