Now that Al Shadid has had some time to settle into his role as Executive Director, we wanted to share more of his perspective on MHI’s work and the road ahead. We asked him five Ask Me Anything questions that reflect what’s on the minds of our community. From the future of Odenak to the vital role of partners in creating change, here’s what he had to say.

What inspired you to join MHI as Executive Director?
MHI sits at a rare intersection: faith communities, private partners, and non-profit housing all pulling in the same direction. I was drawn to that coalition—real people, real assets, real outcomes—not just talk. MHI’s track record and momentum convinced me this is a place where we can scale impact responsibly: build, operate, and support communities that stay affordable and welcoming over time. The work is practical and measurable—safe homes, stable rents, and strong tenant relationships—backed by a network of patrons, congregations, donors, and partners that care about both dignity and delivery.

How do you want to engage MHI's Patrons?  
For me, the value of the Patrons lies in their presence, their guidance, and the credibility they lend to our mission. MHI is fortunate to have such a thoughtful group of leaders standing alongside us. My approach is to keep the engagement natural and meaningful— sharing updates, inviting reflections, and creating space to hear perspectives.

The Patron Engagement Sessions are a highlight because it’s less about formal presentations and more about genuine exchange. The conversations that happen in that room often help shape how we think about our work and remind us that MHI’s impact is strengthened by the voices around the table. As we continue to refine where we are headed and what we want to achieve in the years ahead, their insights help us stay grounded and focused on what truly matters.

What inspires me most is how each Patron, whether rooted in a faith community or in civic leadership — brings the voice of a wider community with them. That alignment ensures that MHI’s direction doesn’t just serve our organization but connects meaningfully with the broader communities our Patrons represent.

What excites you most about Odenak?
Odenak is the blueprint for how we should build: transit oriented, mixed income, and sustainability led, next to the new Adisoke central library and steps from Pimisi LRT. MHI will own and operate 133 affordable homes within a larger 600 plus unit community, prioritizing Indigenous households, veterans, newcomers, women and children, and adults with cognitive disabilities. That’s impact with a face and a front door. The design targets LEED Gold and deep energy reductions under the One Planet Living framework, lower operating costs for us and lower utility burdens for our tenants. And the City’s initiative at LeBreton helps anchor long term affordability and climate resilience. This is the kind of partnership MHI, Dream, NCC, city, and the province—that lets us scale without losing sight of people.

What do you see as the most pressing needs of MHI tenants today?
The most pressing needs of MHI tenants today begin with predictable, truly affordable rents that can withstand the pressures of inflation and rising utility costs. Tenants need the security of knowing their housing will remain within reach, even as the cost of living continues to climb. Equally important is fast, consistent maintenance—repairs done right the first time—because the quality of a home is measured not just by the rent but by the day-to-day reliability of the space itself.

Beyond affordability and maintenance, many tenants rely on stability supports. These include community programming that builds connection, mental-health resources that provide resilience, and pathways to employment that open doors to independence. At the same time, broader cost-of-living pressures—such as transit, childcare, and food—add strain to household budgets, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach.

To respond to these realities, my focus is on five levers. First, we must keep deeper-affordability units in our pipeline while protecting the ones we already have. Second, we can reduce utility burdens through targeted retrofits that lower costs for both tenants and the organization. Third, publishing clear service-level targets for repairs—and tracking them openly—will improve accountability and trust. Fourth, strengthening on-site partnerships ensures tenants are connected to vital services and opportunities. Finally, formalizing tenant voice through regular feedback loops allows their lived experience to directly shape budgets and operations. The goal isn’t just housing people; it’s housing people well.

What are your thoughts on the federal government’s recent “Build Canada Homes” announcement? 
Directionally, the federal government’s “Build Canada Homes” announcement is the right move. A dedicated vehicle focused on speed, scale, and cost has the potential to help unblock housing delivery—particularly if it combines low cost financing, faster approvals on public land.

For non-profits like MHI, there are three factors that will determine whether this initiative truly works. First is capital stack clarity—how Build Canada Homes aligns with existing tools such as CMHC’s Affordable Housing Fund and the Housing Accelerator, and how quickly those dollars can actually flow. Second is deeper affordability, with mechanisms that underwrite the operating gaps so that the lowest income households are genuinely served. Third is municipal viability—because any shift in development charges must be matched with stable replacement revenues, or else cities will struggle to fund the pipes, roads, and services that housing depends on.

The early signals are promising. The creation of a dedicated agency under Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, commitments to lower builder costs, and efforts to mobilize private capital all point in the right direction. What matters most now is execution: predictable programs, simpler applications, and shovel ready partnerships with municipalities, non-profits, and mission aligned developers. If those pieces come together, MHI will be well positioned to translate this policy into real impact, families moving into homes and communities growing stronger.

Interested in hearing more from our Executive Director? Send us an email with your questions to [email protected] 

Thanks for reading! 

Odenak sets a new standard for collaboration in urban development by prioritizing Indigenous employment, trades, culture, and housing, it bridges past and future. Reconciliation is action and an ongoing process of respect, recognition, and partnership.
The Dream LeBreton partnership, with guidance from an Algonquin Advisory Committee and Innovation Seven (an Algonquin-owned consultancy), has developed a robust Algonquin Nation Benefits Plan. This plan ensures that Indigenous voices, trades, and culture are woven into every stage of the project—from design and construction to operations and long-term community building.

Key commitments include:

• 5% of construction contracts awarded to Algonquin- and Indigenous-owned businesses.
• 5% of on-site employment hours dedicated to Algonquin and Indigenous workers.
• Ongoing training, advancement, and skill-building opportunities to strengthen Indigenous participation in the trades sector.

These commitments are meaningful opportunities for Indigenous tradespeople and businesses to contribute their expertise and shape the community from the ground up.

Odenak, named after the Algonquin word for community, sits at Akikodjiwan Falls, where the Gatineau, Ottawa, Rideau, and Madawaska rivers meet. For thousands of years, the Anishnabe Algonquin gathered here for trade and connection. It later became the founding site of Ottawa.

The project’s design reflects this heritage. Public spaces were developed with the Algonquin Nation to celebrate culture and storytelling throughout the site. From natural landscaping and biodiversity to Algonquin artworks integrated into the public realm, every detail ties the project to the land’s history. Odenak honours the past while creating pathways for future generations of Algonquin artists, workers, and leaders.

In 1994, when Fine-Meadowbrook first opened its doors, the Soueidan family became one of its first residents. Mohammed was just four years old when his parents moved in. Today, he’s a thriving entrepreneur, running the Ottawa Corn Roaster at the ByWard Market — a beloved local spot known for its sweet corn cups and refreshing lemonade. 

This summer, Mohammed returned to Fine-Meadowbrook for the annual community BBQ, bringing his roasting machine and serving corn to residents free of charge. It was a full-circle moment: a former tenant giving back to the community that helped raise him. 

We spoke with Mohammed to learn more about his journey, his business, and the values that continue to connect him to Fine-Meadowbrook. 

Q: What do you remember most about growing up at Fine-Meadowbrook? 
I remember when we first moved in, it was so beautiful and growing up there was amazing. I’ve had lifelong friends from that neighbourhood and we’ve all grown up together, working finding our own paths. We would play at the parks together and remember staying out until dark, the play structure was getting used quite a bit in my day. 

Q: How did living in the community shape who you are today? 
It taught me to be humble and never forget where you came from. Even after many failures and many successes, I still find myself visiting the old neighbourhood. It shaped me to be resilient and to never give up no matter how hard it is. With every down there’s always an up. 

Q: How did the idea for the Ottawa Corn Roaster come about? 
Ottawa Corn Roaster was just an idea at the beginning; there wasn’t anyone really doing anything like this on a full-time basis it was always for special events, and I taught why not corn is native to Canada, and why not use a product we already have and make it even better. I started Ottawa Corn Roaster in 2016 and haven’t looked back since. We established ourselves in the Byward Market and have been a staple here for many years. I did think at the time it wouldn’t workout, but I kept pushing through and here I am now. When Covid hit in 2020 I thought we were done but the city proved me wrong! There wasn’t any travelling, but our local Ottawans gave us probably the most successful summer that year. 
 
Q: What was it like starting your own business? 
It was difficult. I didn’t know much about corn, but I knew that almost every country in the world does their corn a little bit differently and I started looking into a “corn roaster”. I’ve had a lot of experience in the food industry, so I decided to make corn on the cob. We can put in a bowl for you, different ideas and spices that gave me a lightbulb effect. I just rolled with it and let my customers tell me what they want. If you’re ever going to open a business, let your customers dictate what you do with that business. Working for yourself is honestly a dream come true. You aren’t working if you enjoy what you’re doing and are passionate about it. 

Q: At the MHI Tenant BBQ, you roasted and served corn for free. Why was that important to you? 
It was important for me to give back to the community, especially the community I grew up in. My parents still live in there and it just felt right to give back. Sometimes it isn’t about the money but about a smile you put on someone’s face. Seeing everyone enjoy our corn at the community that I grew up in, where my parents still live - honestly that was the best payday ever. 

Q: What does “community” mean to you personally? 
Community means home, it’s that simple. It’s always been home and always will be home. I grew up there, I’ve made friends, I’ve had both bad and good times out of that community. It’s family, its motivation, it’s the backbone.  

Q: What advice would you give to kids growing up in Fine-Meadowbrook or other MHI housing communities today? 
Never forget where you came from, doesn’t matter where you’re from. Keep looking forward and better yourself. Stay in school, learn and grow up and become a better person for you and your loved ones. Don’t ever give up and always bet on yourself. Become what you want to be, education is key, but education isn’t only in school. You can learn a lot out there in the real world. If you have a dream, set smaller goals and steps to achieve them. 

Mohammed’s story is a reminder of what community can nurture and inspire: resilience, creativity, and a spirit of generosity. From his earliest days at Fine-Meadowbrook to running one of ByWard Market’s tastiest businesses, he continues to live out the values of connection and giving back.