Build 2

Build

Building a Permanent Intergenerational Campus for Belonging

Welcome Friend Association is creating a year-round, affirming home where 2SLGBTQ+ youth build confidence and leadership, 2SLGBTQ+ elders find connection and legacy, and both generations come together through intentional shared spaces that reduce isolation and strengthen community.

This is more than a camp site. It’s belonging infrastructure — built for prevention, resilience, and intergenerational care.

Funding Status
Raised/Committed: $___  •  Remaining: $___  •  Goal: $___

Rolling out in phases: the Build advances as funding is secured — partners can fund a phase, a facility, or in-kind support.

Location
Northern Ontario (site in due diligence)
Permanent, year-round access
Who It Serves
Youth (13–29) + Elders (55+) + Allies
Two pillars, one shared campus
What Changes
Seasonal → Year-round
More access, stability, and connection
Model
Youth pillar + Elder pillar + Shared commons
Intergenerational exchange by design
Timeline
Phase 1–3 plan
Use ranges (e.g., 2026–2029)
Partner Fit
Capital + belonging + wellbeing
CSR, foundations, major gifts, in-kind

The Need: Two Pillars, One Shared Challenge

Across Canada, 2SLGBTQ+ people can face isolation at both ends of the lifespan — intensified by geography, stigma, and a lack of affirming spaces. The Build Project responds with a permanent campus designed around two equal pillars and one intentional bridge.

  • Youth (13–29): higher risk of anxiety, depression, and suicide when safe, affirming community is unavailable — especially in rural and northern regions where acceptance and services can be limited.
  • Elders (55+): increased isolation, loss of chosen family, and fear of having to re-closet in traditional aging or care settings.
  • The bridge: when generations connect with care and facilitation, youth gain hope and role models, and elders regain purpose, voice, and belonging.

A permanent home makes belonging something people can count on — across the lifespan.

Evidence: The Need for Belonging is Year-Round

In 2021, Welcome Friend Association undertook a focused community study on 2SLGBTQ+ seniors to understand barriers, risks, and what would make connection possible — especially in Northern Ontario.

What seniors told us
Survey + interviews (2021)
53%
Isolation

of 2SLGBTQ+ seniors report feeling socially isolated.

59%
Programs

are interested in participating in 2SLGBTQ+ senior programs, clubs, or activities.

78%
Inclusive housing

want to learn more about inclusive retirement community options and supports.

This is why the Build is designed for year-round use: youth programming, elder connection, and shared intergenerational commons that reduce isolation in every season. Source: Welcome Friend Association — Senior Program Plan (2021 community study: 45 survey responses + stakeholder interviews).

A permanent home turns “one good week” into ongoing connection — for youth, elders, and the community that supports them.

Why Intergenerational Connection Works

The Build is intentionally designed to support two parallel pathways — youth belonging and elder connection — with shared commons that create meaningful intergenerational exchange when appropriate and supported.

  • Youth gain: role models, confidence, leadership, and a credible sense of “I can have a future.”
  • Elders gain: community, purpose, and spaces where their stories and identities are honoured.
  • Both gain: reduced isolation, increased resilience, and a stronger network of care.

This is reciprocal care: everyone belongs, everyone contributes, everyone grows.

Phasing Plan and Budget Snapshot

Partners often want to fund something concrete. This structure makes it easy to align support to a milestone — youth spaces, elder spaces, shared commons, or core infrastructure.

1

Phase 1: Land + Essential Servicing

  • Land acquisition / due diligence
  • Core servicing planning (access, utilities)
  • Early-use infrastructure as feasible
Estimated: $___
2

Phase 2: Core Buildings + Shared Commons

  • Gathering / dining / program hall (shared commons)
  • Initial cabins / accessible washrooms
  • Kitchen + all-season functionality
Estimated: $___
3

Phase 3: Expansion + Year-Round Enhancements

  • Additional cabins / program spaces (youth + elder retreats)
  • Winterization + accessibility upgrades
  • Outdoor program and gathering areas
Estimated: $___

Budget Snapshot (high level)

Land
Acquisition + due diligence
$___
Design + Permits
Architectural, engineering, approvals
$___
Construction
Core buildings + cabins
$___
Site Servicing
Water / septic / power / road
$___
Furnishings + Equipment
Beds, kitchen, program supplies
$___
Contingency + Project Delivery
Risk buffering + project management
$___

Partnership Options

We’ll match your investment to a phase, a milestone, and a clear story of impact — youth belonging, elder connection, and shared intergenerational commons.

Anchor Partner

Lead a phase or a core facility (shared commons, program hall, or accessible cabins) and help unlock matching support.

Lead giftNamingMajor recognition

Major Gifts

Fund a tangible build element with lasting impact for youth and/or elders.

CabinGathering HallAccessibility

Multi-Year Corporate

Align CSR/DEI goals with rural access, belonging, and wellbeing — across generations.

2–3 yearsEmployee givingReporting

In-Kind + Pro Bono

Materials, trades, engineering, design, and project expertise that accelerate the build timeline.

TradesMaterialsServices

Help Build a Place Where Generations Belong

Your support creates a future where queer youth are affirmed, elders are honoured, and connection is permanent. If you’re ready to fund a phase, a facility, or an in-kind contribution — we’ll align it with a clear, measurable outcome.

Together, we can build a home for belonging that lasts.

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