National Housing Day is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited to invite you to one of Multifaith Housing Initiative’s (MHI) most important annual events. Scheduled for Sunday, November 24th, from 3 to 5 PM, this celebration reminds of the essential role that housing plays as a human right and our shared responsibility to ensure affordable housing for all.

As one of the three major annual events organized by MHI, alongside Tulipathon in May and the Annual General Meeting in April, National Housing Day is a time for advocacy, reflection on how far we have come, and action on how much more we need to do. Whether you are a long-term supporter of MHI or someone new to our cause, this is your opportunity to engage with others who share your passion for affordable housing and social justice.

Marimba Players will be gracing us with performances, and we will learn about MHI's latest projects from Executive Director, Suzanne Le. Because this is an interfaith prayer celebration, we will hear from Indigenous Grandmother Irene Compton (cofounder of Minwaashin Lodge) and an opening prayer from Rabbi Idan Scher, Congregation Machzikei Hadas. Our keynote speakers are Rabbi Blum and Dr. Aisha Sherazi. 

We’ll celebrate the progress we’ve made, address the challenges that remain, and explore new ways to support those in need. The goal is simple: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people who lack affordable housing.

Join us at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in Ottawa on November 24th and be a part of this special day of hope, solidarity, and action. Together, we can continue advocating for policies and solutions that bring us closer to achieving affordable housing for everyone.

Learn more at www.multifaithhousing.ca/national-housing-day and mark your calendars now!

Event Details:
Date: Sunday, November 24th, 2024
Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Sir John A. Macdonald Building, 144 Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5B9

​Please note that this is a federal government building. You will be required by security to show your personal identification and to go through a metal detector to enter the event. Please give yourself plenty of time to go through security. 

On a rainy Wednesday evening, as the crisp air of autumn began to settle over the city, something historic was unfolding. The gentle patter of rain mirrored the quiet anticipation as MHI’s membership gathered, their collective purpose focused on a motion that promised transformation—the motion to amalgamate with Gloucester Housing Corporation (GHC).

Much like the changing of seasons, this motion represented a shift, a natural evolution for Multifaith Housing Initiative. And as the leaves outside began to turn from vibrant green to shades of amber and crimson, a similar change was taking root within our organization. The conversation wasn’t just about merging entities or formalities—it was about embracing growth, unity, and the future.

Autumn has always been a season of transition. It murmurs of both nostalgia and new beginnings, as we let go of the long days of summer and prepare for the quiet, reflective months ahead. On this particular night, the rain felt symbolic, washing away old boundaries and paving the way for something greater.

Inside the room, our members came together, representing different faiths, backgrounds, and walks of life. Each person’s commitment to affordable housing stood as the foundation of our shared values, yet this decision marked a new chapter in our journey. Unanimously, they voted in favor of amalgamation, an action that solidified MHI's readiness to meet the growing challenges of housing in our community.

For months, we had deliberated on what this change would mean—not just for MHI but for those we serve. Would amalgamation strengthen our combined organization? Would it allow us to provide even more stability for those in need of affordable housing? The answer, resoundingly, was yes.

Much like autumn, where the earth sheds its old skin to prepare for rebirth, MHI’s decision to amalgamate is not an end but a renewal. It is a strategic move that will fortify our capacity to fulfill our mission, enabling us to work more cohesively within our combined organization under one MHI umbrella. With greater unity, comes greater strength.
As the rain fell steadily outside, it was impossible not to feel the weight of the moment—a feeling of hope rising above the downpour. The unanimity of the vote reflected the shared understanding that in order to address the pressing housing crisis, we must adapt and evolve, just as the seasons do.

The weeks ahead will be filled with planning and continued collaboration, just as autumn slowly turns toward winter. But, like the sturdy trees that anchor us through seasonal shifts, MHI stands resilient and ready. The unanimous approval of this motion is evidence to the trust and vision of our MHI family —a commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to safe and affordable housing.

This moment marks not just a new chapter for MHI and GHC but a new beginning for all who believe in our mission. As autumn continues to unfold, bringing with it both change and beauty, we move forward with confidence, knowing that together, we are stronger. Together, we can weather any storm, much like that rainy Wednesday night when the seeds of transformation were sown.