The mission of the Multifaith Housing Initiative is to provide and to promote affordable home space, to encourage harmonious relations amongst tenants of diverse backgrounds, and to mobilize the resources of faith communities and others for these purposes.

There are over 10000 households on the City of Ottawa’s waiting list for social housing. The average time on the waiting list remains at more than 4 years. Households on the waiting list as well as thousands more, do not have the financial resources to afford the average cost of a one bedroom apartment, which is about $800 per month in Ottawa. After paying rent, many find themselves unable to afford the barest of essentials such as clothing, food, heat, transportation, and furniture.

Spending more than 30% of a household’s gross income on housing alone is considered to be a situation which is unsustainable over time. For example, a retail sales person earning about $18,000 or a labourer earning $22,000, should not spend more than $450 and $550 respectively per month on rent according to this accepted standard. Spending the average rent in Ottawa for a one bedroom apartment ($800) would result in the household spending 53% and 44% respectively on housing.

Over 24,000 renters in Ottawa are paying more than 50% of their gross income on rent alone. Unfortunately, the number of rental apartments available in Ottawa is decreasing due to conversions to home ownership and demolitions.

• Share spiritual values which motivate us to promote inclusive and healthy communities, with the key element being the provision of adequate housing for all;
• Hold ourselves and public officials responsible for the common good and accountable to the community for the provision of affordable housing to the most vulnerable in our society;
• Are active in every community in this country and are already serving those in need within and beyond our memberships. We work cooperatively, we have first-hand knowledge of the barriers and struggles faced by people in need, and we strive to encourage and nurture positive, inclusive community;
• Are rich in human resources and have the potential to create affordable housing, to develop programs to nurture community, and to provide home-related support to individuals and families;
• Represent a large segment of the Canadian population and are entrusted to speak for and act on behalf of those who are least able to meet their needs.

We are a faith-based organization that, to date, includes members from Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Unitarian faith communities. We share a common value: our desire to help others in need. This shared value unites us and enables us to work together to help those who require affordable and adequate housing. MHI has decided that the most effective way to respond to the growing housing affordability crisis is to raise sufficient capital through donations and low interest loans to purchase existing lower cost rental units with the goal of maintaining them as affordable housing for lower- income households.