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The federal government recently gave $2.7 million to a project that will transform a vacant church into a supportive housing facility for adults with disabilities.

The Luso Canadian Charitable Society, who operates day programs for special needs adults at an existing building on Barton Street East, will expand those services with the addition of residential units at the new build, located at 922 Main St. E.

The site is the former Trinity Baptist Church that is listed on the Hamilton Municipal Heritage Register and dates to 1924. Luso will construct their six-storey, 30-unit facility on an adjacent parking lot.

Hamilton firm Cianfrone Architect Inc. designed plans for the 3,643-square-metre addition to have activity areas on the lower level and first floor, a dining area on the second floor and 30 residential suites for 45 occupants to be located on the second to the sixth floors.

There will also be a rooftop patio for outdoor amenity space and 100 per cent “accessible activity areas, living areas, bedrooms and washrooms (in a) combination of one, two or three bedroom suites,” said principal architect Angelo Cianfrone, adding, “(the) church will remain in place and repurposed for central kitchen and dining, activity areas, and administrative use.”

Funding for the project, that has a projected price tag of more than $20 million, is coming from multiple sources beyond the recent federal contribution. The province and City of Hamilton will also contribute along with community partners and grants along with Luso’s existing project equity.

“A capital campaign will be launched shortly, and we hope the community will support us in raising between $6 to $7 million,” said Luso CEO Heather Grand.

In explaining part of the funding breakdown, Grand said, “The federal contribution under the Enabling Accessibility Fund will support the creation of accessible spaces and the installation of features for the Adult Day Program and communal areas at the location. This will include features such as ramps, a drop-off area, an elevator, accessible doors, accessible washrooms, ceiling lifts, an accessible gym, sensory rooms and more.”

The project, whose builder is to be determined, is expected to get underway in the coming weeks, beginning with cleaning up the existing church. Once construction starts, it is estimated to be complete in approximately 24 months.

When asked if the new facility will mean new jobs, Grand said, “Upon completion, increased full-time and part-time jobs will be created for a wide variety of roles — day program staff, residential support staff, administrative positions and other support workers. Numbers will be confirmed closer to occupancy.”

Founded in 2002, Luso is a charitable organization that provides a safe, supportive and caring environment for individuals and families living with physical and/or developmental disabilities. It operates support centres in Hamilton, Peel and Toronto.