ISA students as co-op builders

It’s important to note that the students of the ISA were motivated by social action, not by the building of houses. The ISA night courses encouraged thought, discussion and action toward a better society.  They brought lay people into the life of the church and into the community, where they could make a difference, especially for families.

The homebuilding co-operative idea had evolved from research and discussion in classes in 1952. The students had decided that a key means to improve family life would be to address housing problems.  Using their own guide, the ISA adult students would form the first “sweat equity” homebuilding co-operative in Ontario.

Father Marrocco at the sod turning of the Marrocco Home-Building Co-operative Society 1953.