Ask Me Anything with al shadid

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! 

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