supporting a dream

By guest blogger, SHeldon leong

Just down the street from the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa’s office on Bronson Avenue in Ottawa, and beside Ādisōke, the new Ottawa Public Library that’s currently being constructed, two apartment towers will soon break ground. Once built, Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) will own and operate 133 units, ranging from 1-3 bedrooms. A total of 603 units will be built, in partnership with Dream Unlimited, one of Canada’s leading real estate companies based in Toronto.

Bishop Shane Parker has played a leadership role in supporting the Dream LeBreton project, and enabled a $75,000 donation made earlier this year by the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, in support of MHI’s $1.6M capital campaign that will dedicate 30 units of the 133 to Indigenous families, as part of the church’s ongoing commitment to both reconciliation and affordable housing.

True to the multifaith spirit of MHI and given our current housing crisis, Bishop Shane believes that this new development is something all faith groups can get behind. Leading by example, he is encouraging other faith leaders and groups to think about how they can support this important development. Bishop Shane said “I believe there is considerable interest in collaborating to show support for the project, with the hope of raising awareness and donations, and, very importantly, to demonstrate solidarity and friendship among the faith communities in Ottawa as we share in making the world a better place.

Over 22 years ago, faith leaders representing multiple religions in Ottawa came together and helped realized a dream. MHI was created to tackle the issue of homelessness in our city and today, 134 families have a safe, affordable and permanent home. Sadly, two decades later, affordable housing remains a dream for many living our nation’s capital but it doesn’t have to be. Inspired by the generosity and commitment of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, we are once again calling on our members and the Ottawa community at-large to help realize another dream.

Learn more about MHI's Dream at LeBreton Flats here.