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 422 units, and 1,000 tenants across nine housing communities. MHI's portfolio includes 62 one-bedrooms, 171 two-bedrooms, 161 three-bedrooms, and 28 four-bedrooms.
This amalgamation strengthened efforts to provide long-term, affordable housing solutions in Ottawa. MHI continues to grow with Odenak 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 422 units, and 1,000 tenants across nine housing communities. MHI's portfolio includes 62 one-bedrooms, 171 two-bedrooms, 161 three-bedrooms, and 28 four-bedrooms.
This amalgamation strengthened efforts to provide long-term, affordable housing solutions in Ottawa. MHI continues to grow with Odenak 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.