Forming a Society
Get the word out at a local event!
The Abbeyfield concept is a grassroots movement; Societies are formed when a community perceives a need for affordable housing for seniors. Rather than attempt to address this problem from scratch, many communities have already seen the benefits of following the established tried and tested Abbeyfield model for affordable senior housing.
Abbeyfield is a copyrighted name and concept so, to start an Abbeyfield you must contact the National Office and submit an application for Provisional Membership. Use of the Abbeyfield name requires Societies to adhere to the Guiding Principles and follow the Abbeyfield Model - a model that is flexible with National Board approval.
Membership of Abbeyfield Canada allows you to use the Abbeyfield name; it also opens up over 50 years worth of experience and know-how in the form of building manuals, information, support and strategies for getting your society up and running.
Membership does not remove your autonomy as an individual Society: Houses are acquired, owned and managed by Local Abbeyfield Societies. The Local Societies are established as non-profit organizations by civic-minded individuals and are run by the Local Board of Directors.
When you start exploring the possibility of starting an Abbeyfield House, we recommend that you form a 'Steering Committee' of at least three people who share your vision. This small group will work towards applying for Provisional Membership. The Steering Committee will eventually form the core of your Board of Directors.
If you think there is a need for an Abbeyfield in your community, please contact the National Office to get the ball rolling!
Abbeyfield is a copyrighted name and concept so, to start an Abbeyfield you must contact the National Office and submit an application for Provisional Membership. Use of the Abbeyfield name requires Societies to adhere to the Guiding Principles and follow the Abbeyfield Model - a model that is flexible with National Board approval.
Membership of Abbeyfield Canada allows you to use the Abbeyfield name; it also opens up over 50 years worth of experience and know-how in the form of building manuals, information, support and strategies for getting your society up and running.
Membership does not remove your autonomy as an individual Society: Houses are acquired, owned and managed by Local Abbeyfield Societies. The Local Societies are established as non-profit organizations by civic-minded individuals and are run by the Local Board of Directors.
When you start exploring the possibility of starting an Abbeyfield House, we recommend that you form a 'Steering Committee' of at least three people who share your vision. This small group will work towards applying for Provisional Membership. The Steering Committee will eventually form the core of your Board of Directors.
If you think there is a need for an Abbeyfield in your community, please contact the National Office to get the ball rolling!
Quick Start Guide1 - Find out about Abbeyfield - this website is a great place to start!
2 - Network within your community to find people who share your vision for providing non-profit, affordable seniors housing options. 3- Contact the National Office to start the Membership Process - we recommend you have at least 3 committed volunteers at this stage in your project. 4 - Secure the right to use the Abbeyfield name 5 - Start fundraising, researching and planning with the guidance of the National Office... You are on the way to building an Abbeyfield! |
Your First Point of Call
Abbeyfield Houses Society of Canada
427 Bloor Street West, Box 1, Toronto, ON M5S 1X7 Tel: 416-920-7483 Email: info@abbeyfield.ca Fax: 416-920-6956 |
All material on this site belongs to Abbeyfield Canada - Please do not reproduce material or use the Abbeyfield name without permission
By clicking on any link on this site you are leaving Abbeyfield Canada. Abbeyfield Canada does not take responsibility for the content of material on linked sites.
