Sister Lorraine Chaisson, congregation leader, Sisters of St. Martha, with (from left) Tim Banks, CEO of APM Construction Services; Ernie Hudson, minister of Social Development and Housing; Bill Campbell, president of Kings Square Affordable Housing Corporation; Philip Brown, mayor of Charlottetown, and Sean Casey, Liberal MP for Charlottetown at the announcement of the Martha Place housing project.
The Sisters of St. Martha of Prince Edward Island, Canada, have partnered with the federal and provincial governments in the construction of a 60-bed unit affordable housing project in Charlottetown, the island’s capital. The four-story apartment, to be known as Martha Place, will be owned and operated by the King Square Affordable Housing Corporation. The name given to the building is in recognition of the service that the only island-born congregation has given to the people of Prince Edward Island.
Within the building there will be a center called The Living Well, managed by the sisters. It is the desire and hope of the sisters that The Living Well will be a place for the enhancement of the health, healing and life of persons as well as all creation, through a variety of ways such as programs and presentations which will be determined through collaboration with the residents of Martha Place and the broader community. This project, as part of the sisters’ legacy to the people of Prince Edward Island, is a work in progress as they seek to discover how they can better promote the fullness of life and well-being for all involved.
In her comments, congregation leader Sister Lorraine Chaisson stated, “The Sisters of Saint Martha have a long history of service to the people of this island as well as other parts of Canada, the U.S. and Third World. During our 103 years as a congregation, we have always sought to meet the needs of the times as we live our motto of love and service through our charism of simplicity, attentiveness and hospitality. At this time in our history, we recognize the housing shortage and the critical need for affordable housing.”
Sister Lorraine further commented how fitting it was that the formal announcement of this project was on the feast of St. Martha. “In the gospel, Martha is a woman of hospitality and attentiveness. Our wish and prayer is that all will find welcome and hospitality within the walls of this place.”
Link to July 29 story and photo in The Guardian