Frequently asked questions
What is Multifaith Housing Initiative? | MHI is a federally incorporated charitable organization that was established in 2002. Our mission is to provide and promote safe, affordable, and well-maintained housing in inclusive communities, and to mobilize resources for these purposes. Currently, MHI owns 179 units, housing between 340-440 people, at five different property sites: Kent House, Somerset Gardens, Blake House, The Haven and Veterans' House: the Andy Carswell Building. These are all located in areas where tenants can easily access shopping, various services and public transportation. As we raise additional funds, we will acquire more units. Our efforts result in a permanent community of affordable rental housing. Learn more about MHI's history here.
Where does MHI work? | MHI has five sites: Kent House, Blake House, Somerset Gardens, The Haven and Veterans' House Canada: The Andy Carswell Buillding
What are your French language guidelines? | Unfortunately, due to limited resources, Multifaith Housing currently does not have the capacity to develop and maintain all digital and printed resources in French. In compliance with federal regulations, MHI ensures our tenants receive service in their choice of English or French. For non-tenant-related communications, MHI relies on volunteer translators to provide bilingual documents for special circumstances/when resources permit. To join our translation team with MHI, please submit an application through our volunteer page.
How can I apply to become a tenant? | That depends on whether you're looking for a subsidized unit or market-rent unit (MHI operates both).
- Subsidized: If you're interested in one of MHI's subsidized/below-market rent housing units, you need to apply through the Ottawa Social Housing Registry.
- Market rent: Please apply with MHI directly.
Who qualifies for our housing? | We select applicants from the Social Housing Registry of Ottawa's waiting list for subsidized housing and below-market rent housing. The registry works with affordable housing providers like MHI by maintaining a comprehensive list of all applicants in the City of Ottawa who have applied for rent-geared-to-income housing. As we mentioned above, MHI also offers some housing at average market rental prices.
In assessing the suitability of applicants for housing, MHI does not discriminate by reason of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, gender, marital status, political affinity or activity, sexual orientation, family relationship, physical handicap, conviction for which pardon has been granted, or by any other reason which would be a violation of fundamental human rights.
Do you have any apartments available right now?
- Subsidized housing: When one of MHI's subsidized units become available, we notify the Ottawa Social Housing Registry immediately. The registry then connects MHI with a tenant on their list. MHI is not able to offer our subsidized units directly to prospective tenants. Any prospective renters looking for subsidized housing units who contact MHI regarding availability will be redirected to the registry office.
- Market-rental units: Please contact us to inquire into current market-rent unit availability.
What does "Multifaith" mean? | Through outreach, MHI now counts over 70 faith communities as members, including Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian, Baha'i and other faith communities. We welcome any person or group who would like to assist us to generate more affordable housing. We have supporters from across the city, both within and outside of faith traditions.
How can my faith group become an MHI member? | Our faith groups, also called "principal members," vote at our annual general meetings. We are accepting memberships on an ongoing basis. The annual membership fee is $100 per group. We accept payment by cheque, e-transfer, or cash. Click the button below to check if your faith group is already a member this year (or was a member in previous years). If your group has never joined before or needs to renew, please visit this link.
How is MHI funded? | Our below-market rent subsidies are funded through the generous contributions of our donors. MHI is grateful for the ongoing financial support from our faith member communities, other concerned individuals, and from federal, provincial and municipal levels of government. We have also received funding from foundations for special projects.
Do you issue tax receipts? | Yes, we issue tax receipts.
- Donations processed directly by the MHI office (cheque, cash, Electronic Funds Transfer, or credit card payment over the phone): MHI will receipt all donations of CA$20 or more.
- Online donations made through Canada Helps: MHI currently uses a third party, Canada Helps, to process our online donations. Canada Helps automatically issues tax receipts to donors regardless of the amount.
Click this link to donate to MHI online.
Can I volunteer with MHI? | Yes! MHI volunteer programs give you the opportunity to support the organization in a tangible way. We are always looking for passionate volunteers. Ontario high school students completing their 40 hours of community involvement are quite welcome too! Click this link for more info.
I'm not a religious person. Can I still get involved with MHI? | Absolutely! When we say MHI is open to individuals from diverse backgrounds, we really mean it! While many of our volunteers are practicing people of faith, others come from secular backgrounds. As long as you're passionate about affordable housing and reducing homelessness, MHI's volunteer community is looking forward to meeting you.
What are MHI's communications procedures following terrorist attacks/incidents of religious violence? | As a general rule, MHI will issue a statement of solidarity following confirmed domestic/international terrorist attacks or acts of violence that are perpetrated against religious people in their houses of worship. MHI issued statements in response to the Pittsburgh synagogue shootings in October 2018, the New Zealand mosque shootings in March 2019, and the Sri Lankan Easter Sunday bombings in April 2019. MHI does not (and cannot) respond to every international violent event with religious implications; nor does our organization respond to acts of violence when significant factual details are still emerging and/or the event itself is yet to be confirmed by legitimate news sources. However, the decision RE: whether or not to issue a statement of solidarity is addressed on a case-by-case basis by MHI's staff.
Email us | Have a question not answered above? Let us know at office.admin@multifaithhousing.ca and we'll respond as quickly as possible. Thank you!
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With your generous support, hundreds of less fortunate people will gain access to safe, affordable housing and hope for a better future.
With your generous support, hundreds of less fortunate people will gain access to safe, affordable housing and hope for a better future.
Get Involved
You can help by just spreading the word. Tweet, Facebook, whatever your social media of choice is, just help make people aware.
You can help by just spreading the word. Tweet, Facebook, whatever your social media of choice is, just help make people aware.
©2015 Multifaith Housing Initiative.
