Housing with Foundations in Faith

The San Francisco Zen Center (SFZC) began planning for Enso Village with the goal of providing accessible housing for retired teachers. The Enso Village spiritual director describes plans for the community as Zen inspired. Now, the SFZC has partnered with Kendal, a non-profit organization based in Quaker values, to bring these plans to fruition. Additionally, she hopes that Enso Village will expose the SFZC’s wider communities to the idea of aging mindfully.

Enso Village is planned to be completed in 2023. It will include assisted care units, memory care units and units for the Zen Center teachers. The Enso Village approach to supporting individuals through the aging process will be influenced by the SFZC’s hospice work. Community members will also have access to optional meditation classes and dharma talks.

Many residents of the Greater Hamilton Area will be familiar with Indwell, “a Christian charity that creates affordable housing communities that support people seeking health, wellness and belonging.” Indwell started in the 1970’s as a single home with seven residents under the name Homestead. Today, Indwell supports over 570 households in southern Ontario ranging from high support to independent living units.