Welcome to MHI
Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) exists to build affordable housing that helps fix Ottawa's housing crisis and gets at-risk people into secure, safe homes. You don't need us to tell you about housing issues and homelessness in our communities, you can see it for yourself.
Traditional practices have not been working... so MHI has adopted a different approach. We are a coalition of faith groups who work with local businesses, civil society, the City of Ottawa and federal/provincial governments to build and house our communities for the future. This new way of working has created homes for more than 400 people, with more on the way. It has opened up new ways to gather the commitment, skills and resources that build homes and strengthen communities. To have a safe, secure, affordable home is life changing.
A roof over your head means more than shelter. It means better health, more stability. A chance to work, study and live to build a future for yourself, for others and for the greater community.
MHI is a not-for-profit charitable organization in Ottawa, Canada.
Traditional practices have not been working... so MHI has adopted a different approach. We are a coalition of faith groups who work with local businesses, civil society, the City of Ottawa and federal/provincial governments to build and house our communities for the future. This new way of working has created homes for more than 400 people, with more on the way. It has opened up new ways to gather the commitment, skills and resources that build homes and strengthen communities. To have a safe, secure, affordable home is life changing.
A roof over your head means more than shelter. It means better health, more stability. A chance to work, study and live to build a future for yourself, for others and for the greater community.
MHI is a not-for-profit charitable organization in Ottawa, Canada.
Our history
Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) was founded in 2001 when Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities in Ottawa united to address homelessness and the lack of affordable housing. Over time, more faith groups joined, and MHI became a federally registered charitable organization. Today, with over 70 faith-based members, MHI is dedicated to creating inclusive, affordable housing communities.
Notable projects include The Haven (completed in 2017), which provides accessible, family-friendly housing, and Veterans’ House: The Andy Carswell Building (opened in 2021), Ottawa’s first supportive housing project for homeless veterans. In 2023, ownership of The Andy Carswell Building was transferred to the newly developed sister charity of MHI, Veterans’ House Canada, which aims to expand similar initiatives nationwide. That same year, MHI sold its first purchased property, Kent House, using the proceeds to fund future affordable housing projects.
Gloucester Housing Corporation (GHC) was founded in 1986 to address the need for affordable housing in Gloucester, now part of Ottawa. Over the years, GHC developed several housing projects, including Ken Steele Court, Carver Place, Fine Crescent, Vinam House, and Fiona Faucher Place, offering rent-geared-to-income and below-market rental units. The organization focused on providing sustainable, accessible housing in well-connected areas with public transit and essential services.
In fall 2024, GHC officially amalgamated with MHI, expanding MHI’s housing portfolio and increasing its reach to over 1,000 tenants across nine housing communities. This amalgamation strengthened efforts to provide long-term, affordable housing solutions in Ottawa. MHI continues to grow with Odenak Dream LeBreton already under construction.
Notable projects include The Haven (completed in 2017), which provides accessible, family-friendly housing, and Veterans’ House: The Andy Carswell Building (opened in 2021), Ottawa’s first supportive housing project for homeless veterans. In 2023, ownership of The Andy Carswell Building was transferred to the newly developed sister charity of MHI, Veterans’ House Canada, which aims to expand similar initiatives nationwide. That same year, MHI sold its first purchased property, Kent House, using the proceeds to fund future affordable housing projects.
Gloucester Housing Corporation (GHC) was founded in 1986 to address the need for affordable housing in Gloucester, now part of Ottawa. Over the years, GHC developed several housing projects, including Ken Steele Court, Carver Place, Fine Crescent, Vinam House, and Fiona Faucher Place, offering rent-geared-to-income and below-market rental units. The organization focused on providing sustainable, accessible housing in well-connected areas with public transit and essential services.
In fall 2024, GHC officially amalgamated with MHI, expanding MHI’s housing portfolio and increasing its reach to over 1,000 tenants across nine housing communities. This amalgamation strengthened efforts to provide long-term, affordable housing solutions in Ottawa. MHI continues to grow with Odenak Dream LeBreton already under construction.
vision
The vision of MHI is to lead in developing a greater understanding of, and commitment to, the expansion of innovative housing-related solutions within inclusive communities.
mission
Our mission is to provide and promote safe, affordable, and well-maintained housing in inclusive communities, and to mobilize resources for these purposes.