​NHD: Executive Directors speech

A few weeks ago, I was pacing around my living room, trying to find the right words for National Housing Day. As I walked, my 15-month-old son followed behind me, copying every step. It was a small, ordinary moment — but it crystallized something profound.

Even the smallest community, a family, has the power to shape and strengthen the larger community around it.

That simple truth is at the heart of the work we do at Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI). And it’s why I am deeply grateful to stand among the people and institutions who help build stronger, more compassionate communities every single day.

Twenty years ago, I wasn’t even in Canada, and I spoke little English. Today, after years of living, studying, and working here, and now stepping into my role as Executive Director of MHI, I can say with absolute conviction: I am profoundly thankful to call this place home. And I am committed to giving my very best to grow our organization, support our sector, and advance one of humanity’s most essential needs — a place to belong.

The Power Behind Our Name

Multifaith Housing Initiative. Even the name carries within it a powerful philosophy: there is no difference between a Muslim, a Jew, a Christian, a Unitarian, a Bahai, or people of any faith. We are all equal, each deserving dignity, safety, and a home.

More than two decades ago, volunteers from different faith traditions recognized a shared truth — that safe, affordable housing is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right. They didn’t just build housing. They built a movement.

They embodied our vision: communities building communities.

Today, we stand on the foundation they laid, and we carry their mission forward as we work to build stronger, larger, and more sustainable communities for generations to come.

Looking Ahead: Creativity, Growth, and Determination

As Executive Director, I challenge myself to be more creative and more determined, to honour the path of those who came before me, and to steer this organization toward its next horizon.

Your partnership and support make this possible. Together, we can open doors that were once closed and turn waiting lists into welcoming homes.

In the years ahead, MHI is committed to:

• Adding new affordable housing to meet growing demand
• Preserving our existing homes through sustainable renewal
• Ensuring families experience the stability that begins with the turn of a key

We also know this work cannot succeed without genuine partnership with Indigenous communities — honouring their leadership, resilience, and essential role in advancing both housing and reconciliation.

Building Faster, Building Smarter, Building Together

With all levels of government, faith groups, partners, builders, and donors aligned, we can accelerate approvals, lower costs, and turn plans on paper into homes on the ground faster than ever before.

This is our mission. And with the help of the Almighty — and the support of all who walk alongside us — we will achieve it.

A Community of Gratitude

On National Housing Day, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to those who make our work possible:

• Our dedicated staff who carry our mission every day,
• Our Board who guide us with wisdom,
• Our volunteers who give so generously,
• Our members who believe in our vision,
• Our donors who turn kindness into homes,
• Our patrons who strengthen our mission,
• Our partners across the housing sector,
• Our private developers who help turn ideas into reality,
• The City of Ottawa for its steadfast support,
• The Province of Ontario for its leadership,
• The Government of Canada for its ongoing commitment to housing,
• And most importantly, our tenants — the heart of our mission.

Each of you is part of this story. And together, we are building something that will last for generations. Because when communities build communities, extraordinary things happen.

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Editors Note: This blog was adapted from a speech titled “Communities Building Communities” delivered by MHI’s Executive Director, Ala’a Shadid, at National Housing Day on November 23, 2025.