Press Release October 3, 2025 – Photo Credit United Housing

Stratford, ON — United Housing (UH), a subsidiary of United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH), is excited to announce the initial offering of community bonds in support of UH’s first project, the Music Hall Apartments in Listowel.

“For the first time a United Way, in our case through UH, is offering community bonds to raise capital for a housing project and we couldn’t be more thrilled,” said Ryan Erb, UWPH Executive Director. “This innovative approach allows community members, corporations, and organizations to invest directly in affordable housing for the first time in our region.”

“We are very happy with the progress of the community bond campaign so far. We have already sold 50% of the bonds available through the efforts of our capital campaign committee. People are very excited,” said Kathy Vassilakos, UH Director. “UH is committed to addressing the housing challenges facing our region, including in North Perth. It’s great to see people in the North Perth community and beyond really step forward to support a local solution to the housing crisis.”

“The positive response to the community bonds offering shows how engaged people are in tackling the issue of housing locally,” added Ryan Erb, UWPH Executive Director. “The Music Hall project is a first step toward addressing those needs. But addressing the housing crisis will require time and effort. Through UH, we’re committed to collaborating with communities across our region to make sure there are sustainable, long-term affordable and attainable housing options available to all.”

“The Music Hall Apartments project is a great example of what’s possible using community bonds — an iconic space brought back into use, financed by the community,” added Ryan Collins-Swartz, Co-Executive Director, Tapestry Community Capital. “The Tapestry team is proud to support UH’s community bond campaign, and we’re encouraged by its success so far.”

UH community bonds are social impact investments that allow individuals and organizations to support local projects — like affordable housing — while earning a stable, fixed return. Issued by UH, these bonds turn residents into community investors, helping bring meaningful, mission-driven initiatives to life. By investing, you’re not just earning interest, you’re building a stronger, more inclusive community. To learn more about how to purchase, head to unitedhousingperthhuron.ca.

UH’s community bond offering will be administered by Tapestry Community Capital, which has successfully consulted issuers in raising over $130M in community bonds from over 4,000 investors.

The Music Hall Apartments are located at 190–198 Main Street West in Listowel. Encompassing 4,500 square feet of currently unused space, this reinvigoration of an historic building in Listowel’s downtown will provide 10 mixed-income rental units including 1/3 market rate rentals, 1/3 moderately priced workforce units for individuals working full-time but still struggling to afford housing and 1/3 deeply affordable units for individuals who need financial assistance.

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