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Community Development Resource Centre
In 1897, Westinghouse established their Canadian manufacturing operations on Sanford Avenue, which marked the Industrial Era for Hamilton.
100 years later, Westinghouse moved their operations out of our city. At this point Hamilton has seen the departure of many other manufacturing companies indicating the industrial era is ending and a new focus for our community is needed.
During those years, community members became dependent on these employers and as they leave we are forced to look to someone else to depend on (social services). We would like to suggest that we take this opportunity and look within ourselves and our community for the answers.
Hence the Community Development Resource Centre (CRDC) and the importance of providing disadvantaged neighbours with the resources for individual, community and business development. (Learning to fish would provide a more sustainable diet than if we waited for someone to catch our dinner for us.)
The CDRC is a vision that will require collective community effort for collective community benefit. The intended location is very fitting because currently the building, at 286 Sanford Avenue North, sits vacant and decaying. A visual of what happens to a community when the way of life they depend upon leaves for more prosperous residence.
By revitalizing the building that once marked the industrial era, to suit the purpose of development, it will mark the Community Development Era.
Once this building is acquired, it will serve as a skills development project. Individuals at required skills will be able to attend and assist us in getting this building the way that we want it and learn skills to take out into the community. This will take some planning and collaboration and require the input from the community on all levels.
In its completed state, it will bring resources to a disadvantage community and provide opportunity where it seems, to individuals, that there are none. It is at this point that our community will begin to flourish and become the best place to raise a child.
An individual wishing to make change in their life will be able to attend the resource Center and find what they require to realize that goal. The centre will have a personal development library where the individual can sit and listen to audio or read a book that will help them obtain direction, inspiration, empowerment or a different perspective on their potential.
An individual who has an idea of their potential but is looking for direction in developing the idea will have access to computers, internet, like minded community members and other resources in their process of developing and implementing their idea within the community.
An organization may require satellite or permanent space for meetings, presentations or general operations in starting and running their own community initiative. They will find them at the CDRC and if they do not, that will be an indication of more opportunity for the acquiring assets to benefit the Hamilton Community.
If you would like to make a donation to assist us in obtaining the finances required to purchase the building and materials required in refurbishing Hamilton, please contact us. Your contribution will have more impact on the realization of our mission.
