Multifaith Housing Initiative is delighted to welcome Ala’a Shadid (Al) as our new Executive Director. Al will officially step into the role on August 11, 2025, as current Executive Director Suzanne Le completes her tenure on August 18.

Al brings over a decade of senior leadership experience in the non-profit housing sector. He most recently served as Operations Manager at Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC), one of Ottawa’s largest non-profit housing providers. In this role, Al led large-scale operational initiatives, managed high-performing teams, and worked closely with municipal and provincial partners to influence housing policy.

Beyond his operational expertise, Al has also served on the boards of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA), Options Housing, and Gloucester Housing Corporation—demonstrating his commitment to strengthening the broader affordable housing sector.

Al is known for his collaborative leadership style, thoughtful decision-making, and deep belief in housing as a foundation for dignity and equity. His approach aligns closely with MHI’s values, and we are excited to work alongside him as we continue building safe, inclusive communities together.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Suzanne Le for her many years of extraordinary leadership. Her legacy lives on in the nine housing communities MHI now operates and the countless lives touched by her work.

We look forward to introducing Al to our supporters, tenants, and partners in the months ahead. Stay tuned for opportunities to connect with him as he begins this new chapter with MHI.

​This year’s Tulipathon was a joyful celebration, full of fun, meaning, and community spirit. Under the sunny skies on the afternoon of May 25, 2025, there was a fantastic turn out in support of safe, permanent, and affordable housing for all. Notably in attendance was the Tareen family, representing the late Dr. Farook Tareen, the original founder of Tulipathon and a driving force behind MHI’s ability to continue hosting this special fundraiser year after year. The entire team at MHI would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone that has donated, fundraised, walked among the tulips, and helped to spread the word about Tulipathon 2025.  

MHI was delighted to welcome MPP and MHI Patron, Catherine McKenney as this year’s guest speaker. Accompanied by their adorable dog, Jellybean, MPP McKenney also took on the role of judge for the annual banner competition.

Congratulations to this year’s creative and crafty winners: 

• 1st Place – Kitchissippi United Church
• 2nd Place – Barrhaven United Church 
• 3rd Place – St. John the Evangelist Church 

It was also excellent to have Councillor Rawlson King (Ward 13, Rideau-Rockcliffe) and Councillor Jeff Leiper (Ward 15, Kitchissippi) in attendance to support the cause. 

Throughout the afternoon, participants were excited to reconnect with longtime MHI friends and welcome new faces. Some of these wonderful new friends came from MHI’s fall 2024 amalgamation with Gloucester Housing Corporation. This amalgamation has brought new communities, tenants, board members, vendors, supporters, and staff members. Since last year’s Tulipathon, the MHI team has more than doubled in size—growing to 16 devoted staff members! 

This 25th annual Tulipathon also brought a few fresh—and very welcome—sights and sounds. Children proudly showing off their expertly painted faces, the cheerful melody of the Colour of Diversity Marimba Band playing songs such as “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” and the excited shouts of young people (and perhaps some young at heart MHI staff members) playing in the bouncy castle. This was the first year that MHI featured a dedicated “Family Fun Zone”, and with such an enthusiastic response, it certainly will not be the last.  

Thank you once again to all the Corporate Sponsors:  
Presenting Sponsor - Natasha Hall & Associates – Cooperators  
Family Fun Zone Sponsor - BLG  
Reception Sponsor - Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall 
Community Champion Sponsors - Giant Wholesale Distributors, Waidt Developments Ltd., A Everest Locksmith, HVAC Maximum Heating and Cooling, DanCan Electric, Go! Pest Control, Meridian, Fotenn Planning + Design, and Sunshine Snow Service. 

A special note to MHI’s Tulipathon Fundraising Teams:  
Your energy, commitment, and passion are creating real momentum—spreading awareness about the life-changing impact of affordable housing and rallying your trusted communities for support. The competition has been exhilarating, and it's not over yet! 

Let’s keep the momentum going. Fundraising continues until June 30, so there’s still time to make an even bigger impact and reach this year’s goal of $125,000. After that, MHI will be proud to publicly announce this year’s top fundraising team. 

Thank you for your incredible efforts. Let’s finish strong!

Check out the photo album here!