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We want to take a moment to update our community on the status of The Anchor project. Following the recent priority change by the Julian of Norwich Parish (GHC), in which they carefully assessed the feasibility of moving forward with this initiative. They have made the difficult decision not to proceed with The Anchor as originally planned. Given the current unstable environment, we regretfully agree with and support their decision. One of the primary challenges this project faced was securing the necessary funding to bring The Anchor to life. Despite dedicated efforts, the financial landscape has proven difficult, and obtaining the required support has not been possible at this time. While this news may come as a disappointment, we remain committed to our mission of creating safe and supportive housing. Looking ahead, we see potential opportunities to utilize the architectural plans of The Anchor in a different way—through the redevelopment and densification of existing older housing communities that are part of the amalgamation. This approach allows us to continue addressing the critical need for housing while working within a more viable framework. We deeply appreciate the dedication and support of everyone who has been involved in this journey. Especially the Anglican Diocese and the Julian of Norwich Parish. Though this particular project will not move forward, our commitment to providing housing solutions remains strong. We will continue to explore new opportunities and keep you updated as we move ahead. Thank you for your ongoing support.  MHI is extremely pleased to have the support of the Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council (EOORC) through the United We Dream fundraising campaign. United We Dream asks EOORC congregations to help raise funds for MHI’s Dream LeBreton Capital Campaign with a fundraising target of $150,000. To date, United We Dream has already raised over 50% of this goal and has proven success in past campaigns in support of MHI communities.*
When speaking about why EOORC continues to support MHI's efforts to build more affordable housing in our community, and to encourage each pastoral charge to participate in this campaign, Reverend Éric Hébert-Daly, Executive Minister for East Central Ontario, Eastern Ontario Outaouais and Nakonha:ka regional councils says: “From its deepest core, the United Church of Canada has understood the importance of valuing all of God’s creation and each creature as a key component of its ministry. Housing is one way we demonstrate that value and respect. Each community of faith in our region has an opportunity to make our commitment to respect and dignity tangible and real through their fundraising efforts. We respond to the world through the lens of our faith. Our world is speaking loudly to us in our current context. Let us respond with passion and enthusiasm.” All donations made to United We Dream are in service of MHI’s newest affordable housing development, Dream LeBreton Flats, also known as Odenak or “community” in Algonquin, and the dedication of 30 affordable units to Indigenous households. Completion of Odenak is planned for December 2027 and all amounts raised, large or small, are helping to provide safe, supportive, and permanent homes for community members in need. Interested in supporting EOORC and United We Dream? EOORC’s pastoral charges are listed in MHI’s United We Dream Directory. You can select your team from the list and head directly to their page to make a secure donation: www.multifaithhousing.ca/united-we-dream Thank You to the United Churches that have and continue to support this project:
Raising Funds and Awareness Each Pastoral Charge is encouraged to support United We Dream in whichever manner they wish. Some options include hosting an United We Dream Sunday Service, inviting MHI staff to present to their congregations about Odenak, and planning their own fundraising events. Don’t hesitate to let MHI and the EOORC community know what your pastoral charge is doing to contribute to the 30 units of affordable Indigenous housing at Odenak. If you need any additional content or resources, you can reach out to MHI at any time. Two Upcoming Events in Support of United We Dream: March 14 – Barrhaven United Church Concert (part of an ongoing series) April 11 – Knox United Church Concert – more details to come HERE If your Pastoral Charge would like to schedule an MHI Staff member to come and speak to your congregation about Odenak, please contact: Sheldon Leong – Director of Fund Development [email protected] / 613 686 1825 x 312 Ella Matheson – Fund Development Coordinator [email protected] / 613 686 1825 *When the United Church Presbytery set a fundraising goal of $100,000 for MHI’s The Haven, their contributions totaled $117,000, and when EOORC set a goal of $150K for Veterans’ House: the Andy Carswell Building –United We Stand Capital Campaign, they raised over $350,000 (including matching funds from Commissionaires Ottawa).  We’re excited to invite you to MHI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
As one of MHI’s main events—alongside Tulipathon and National Housing Day—the AGM is more than just a meeting; it’s a celebration of our shared commitment to safe and inclusive affordable housing. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to MHI, the AGM is a great opportunity to reflect on our achievements from 2024 and connect with both new and familiar faces. Attendees will hear updates from MHI’s Executive Director, Suzanne Le, meet our newly appointed President, Ishbel Solvason, and get to know our amalgamated staff. Plus, you’ll receive a copy of the 2024 Annual Report, highlighting the year’s accomplishments and community impact. This year, we are honored to host the AGM at Rideau Park United Church, continuing our tradition of gathering in spaces that reflect the diverse faith backgrounds of our membership. Join us on April 27, 2025, as we celebrate our progress, shape our future, and renew our commitment to housing equity. For more information, including date, time and other supporting documentation, visit our Annual General Meeting webpage. The CRA has confirmed that they will extend the deadline for donors to claim eligible gifts on their 2024 personal income tax return to February 28, 2025. Inspired by this news, we are pleased to announce that we are extending MHI’s deadline for our donation match opportunity. From now until February 28, 2025, each new monthly donor who signs up to invest in our Dream LeBreton project for a minimum of $15 per month for at least 12 months, will trigger a one-time $100 contribution from the Wesley M. Nicol Foundation. The Dream LeBreton project, also known as Odenak or “community” in Algonquin, will help address the growing homelessness and affordable housing crisis in Ottawa. Construction is already underway on the 608-unit Odenak project, in which MHI will own and operate 133 affordable units. We are dedicating 30 of these units to Indigenous households. Join our community of monthly donors by February 28, 2025, and you will help trigger an additional $100 to help low-income families and individuals achieve a secure place they can call home, providing the vital conditions that will enable them to succeed and thrive. We need your help to reach our goal of 150 new monthly donors. Please consider signing on to become a monthly donor now  |
AuthorOfficial blog of Multifaith Housing Initiative. Archives
June 2025
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