Merchants Corner

Background of the organization

Merchants Corner Inc is a registered charity dedicated to supporting and empowering people through education, housing and community development. The organization includes 30 affordable housing units, shared classroom space and community-use facilities. A vision two decades in the making, Merchants Corner was reclaimed by North End community members as a symbol of hope and renewal. Since opening in 2018, it has offered a safe home and learning environment for hundreds of children, youth and families

Project description

Funding will support Merchants Corner to operate a Partnership Lab that helps not‑for‑profit housing organizations build formal collaborations, shared‑service agreements and amalgamations. Through workshops, focus groups, regulation reviews, board learning and conflict‑resolution support, the Lab will guide 16–18 organizations toward formal partnerships and engage up to 60 others in collaborative initiatives. Funding covers staff, facilitation, policy and legal expertise, and secondments for participating housing providers.