The Oud player Fadi Taiba fled the war in Syria in 2012, carrying his oud with him when he arrived in Egypt. His experience of being a refugee on his own deepened his connection to the instrument and to music.

Living through such an intense period strengthened his bond with the oud and opened him to sharing and collaborating across many musical traditions and cultures. Over the years, he has worked with artists from around the world, including Egypt, Europe, the United States, and Canada.

Now in Canada since September 2025, Fadi is eager to share his music and the unique sound and spirit of the oud in his new home. As some of you may remember, Fadi played at MHI’s Annual General Meeting, performing during the welcome and reception. The sound of his oud added a beautiful and memorable element to the event.

Fadi is available for events and teaching opportunities. He can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Instagram at @fadiaboalteeb

The Annual General Meeting brought members, partners, tenants, and community supporters together to reflect on the past year and look ahead to what comes next.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the Annual Report and financial statements, share organizational updates, and celebrate the continued strength of our multifaith community. Members also participated in important governance matters, including the election of directors to the Board.

We are pleased to welcome three new Independent Directors to the Board:

Bernard Benoit
Bernard brings more than two decades of project management experience along with a longstanding commitment to community housing. His practical expertise and community focus will support MHI’s continued growth and operational strength.

Shirley Siegel
Shirley is a former senior public service executive with extensive experience in human resources and policy, including international work. Her background in leadership and governance, combined with her volunteer involvement in social housing initiatives, adds valuable strategic insight to the Board.

Amanda Tompkins
Amanda is a bilingual senior finance professional and Chartered Professional Accountant with significant experience in financial management and nonprofit governance. Her expertise will strengthen MHI’s financial oversight and long term sustainability.

You can read about all board members here.

The AGM reaffirmed MHI’s commitment to inclusive, community based housing and strong governance. With the addition of Bernard, Shirley, and Amanda, the Board is well positioned to guide the organization in the year ahead.

Special thanks to First Baptist Church for hosting, our oud player Fadi Taiba, Councillors David Hill & Tim Tierney. 

Thank you to all members who attended and continue to support MHI’s mission. You can check out the photo album here.

As part of our Black History Month series, we asked MHI employees and tenants what it means to be black in Canada? What are your personal experiences and what does Black History Month mean to you? Stay tuned for the responses posted during the month of February.

As a Black, Muslim, hijab wearing woman, the journey was far from easy. Anti Black racism, Islamophobia, and systemic barriers stood in the way of my career advancement, yet I remained committed to contributing meaningfully to the Canadian social fabric. Despite these adversities, giving up was never an option; each challenge only strengthened my resolve to make a positive impact. Over the years, I have been fortunate to serve in various capacities across different sectors in Ottawa, each role allowing me to give back to the community that has become my home.

​My commitment to this work has also been deeply personal. As a mother of three sons growing up in Ottawa, it has always been important for me to help build a society where my boys and all Black children can access equitable opportunities and thrive without limitations placed on them by prejudice, bias, racism, and discrimination. This is why Black History Month holds such significance. It offers a moment for all Canadians to pause, understand, relearn, and reflect on the contributions, resilience, and lived experiences of Black people in this country. It reminds us that our stories are woven into Canada’s foundation and that honouring them is essential to building a more just, inclusive, and equitable future for generations to come.

**Download the Agenda, Previous Minutes, Slate, and Annual Report here**

MHI’s Annual General Meeting is Approaching

Mark your calendars! The in-person Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Multifaith Housing Initiative is scheduled for Sunday, February 8th, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 140 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON K1P 5J4.

There is no need to register in advance—just arrive at 1:30 pm to complete your registration before the meeting begins.

Schedule:
Registration: 1:30 pm
Meeting: 2:00 pm
Reception: 3:00–4:00 pm

Voting Members:
If you are your faith group’s official MHI delegate, your attendance is required to vote. Often, several people from each congregation attend the AGM—the more, the merrier! However, please ensure one person is appointed as your designated voting member.

Why Attend?
The AGM is one of MHI’s three major annual events, alongside the Tulipathon and National Housing Day. It’s an opportunity to come together, celebrate our diverse and inclusive community, share experiences, and strengthen connections.

Expect engaging speakers, insightful presentations, and some well-deserved treats! From the President’s summary of the year to the Executive Director’s message, the AGM promises to be both informative and inspiring.

MHI’s 24th Annual General Meeting
February 8th, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 p.m.
First Baptist Church, 140 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, ON K1P 5J4

At Multifaith Housing Initiative, our slogan is “Communities Building Communities”. Recently that slogan was put into action.  

Just hours after giving birth, a woman on the Special Provincial Priority (SPP) list reached out, hoping to move into her new MHI unit earlier than scheduled. The Special Priority Program helps individuals and families fleeing domestic violence, abuse, or human trafficking find safe housing more quickly.

She was facing the prospect of couch surfing with her newborn to stay safe until her official move-in date of November 1st. MHI staff didn’t hesitate.

The Maintenance Department rushed to prepare the unit. Community Development staff sprang into action, gathering essential household items and hygiene products. They made it to Matthew House just before closing, where staff kindly stayed open late so they could secure furniture donations to help her settle in comfortably. 

Within a matter of hours, the lease was signed, and the keys were handed over. Thank you to Matthew House, and everyone who played a role in making this happen. Together, we provided a home and hope to a family in need.

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! 

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 is delighted to welcome Ala’a Shadid (Al) as our new Executive Director. Al will officially step into the role on August 11, 2025, as current Executive Director Suzanne Le completes her tenure on August 18.

Al brings over a decade of senior leadership experience in the non-profit housing sector. He most recently served as Operations Manager at Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC), one of Ottawa’s largest non-profit housing providers. In this role, Al led large-scale operational initiatives, managed high-performing teams, and worked closely with municipal and provincial partners to influence housing policy.

Beyond his operational expertise, Al has also served on the boards of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA), Options Housing, and Gloucester Housing Corporation—demonstrating his commitment to strengthening the broader affordable housing sector.

Al is known for his collaborative leadership style, thoughtful decision-making, and deep belief in housing as a foundation for dignity and equity. His approach aligns closely with MHI’s values, and we are excited to work alongside him as we continue building safe, inclusive communities together.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Suzanne Le for her many years of extraordinary leadership. Her legacy lives on in the nine housing communities MHI now operates and the countless lives touched by her work.

We look forward to introducing Al to our supporters, tenants, and partners in the months ahead. Stay tuned for opportunities to connect with him as he begins this new chapter with MHI.

**A version of this content was delivered as a speech by Suzanne Le, Executive Director, at MHI's 2025 AGM** 

We all have an origin story — a moment where the path of our career began. Have you ever paused to consider yours? What would it sound like when you share it with your children or grandchildren?

My story begins on a cold and windy January day in Ottawa. It was 9 a.m., Monday, January 14, 2013, to be exact. Before I even stepped foot in the office or sat at a desk, I was deep in meetings about our charitable status, fiscal deficits, and legal land disputes. Not exactly the warmest of welcomes.

I didn’t come from a background in finance or law. My degree is in Conflict Studies, not Business Administration. My training is grounded in the humanities, not pre-law. But those early challenges didn’t scare me — they motivated me.

Anyone who knows me will tell you: when I decide I’m going to do something, I’m all in. And what I decided back then was that I was going to drive the Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) as far and fast as it could go.

But MHI isn’t a sleek sports car. It’s more like a big, reliable family van — the kind that runs on community, collaboration, and a whole lot of heart. Its engine? The board members, committees, volunteers, staff, and supporters who have powered it every mile of the way.

My own “co-pilots” have been essential too. My husband, an accountant, who spent countless hours helping me dig through deficit-ridden financial statements. And our incredible staff — at first just a small but mighty team of Micah Garten, Sahada Alolo, and myself, alongside our housing management partners, LSM. As time passed, new hands joined the wheel: Sheldon Leong, Amanda Miller-Smith, Kayla Mitchel, Jennifer van Oosteroom, Kaneesha Amytheste, and Ella Matheson.

With their help, we brought The Haven to life — 98 units of affordable and deeply affordable housing for our city. We built Veterans’ House – The Andy Carswell Building and later launched Veterans’ House Canada as its own charity.

Most recently, we completed our amalgamation with Gloucester Housing Corporation, bringing even more talent into the MHI fold: Mohamed Ibrahim, Sarah Lorenz, Olu Admeso, Shiho Wada, Alexia Ferron Walters, Eric Saucier, and Russ Thompson. And in just the past few months, we’ve welcomed Michou Rasolofomana, Tessah Keza, and Edward Poelstra.

These names — these people — are MHI’s greatest strength. They are the ones working every day to turn our shared vision of multifaith affordable housing into a reality. And thanks to them, MHI is now the third-largest provider of affordable housing in Ottawa — and the largest affordable housing charity in the city.

So why am I walking you through this journey today? Because when summer closes in 2025, so too will my time at MHI.

It’s time for me to turn the page, to begin a new chapter across the ocean in Scotland. But even as I leave my role, I’ll never stop being part of this organization. My new title? Cheerleader in Chief.

MHI has never been about one person. It’s always been a collective — a movement built by many hands, hearts, and minds. We are more than the sum of our parts, and I was honored to be one of those parts.

Leading MHI has been the greatest pleasure of my career. I’ve had the privilege of working with passionate staff, a wise and supportive Board, and volunteers and members who give so generously of their time, talents, and resources.

Yes, we think in terms of bricks and mortar — but we measure our success in people. I’ve had tenants tell me that, if not for the housing we built or the support we offered, they wouldn’t be alive today.

You can’t put a price on that kind of success. You can only be inspired by it. And I am.

So, as I close out my final Annual General Meeting and prepare for this next chapter, I want to end with the most important words I can offer:

Thank you.

Thank you for this opportunity.
Thank you for your support.
Thank you for your faith in me.
Thank you for letting me walk this journey with you over the last 12+ years.

Here’s to the road ahead — and to the incredible journey that still lies before MHI.

We want to take a moment to update our community on the status of The Anchor project. Following the recent priority change by the Julian of Norwich Parish (GHC), in which they carefully assessed the feasibility of moving forward with this initiative. They have made the difficult decision not to proceed with The Anchor as originally planned. Given the current unstable environment, we regretfully agree with and support their decision.

One of the primary challenges this project faced was securing the necessary funding to bring The Anchor to life. Despite dedicated efforts, the financial landscape has proven difficult, and obtaining the required support has not been possible at this time.

While this news may come as a disappointment, we remain committed to our mission of creating safe and supportive housing. Looking ahead, we see potential opportunities to utilize the architectural plans of The Anchor in a different way—through the redevelopment and densification of existing older housing communities that are part of the amalgamation. This approach allows us to continue addressing the critical need for housing while working within a more viable framework.

We deeply appreciate the dedication and support of everyone who has been involved in this journey. Especially the Anglican Diocese and the Julian of Norwich Parish. Though this particular project will not move forward, our commitment to providing housing solutions remains strong. We will continue to explore new opportunities and keep you updated as we move ahead.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

We’re excited to invite you to MHI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

As one of MHI’s main events—alongside Tulipathon and National Housing Day—the AGM is more than just a meeting; it’s a celebration of our shared commitment to safe and inclusive affordable housing.

Whether you’re a longtime member or new to MHI, the AGM is a great opportunity to reflect on our achievements from 2024 and connect with both new and familiar faces. Attendees will hear updates from MHI’s Executive Director, Suzanne Le, meet our newly appointed President, Ishbel Solvason, and get to know our amalgamated staff. Plus, you’ll receive a copy of the 2024 Annual Report, highlighting the year’s accomplishments and community impact. 

This year, we are honored to host the AGM at Rideau Park United Church, continuing our tradition of gathering in spaces that reflect the diverse faith backgrounds of our membership.

Join us on April 27, 2025, as we celebrate our progress, shape our future, and renew our commitment to housing equity.

For more information, including date, time and other supporting documentation, visit our Annual General Meeting webpage.

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.

The amalgamation of Gloucester Housing Corporation (GHC) with Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) marks an exciting new chapter for both organizations. This strategic partnership is set to enhance the services and support provided to tenants while strengthening the capacity to meet the growing housing needs in our community. Here are five key benefits of this amalgamation:

1. Enhanced Programming Schedule
By joining forces with MHI, GHC tenants will gain access to a broader and more diverse range of programming. MHI has a well-established schedule of events and activities designed to foster community engagement, personal development, and social interaction. Whether it's educational workshops, cultural celebrations, or recreational activities, the expanded programming will offer something for everyone. This integration ensures that all tenants will benefit from a rich array of opportunities.

2. Strengthened Maintenance Team
One of the significant advantages of the amalgamation is the pooling of resources, particularly when it comes to maintenance services. GHC’s experienced and dedicated maintenance team will now oversee the upkeep of MHI properties, ensuring that buildings are well-maintained, and repairs are handled promptly. This not only improves the living conditions for tenants but also enhances the long-term sustainability of our combined properties.

3. Stronger Community Connections
Community is at the heart of what MHI stands for with its membership of over 70+ faith-based groups and communities. This amalgamation will bring GHC tenants into a larger, more vibrant community network made up of volunteers, donors, community partners, and other supporters. MHI's dedication to building inclusive, supportive communities will open new opportunities for GHC tenants to connect with neighbors, take part in community events, and engage in meaningful activities.

4. Professional Housing Managers
MHI tenants will now benefit from the professional in-house expertise of GHC ’s housing management team. These managers bring a wealth of experience in overseeing affordable housing projects and ensuring that tenants’ needs are met efficiently and compassionately. The housing managers are dedicated to creating safe, secure, and welcoming environments where tenants can thrive. Their role will be crucial in addressing any challenges that arise and in ensuring that all tenants feel supported in their housing journey.

5. Diverse Funding Structure
MHI’s diverse funding structure is another key advantage of this amalgamation. With access to a broader range of funding sources, including donations from various faith communities, government grants, and other fundraising initiatives, MHI can ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the housing communities. This diverse funding base allows for greater flexibility in addressing the needs of tenants and developing future affordable housing communities. It also means that all properties in the amalgamated MHI will be better positioned to weather economic fluctuations and continue providing affordable housing for those in need.

Conclusion
The amalgamation of GHC with MHI is a positive and forward-looking step that brings numerous benefits to both organizations and, most importantly, to the tenants of both organizations. From enhanced programming and maintenance services to stronger community ties and a more robust funding structure, this partnership will undoubtedly lead to improved quality of life for tenants and a stronger, more resilient housing community.

Happy Spring! I am the Cantor at Kehillat Beth Israel Congregation (“KBI”), Ottawa’s largest Jewish congregation. My main roles include leading the congregation in our prayer services, teaching community members how to lead services and chant our holy texts (a specialized set of skills), directing our adult and youth choirs, teaching prayer to grades K-7 in our supplementary school, teaching students for their B’nei Mitzvah (rites of passage from childhood to Jewish “adulthood” at age 13), and represent the Jewish faith at multicultural and multifaith events around Ottawa. In addition to musical roles, I also provide pastoral care to those in need, visit the sick and home-bound, write and give sermons, organize holiday programming, and engage the congregation in charitable work to make the world a better place (in Hebrew: “Tikkun Olam – repair of the world”). 
 
In the Jewish faith, every prayer service section ends with a Prayer for Peace: “Oseh SHALOM bim-romav, Hu ya-aseh SHALOM aleinu v’al kol yosh’vei teivel – May the One Who grants peace in the Universe, bring peace to us and to all who dwell on earth”, and everyone says, “Amen”. 
 
“Amen” in Hebrew means “I have faith in this; I believe in this.” But beyond just reading the words in our prayerbooks, I believe in taking action, partnering with whatever higher power we each believe in, coming together no matter our faith, our religion, our culture, our peoplehood, to bring peace and goodness into the world. 
 
That’s why I’m proudly here as a new MHI patron. When my former Rabbi colleague left Ottawa and vacated his role as an MHI patron, I was approached about becoming a patron myself, to continue and grow the connection between KBI and MHI. To this, I proclaimed “Amen!” because I have faith in MHI. I believe in MHI. 
 
As you know, MHI exists as a grassroots program to build affordable housing that helps fix Ottawa’s housing crisis and gets at-risk people into safe, secure, affordable homes. In its earlier years, MHI worked diligently with the greater Ottawa community to increase awareness of the crisis, and to set the groundwork of adding and improving government legislature that would pave the way for today’s work: building and housing our communities for the future. MHI operates three affordable housing sites in Ottawa: The Haven, Somerset Gardens, and Blake House; and two more projects are in the works: Dream LeBreton, and The Anchor. 
 
Who does this work? In large part, MHI’s constituent communities do, each represented and led by its Patron. Patrons are here to support MHI’s goals; promote the organization within our faith community; share with MHI’s staff and board of directors important information and advice concerning our faith group; and speak publicly in support of MHI.  
 
Recently, I delivered a sermon during a Sabbath-morning service (our largest weekly gathering). The weekly Torah (Bible) portion spoke to the moral imperative for every member of the Jewish People to give freewill donations for the community’s housing needs. I took the opportunity to relate the lesson back to MHI, and my hopes (no, expectations!) for my community’s support of the organization. I told my community how I wanted them to fulfill that ethical obligation: 
 
“On May 26th, MHI will host its most important annual awareness-raiser and fundraiser, Tulipathon. Together with longtime MHI Board member and longtime KBI member Barbara Levine, and with Sasha Kathron, our Youth Director, I will shortly be launching the 2024, KBI Tulipathon Team. Our Gesher and USY youth groups will soon meet several times to learn about the housing crisis, to hear from a teen whose family-life was improved immeasurably by gaining tenancy in an MHI property, and to prepare a teen-led fundraiser for MHI. I will take the opportunity now to encourage everyone to donate freely and generously when the kids reach out, to help build safe, affordable homes in Ottawa for those in need.” 
 
As clergy at my synagogue, one of my most important responsibilities is to bring people together to work on making the world a better place. What more fitting opportunity I have than to warmly encourage you all to attend MHI’s Annual General Meeting, which will take place on Sunday, April 21st at The Hall of Peace at the Ottawa Muslim Association. 
 
It's an honour to be counted among my esteemed colleagues and friends across our faiths as a Patron of MHI, and I look forward to continuing the good, important, and necessary work that we all do together. 

​No doubt most people reading this post have a safe, affordable home to sleep in at night but unfortunately that is not the reality for many people across the city. There are hundreds of Ottawans who spend their nights in shelters, in encampments, and on the street. And then there are thousands more who may have a roof over their heads but might not have eaten dinner or paid their hydro bill because their housing is simply not affordable. With more than 10,000 households on the centralized waiting list for housing in Ottawa, the demand for a safe and affordable place to live in this city far outpaces available homes and the construction of new affordable homes.
​
As a Rental Officer with Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC), another affordable housing provider in Ottawa, every day I see the impact that an affordable home has on someone’s life. Whether it’s a single mother and her children fleeing an abusive relationship or a refugee family settling in Canada after escaping a war, securing affordable housing can have a huge impact. Affordable rent for someone could mean they can return to school to upgrade their skills and get a better job, which might eventually lead to them no longer needing subsidized housing. It can be very rewarding to offer someone an apartment through the centralized waiting list and equally rewarding to watch a long-time tenant move out because they’ve been able to buy their first house.

I interact with a diverse tenant population every day, from new Canadians to families to people living with HIV/AIDS and everyone in between. A mixed tenant population is what creates a rich community but it’s also not without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for many people and we’ve seen firsthand the impact it has had on our tenants’ lives. Many tenants lost their jobs or had to pivot to online learning at home, while others found the pandemic challenging for their mental health. We also saw delays in construction projects with the pandemic, which means new tenants are waiting even longer before they can move in to their new homes.
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Studies have also shown that individuals with stable, affordable housing tend to have better health outcomes, both mentally and physically, but housing is only one piece of the puzzle. We also need proper health care, affordable education, fare wages, and better social supports. MHI’s upcoming affordable housing project, Dream at LeBreton Flats, will see the addition of 601 new rental units in Ottawa, with 41% of the units earmarked as affordable housing. These new affordable rental units will play a role in helping to house individuals and families in Ottawa who may have been waiting for many years for an affordable place to live or who may have been living in the shelter system for some time. With  more purpose-built affordable rental units created in the future, one day we will no longer need to dream about ending homelessness in Ottawa.

When we envisioned building Veterans' House: the Andy Carswell Building we always saw it as the first of many to be built across Canada to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

With the support of our stakeholders, donors like you, and all levels of government, Multifaith Housing Initiative was able to secure financing and funding to build a supportive housing site on the former CFB Rockcliffe Airbase for Canadian veterans. Veterans’ House: The Andy Carswell Building successfully ​opened during the difficult times of a global pandemic. But that did not deter MHI’s supporters, volunteers, fundraisers, and staff from welcoming residents on February 1st, 2021.

What started as a pilot project addressing the gap in affordable and supportive housing for veterans, turned into a successful new charity: Veterans’ House Canada. With our shared vision and your generous support, Veterans’ House Canada transformed into its own charity, separate from Multifaith Housing Initiative, with a charitable status, charity number, and the ability to provide tax receipts.

Veterans’ House Canada has effectively reduced the number of homeless veterans in Ottawa as reflected in the 2022 Point in Time count. This would not have been possible without donations, and the unwavering perseverance from the MHI community. Unfortunately, the need for veteran’s affordable permanent, and supportive housing is growing all over Canada. Veterans need a safe place to call home.

The newly formed charity is taking the successful housing model across Canada. Veterans’ House Canada is committed to building more affordable and supportive sites like Veterans’ House Canada: The Andy Carswell Building. Cities under consideration include Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, Halifax and Winnipeg. Be sure to follow Veteran’s House Canada (@VetsHouseCan) on their socials to stay up to date with their progress. You can also visit their new website at www.veteranshousecanada.ca

Thank you to Multifaith Housing Initiative supporters, donors, volunteers, staff, and everyone who collectively took Veterans’ House Canada from a successful project to the tale of two charities. 
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What force so mighty as those who are united under one cause. 

Thank you to our wonderful community for their donations to make Christmas possible at Blake House! 

As many of you may have heard, our Adrian Benjamin, Multifaith Housing Initiative’s  Community Engagement Manger, was left in shock when he opened the back of his vehicle to discover all the Blake House tenants’ donated Christmas gifts had been stolen while parked overnight at his home in Barrhaven. 

The would-be criminal made off with toys donated by The Ottawa Police Service and Toy Mountain (value unknown), gift cards to local grocery stores generously donated by MacKay United Church (valued at $600.00).

We are thrilled to announce that through assistance from the community, we replaced all of the Christmas gifts for the children and were able to increase the value of the gift cards for each household. 

Santa's sleigh was once again flying as we hand-delivered the gifts on Friday January 6th 2023. We cannot thank the community enough for their generous donations that made this Grinch story a happy ending. 

Here are a few photos we snapped in the process. 

This #ThankYouThursday, we’d like to show our appreciation to the Canadian Forces Support Group Ottawa-Gatineau - PSP Military Housing, for donating a (literal!) truckload of household goods to MHI tenants! Volunteer residents at The Haven and Veterans’ House: the Andy Carswell Building helped move 80+ appliances, pieces of furniture, home technology and other items, which were passed on to the folks who live with us. Thanks to everyone who made this happen!