For many older adults and caregivers, finding safe, affordable housing close to home is becoming increasingly difficult. Across the Quinte region and Prince Edward County, community organizations are stepping up with practical solutions designed to support independence, dignity, and connection.
Since 2007, All-Together Housing has partnered with local agencies to provide long-term and transitional housing for people at risk of homelessness. Their approach is rooted in a simple belief: everyone deserves housing that is safe, affordable, and suited to their needs.
A closer look at local housing options
Great St. James Place (Belleville)
Located near transit, walking trails, and Lion’s Park, Great St. James Place offers a mix of affordable, market-rent, and transitional housing. The building includes 32 units—primarily one-bedroom and studio apartments—with some larger units used for supported housing programs.
A key feature is its community hub, where residents can gather for coffee, meals, or social activities—an important element for reducing isolation and building connection.
Fred’s Place (Deloro)
Designed with seniors in mind, Fred’s Place offers 15 one-bedroom suites for low- to modest-income residents. Units include accessible layouts, built-in safety features such as grab bars, and individual heating and cooling systems for comfort. Shared spaces, including a community hub and laundry facilities, help support both independence and social connection.
George Street Village (Quinte West – proposed)
This planned development will expand housing options with two residential buildings, including one dedicated to seniors. A mix of unit sizes—from studios to three-bedroom apartments—will support a range of needs.
Like other projects, it will include shared amenities and a blend of affordable and market-rent units to create a balanced, inclusive community.
What about eligibility for All-Together Housing?
For some All-Together Housing units, applicants must be 55+ and meet income thresholds (for example, under $46,000 annually, based on a Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment). Partner agencies may also assist with referrals and supports.
To learn more or express interest, visit alltogetherhousing.ca.
Community-driven solutions in Prince Edward County
Housing challenges are especially acute in Prince Edward County, where rising home prices and limited supply have made it harder for seniors to find suitable options. In response, local groups are taking action.
Pinecrest Housing (Bloomfield)
A community-led initiative, Pinecrest Housing is transforming the former Pinecrest School into approximately 50 affordable housing units for seniors.
The idea is simple but effective: repurpose existing buildings to create supportive, affordable housing more quickly and at a lower cost than new construction.
The project will also include a community hub offering services and shared spaces—not only for residents, but for the wider community.
Watch this short video as Project Facilitator Ken How explains, this model offers “a creative solution” that helps seniors remain independent while staying connected to their community.
The Savvy Solo Seniors initiative is a grassroots movement formed to address the apprehensions, hopes, and aspirations of seniors who live alone in Prince Edward County. The group is working with Abbyfield Homes to bring local accommodation and companionship for seniors.
Many senior women struggle to find safe, secure and affordable housing. Senior Women Living Together in Prince Edward County helps single senior women, and those who identify as women, to find compatible house mates.
Quinte West commits to addressing critical housing issues
Finding safe, affordable housing is becoming increasingly difficult in Quinte West—especially for older adults living on fixed incomes and for caregivers trying to support loved ones close to home.
The City of Quinte West is taking steps to address these challenges. Since 2019, the City has worked with residents, community organizations, and service providers to better understand local housing needs. This work led to the development of a Housing Needs Assessment and a new Housing Action Plan.
Community consultations included seniors, caregivers, people accessing mental health and addiction services, and members of Indigenous and racialized communities. Many shared similar concerns: a lack of affordable options, long wait times, and limited housing that meets changing health or mobility needs.
From this input, the City identified three key priorities:
- Expanding the range of housing options, including those that support aging in place
- Making the housing system easier to navigate for residents and caregivers
- Taking a more coordinated, preventative approach to housing needs
Why this matters
These projects reflect a growing recognition that housing is more than just a place to live. For seniors and caregivers, it’s about:
- Staying close to family and support networks
- Living safely and independently for as long as possible
- Having access to community spaces that reduce isolation
While the affordable housing challenge won’t be solved overnight, these local initiatives show how collaboration between municipalities, community groups, and housing organizations can begin to make a meaningful difference.
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