Greening Homes’ lasting legacy for youth home
On June 6, more than 20 Greening Homes crew and Legacy Project volunteers assembled and presented benchers and planters for Eva Phoenix’s new home on Brant Street in Toronto, helping to bring the outdoors in for the youth who live in this important transitional facility. This initiative was part of the Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC)‘s Legacy Project and National Conference and Expo, called Building Lasting Change.
The week before, Greening Homes’ crew – Tim, Eben, Taavo, and Bryan – spent four hot days milling and creating ‘Nelson’ inspired benches and two very heavy Thermory Ash clad planters.
“We’re very excited about Thermory Ash, which is an innovative thermal wood that Upper Canada Forestry Products generously donated for this charitable project,” says Christopher Phillips, President of Greening Homes.
Thermory Ash is slowly heated, which releases natural preservatives, making it toxin-free – a much better alternative to chemically-treated lumber. Thermory Ash is also Forest Stewardship Certified, and harvested and treated in North America, making it relatively local. While it costs more than cedar, it lasts much longer and is healthier for people and the environment.
“This healthy and long-lasting product offers a true legacy for Eva Phoenix,” says Phillips. “We are honoured to be part of CaGBC’S Building Lasting Change Legacy Project this year.”
To learn more about Thermory Ash, visit http://westonpremiumwoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Thermory-Ash-Overview.pdf
Working with the Legacy Project volunteers to assemble the benches and planters at their final home was a lot of fun, and we are thrilled with the end result!
Eva’s Phoenix provides transitional housing for 50 homeless youth at a time (ages 16 -24) for up to a full year, and employment and pre-apprenticeship programs for 150 homeless youth annually. It’s the only transitional shelter for youth of its kind in Canada.
Eva’s youth worked with Greening Homes on this project, offering input on the initial design charrette and voting on the winning design. To learn more, visit: The vote is in! Youth weigh in on our Legacy Project design.