 As many of you know, Multifaith Housing Initiative has entered an exciting new chapter. With Suzanne’s departure to the UK, we are delighted to introduce Ala’a (Al) Shadid as MHI’s new Executive Director. Beyond the impressive résumé, we wanted to give you the chance to learn a little more about the person behind the title.
A Career Rooted in Housing and Community Al has spent more than a decade working in non-profit housing, most recently as Operations Manager at Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC). There, he managed large teams, led major building projects, and partnered with city and provincial leaders to strengthen housing policy. His leadership has always been focused on one central question: How do we make sure tenants feel at home? In addition to his day-to-day work, Al has also shaped the sector more broadly through service on the boards of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA), Options Housing, and Gloucester Housing Corporation. His colleagues know him for being collaborative, thoughtful, and committed to solutions that put people first. What truly stands out about Al is not just his expertise, but his values-driven approach. He believes that safe, affordable housing isn’t simply about bricks and mortar — it’s about dignity, equity, and the well-being of entire communities. This belief has guided his career and is exactly what makes him such a natural fit for MHI. Looking Ahead When asked about his vision for the future, Al says he’s excited to build on MHI’s strong foundation while exploring new opportunities to grow our impact: “MHI has always stood out to me as a community where people come together — across faiths, cultures, and experiences — to make something bigger than themselves. I’m looking forward to working with our staff, volunteers, tenants, and partners to keep that spirit alive while expanding our reach.” A Warm Welcome from the MHI Community Our staff and Board of Directors are excited to work alongside Al as he leads MHI into this next chapter. We know our supporters, tenants, and partners will quickly see the passion and vision he brings. Be sure to say hello if you see Al at one of our upcoming events — he’s eager to meet members of the MHI family and hear your ideas. Look out for our blog in October, where we’ll dive deeper into who Al is through a personal Q&A interview.  Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI), in partnership with Toronto-based private developer, Dream, continues to make exciting progress on Odenak (formerly Dream LeBreton Flats), a landmark affordable housing development in Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats. Named for the Algonquin Anishinàbe word for “community”, Odenak integrates affordable housing, green building practices, and comprehensive social programming. This development will feature two towers with 608 mixed-income rental units of which MHI will own and operate 133 units, providing safe, affordable and permanent homes for approximately 400 low-income individuals. These 1–3-bedroom units will be rented to equity deserving groups, and tenants can qualify for further rent supplements and access wraparound community services.
As part of MHI’s commitment to housing equality and reconciliation, 30 of these units will be dedicated to Indigenous households. Through the $1.6 million Odenak Capital Campaign, the rent for these units will be permanently reduced by an estimated $300/month, helping to alleviate the disproportionate rates of homelessness faced by Indigenous people in Ottawa. While only 2.5% of Ottawa’s population identifies as Indigenous, 19% of individuals experiencing homelessness identified as First Nations, Métis, Inuit, or having Indigenous ancestry (2024 PiT count). Situated between the new Ottawa Public Library and the Pimisi LRT station, Odenak will be Canada’s largest residential zero-carbon development, utilizing wastewater energy and solar power, and built to LEED Gold standards. All Odenak tenants, living in both affordable housing and market rate units, will have access to MHI’s Community Development team, offering programs and services and opportunities for health, education, employment, and social connection, fostering a thriving, inclusive community. Odenak construction began in late 2024 and is progressing steadily toward completion by the estimated date of December 2027, which is the same timeline for reaching MHI’s $1.6M fundraising goal in support of Indigenous households. Fundraising achievements to date:
Thanks to incredible community generosity, MHI has raised $1 million to-date, passing the halfway mark toward the $1.6 million goal. But there is still a significant way to go. With just over $600,000 remaining to raise by the end of 2027, your continued support is essential to make housing equality and reconciliation a lived reality. Every dollar you give is an investment in long-term change, and a potential way out of the relentless cycle of poverty. As a donor, you’ll be kept informed of progress, milestones, and celebration events as the Odenak community comes to life. Donate Today to invest in an equitable and affordable housing future! Interested in supporting Odenak in your own way? Whether it's a book fair, raffle, concert, or something else entirely, your event can make a genuine impact. It is also an excellent excuse to bring your community together. Contact MHI’s fundraising team to get started. Sheldon Leong – Director of Fund Development [email protected] / 613 686 1825 x 312 Ella Matheson – Fund Development Coordinator [email protected] / 613 686 1825 x 309 |
AuthorOfficial blog of Multifaith Housing Initiative. Archives
January 2026
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