CAFFI Housing hosts fundraising raffle at Coffee Time in Bolton

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A local non-profit recently raised money for its unique housing project. 

From November 12 to 17, CAFFI Housing — a registered non-profit related to Caledon Area Families for Inclusion — held a fundraising raffle at Coffee Time in Bolton. 

Generous local donors contributed items to be raffled off, and raffle participants bought tickets and placed them in boxes in front of gift baskets full of items they'd like to win. 

Patricia Franks, a volunteer with CAFFI Housing, explained the charity's goal is to help adults with differing abilities attain affordable independent living opportunities in their own community.

One of the ways it has done this is through Shiloh House, a completely-renovated historic church located north of Bolton on Toronto and Region Conservation Authority land. 

The house was renovated with help from a number of community partners and another charity, Raising the Roof. 

The shared living house offers truly affordable rent and independent living to its tenants, which are individuals with differing abilities. It houses three people. 

In March, the house will mark its fifth anniversary. 

“We've had a couple of people living there long-term, and four others living there at different periods of time… they've been very happy living there, it's great,” said Franks.

Twice a year, CAFFI Housing brings in school youth and community volunteers to do some yard work and cleanup on the property to help maintain it. CAFFI Housing is responsible for internal maintenance of the home and making sure everything runs smoothly.

“We do little things like run fire drills, make sure all the appliances are running properly,” said Franks.

Franks said she wanted to extend a sincere thanks to Coffee Time for allowing CAFFI Housing to use its space for its fundraising raffle. 

“It's such a comfortable, welcoming and warm place. We're very happy to support the business and it's been extremely supportive to us,” said Franks.

Franks shared that CAFFI Housing would love to be able to expand and create more affordable, accessible housing in the future. 

“People want to stay in Caledon, their natural support system is here… they can feel safe and comfortable, that is what we want for our adults,” said Franks. “They were born here, they went to school here, it should not be required for them to move away to get support, we should be able to facilitate that within our own town borders.”