MHI’s End-of-Year Celebration lit up the Heartwood House Sanctuary Room on Wednesday, December 11th, as board members, staff and families gathered for a cozy potluck to wrap up 2025. It was wonderful to be together, and the children in attendance instantly claimed the space for a lively game of hide-and-seek. 

The potluck spread was delicious and varied, with one large table dedicated entirely to desserts! Guests were able to catch up while a year-in-review slideshow played in the background, reminding everyone how much MHI has achieved together.

MHI’s Executive Director, Ala’a Shadid, delivered an inspiring speech, about wishing good for one another, the strength of MHI’s mission, and the power of teamwork following the amalgamation between MHI and Gloucester Housing Corporation.  With tenant services, community development, finance, communications, maintenance, and fundraising united under one roof, he reminded everyone that “when we bring all these forces together, we are unstoppable. The sky is the limit in 2026.”

​It was a merry night to end a meaningful year. 

​The holiday season is a wonderful time to reflect on the extraordinary generosity that sustains MHI’s work throughout the year. Thanks to dedicated supporters like you, families and individuals across MHI’s nine communities experience safety, stability, and belonging. One senior tenant shared that their community-garden plot has become a “vital source of wellbeing,” offering purpose, nourishment, and connection. Another participant in a creative writing workshop reflected that the program helped her “find words she didn’t know she had.” These powerful opportunities exist because of donor support.  ​

The spirit of generosity is on full display in this year’s Holiday Giving Campaign. When the campaign launched on November 23rd, donors were offered a rare double-match opportunity, made possible by the Wesley M. Nicol Foundation and the David Loeb Foundation, each contributing $15,000. The MHI community responded with such enthusiasm that both matches were fulfilled within a week, inspiring MHI to seek additional ways to maintain this momentum. Once again, supporters rose to the occasion: an anonymous donor and a Donor Advised Fund at the MakeWay Foundation each contributed $10,000 in additional matching funds. Thanks to MHI donors, all four matches were able to be fully maximized to trigger a remarkable $50,000 in matched contributions!  

While the matching funds have been fully claimed, MHI’s Holiday Giving Campaign continues through December 31st. Every donation matters. MHI depends on this annual support, especially during the holidays, when giving has the greatest impact. Your contribution builds resilient communities and helps sustain the momentum of the season. 

You can make a secure donation by scanning the QR code or clicking the blue button below

You may also choose to give in honour of someone special, celebrating your loved ones while offering the gift of home to a neighbour. 

All donations made by midnight on December 31st will qualify for a 2025 charitable tax receipt. 

Thank you for everything you have done, and continue to do, in support of low-income families and individuals. Your generosity is helping bring hope home.

​Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year.