There are people whose impact can be measured in buildings, programs, and milestones. Then there are people like Gay Richardson, whose legacy lives just as deeply in relationships, generosity, and the countless lives touched through quiet and steadfast service.

It is with deep sadness that we remember Gay Richardson, one of the founding members of Multifaith Housing Initiative, who passed away recently.

Gay helped build the foundation of MHI more than 25 years ago and remained actively involved with the organization until 2025. Throughout those years, she served in many roles including President, Secretary, committee member, fundraiser, volunteer recruiter, and advocate for affordable housing. Her dedication never wavered.

One of Gay’s lasting contributions was her instrumental role in helping MHI secure the 10 housing units at Somerset Gardens through collaboration with developer Bill Teron. Those homes continue to provide stability and affordable housing for individuals and families today.

Gay also believed deeply in the power of community. Through her church, St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, she inspired many volunteers, donors, and supporters to become involved with MHI’s mission. Her ability to bring people together around compassion and action was extraordinary.

For many years, Gay led the St. John’s team in Tulipathon fundraising efforts with remarkable enthusiasm and commitment. Under her leadership, the team received the Farook Tareen Award multiple times, reflecting the spirit of generosity and community she carried into everything she did.

Those who knew Gay remember not only her leadership, but also her kindness, humility, and unwavering belief that everyone deserves safe and affordable housing.

As shared during Tulipathon on Sunday May 24th: “Gay Richardson was not only one of MHI’s founding members, she remained a champion of our organization and tenants for decades. She leaves behind an incredible legacy and it is well represented today by members from her church community. We will miss her dearly.”

Gay’s obituary described her as someone deeply committed to faith, family, and community, values that were evident in the way she lived and served others throughout her life.

Her legacy continues through the homes she helped create, the people she inspired, and the community she helped grow.

In honour of Gay Richardson, donations may be made to support MHI’s work providing affordable housing and rent subsidies for those who need it most. Through these contributions, her compassion and commitment to community will continue to make a difference for years to come.

To learn more about MHI’s work or to make a gift in Gay’s memory, please visit the donations page.

​On a crisp sunny morning in early October, a small group of friends gathered at The Haven, to look at some bird houses? What’s so special about these bird houses? It turns out these colourful bird houses were built by Bruce Marshall, a dear friend of MHI who passed away three years ago.
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For those who didn’t know Bruce, he was a loving husband and father, a veteran, an engineer and a medical doctor, among many other roles he played in the community. Bruce volunteered at MHI when our organization was growing rapidly and provided invaluable support to then Executive Director, Suzanne Le, especially during the construction of The Haven and Veterans’ House: the Andy Carswell Building.

During his 10-year tenure, Bruce served as a board member and a member of the Development Committee, and helped guide MHI as we responded to the city’s homelessness crisis. His care for the people we serve extended to how our buildings and communities were designed to bring comfort to those who have struggled greatly.
At Veterans’ House, each veteran tenant of the 40-unit community has the ability to control the temperature in their own room, unlike many apartment buildings that have a central control. Knowing that some veterans will be on medication to help deal with their PTSD, Bruce knew that temperature can be a trigger and advocated for an HVAC system that will allow each tenant to establish their own comfort level.

As much as MHI and our tenants had gained from Bruce’s involvement, Mary Frances, Bruce’s wife, shares that he received much more than he gave to MHI. She adds that, “After his retirement, MHI provided a meaningful outlet for him to put into practice his engineering and medical knowledge while contributing to a cause he deeply believed in. Bruce liked doing things and getting things done. MHI filled that desire in spades. The success of Veterans’ House and The Haven gave him a huge sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.”

​So, if you are ever at The Haven or Veterans’ House and are greeted by these cheerful and vibrant bird houses, remember our friend, Bruce Marshall.
 
MHI is grateful to Allen Box, Bruce’s friend who helped paint the bird houses that Bruce built and also built another set that have been installed at Veteran’s House.