Odenak Fundraising Update

Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI), in partnership with Toronto-based private developer, Dream, continues to make exciting progress on Odenak (formerly Dream LeBreton Flats), a landmark affordable housing development in Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats. Named for the Algonquin Anishinàbe word for “community”, Odenak integrates affordable housing, green building practices, and comprehensive social programming. This development will feature two towers with 608 mixed-income rental units of which MHI will own and operate 133 units, providing safe, affordable and permanent homes for approximately 400 low-income individuals. These 1–3-bedroom units will be rented to equity deserving groups, and tenants can qualify for further rent supplements and access wraparound community services.  

As part of MHI’s commitment to housing equality and reconciliation, 30 of these units will be dedicated to Indigenous households. Through the $1.6 million Odenak Capital Campaign, the rent for these units will be permanently reduced by an estimated $300/month, helping to alleviate the disproportionate rates of homelessness faced by Indigenous people in Ottawa. While only 2.5% of Ottawa’s population identifies as Indigenous, 19% of individuals experiencing homelessness identified as First Nations, Métis, Inuit, or having Indigenous ancestry (2024 PiT count). 

Situated between the new Ottawa Public Library and the Pimisi LRT station, Odenak will be Canada’s largest residential zero-carbon development, utilizing wastewater energy and solar power, and built to LEED Gold standards. All Odenak tenants, living in both affordable housing and market rate units, will have access to MHI’s Community Development team, offering programs and services and opportunities for health, education, employment, and social connection, fostering a thriving, inclusive community. 

Odenak construction began in late 2024 and is progressing steadily toward completion by the estimated date of December 2027, which is the same timeline for reaching MHI’s $1.6M fundraising goal in support of Indigenous households.  

Fundraising achievements to date:  

• The MHI community giving generously and consistently to the Odenak campaign in the form of one-time and monthly donations.  
• The United Church of Canada Foundation awarding Odenak with two Seeds of Hope Grants for a total of $60,000. MHI is honoured to partner with a foundation so deeply committed to building a more just and compassionate Canada. 
• The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa contributing $75,000 to the project. Archbishop Shane Parker said that the gift was “specifically to assist in the construction of 30 units for Indigenous households, as a sign of our church’s ongoing commitment to both reconciliation and affordable housing.”  
• Westview Projects Inc., Odenak’s construction manager, pledging $50,000 to the campaign and hosting a fundraising breakfast to encourage subcontractor support. Due to Westview’s leadership, State Window Corporation, Bousada Ottawa, Flynn Canada, Bellai Alliance Construction, S & R Mechanical, TL Mechanical Inc., and Sega Group Inc. have all joined with their own pledges.  
• All Saints Anglican Church in Westboro hosting a Fall 2024 fundraiser for Odenak called “Housing with Heart”, which was a lively music concert paired with a special charcuterie board reception.  
• The Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council (EOORC) of the United Church of Canada launching United We Dream, which has pledged a remarkable $150,000 to the campaign. To date, $92,331 of this commitment has already been raised through congregational giving as well as an ongoing fundraising concert series. The next concert in this series is happening at Barrhaven United Church on September 26 and will feature an exciting line up of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous performers. There is no admission cost, and all donations of $25+ will receive a charitable tax receipt. Musicians for Odenak concert series – Barrhaven United Church 
• The Ottawa Central Council of the Society of Saint Vincent De Paul (SSVP) has pledged $250,000 to $300,000 to support the Odenak Capital Campaign. This is an extraordinary commitment and a testament to the good work that SSVP does in support of their neighbours. This dedicated group of volunteers have raised over $150,000 through a variety of fundraising events, including golf tournaments, Catch the Ace and from Catholic churches across Ottawa.  

Thanks to incredible community generosity, MHI has raised $1 million to-date, passing the halfway mark toward the $1.6 million goal. But there is still a significant way to go. With just over $600,000 remaining to raise by the end of 2027, your continued support is essential to make housing equality and reconciliation a lived reality. 

Every dollar you give is an investment in long-term change, and a potential way out of the relentless cycle of poverty. As a donor, you’ll be kept informed of progress, milestones, and celebration events as the Odenak community comes to life. 

Donate Today to invest in an equitable and affordable housing future! 

Interested in supporting Odenak in your own way? Whether it's a book fair, raffle, concert, or something else entirely, your event can make a genuine impact. It is also an excellent excuse to bring your community together.  

Contact MHI’s fundraising team to get started. 
Sheldon Leong – Director of Fund Development  
[email protected] / 613 686 1825 x 312 

Ella Matheson – Fund Development Coordinator  
[email protected] / 613 686 1825 x 309