Diocese to set new affordable housing goals at Synod

The Homelessness and Affordable Housing Working Group (HAHWG) is developing a new plan within the framework of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa’s three-year strategic priorities.

The time is right. The Diocese has over-achieved its goal under HAHWG’s original mandate of creating 125 new affordable housing units. As of this summer, 157 units were completed in four projects.

Sufficient progress has been made on three more projects to ensure that approximately 125 more units will be completed, probably by the end of 2026. That would double the original goal.

As these projects move forward and as the need continues, what is the appropriate shape and function of the Diocese’s affordable housing ministry? The current working group is preparing proposals for consideration at Synod in November.

In addition to supporting the creation of new units, the original HAHWG mandate in 2015 encouraged advocacy, prayer and learning, all of which continue unabated.

The Diocese has encouraged politicians from all orders of government to respond effectively as homelessness and housing shortages have escalated throughout the country.

The wait list on the Ottawa housing registry continues to hover around 12,000. In Lanark County, covering the towns of Smiths Falls, Perth, Almonte and Carleton Place, it is about 460. Renfrew County, including Pembroke, Renfrew town and Barry’s Bay runs to 1,500. Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry wait lists are about 450.

The Diocese was among 70 organizations Canada-wide that endorsed the National Housing Accord, a multi-sector approach to addressing what has become a national rental housing crisis.

The federal government has responded with significantly increased funding for a range of support programs that have benefitted projects like the Ellwood House Extension led by St. Thomas the Apostle in Ottawa and 44 Chambers Street in Smiths Falls, supported by St. John the Evangelist.

Sue Garvey, chair of the working group and member, the Ven. Kathryn Otley, will be representing the Diocese as well as the Anglican Church of Canada at the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH) conference on Oct. 29 to 31.

The conference will be focusing on issues at the heart of the working group’s mandate: women’s, Indigenous and rural homelessness as well as health care issues and advocacy.

The alliance plans to advocate for parts of the National Housing Accord, not yet implemented, notably a Homelessness Prevention and Housing benefit that would offer relief to households at imminent risk of homelessness. Looking ahead, advocacy will try to ensure that these issues are in every party platform for the federal election expected next fall.

 Three causes for celebration ….

Parishes in the diocese rejoiced this summer as three projects in which they played a pivotal role were completed and ready to welcome tenants.

Hollyer House (Christ Church Bells Corners)

Hollyer is in the process of renting its 38 units, and was expected to reach full occupancy by the end of September. The parish has created a Community Relations and Development Committee, and all partners (including the FAMSAC food bank and Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre with space on the ground floor) are part of the team. “We expect the committee to be ongoing and that our lives will be intertwined at all times,” says Archdeacon Monique Stone, rector of CCBC.

Eccles Street Residence (Cornerstone Community Ministry)

Cornerstone Housing for Women’s Eccles Street residence officially opened in May, was fully occupied within weeks. Staff held a community barbeque which included friends, neighbours, supporters, staff and residents.

Carebridge, 44 Chambers Street (St John the Evangelist, Smiths Falls)

 St. John the Evangelist played a critical role in generating community support for the project as well as making a game-changing $500,000 donation. By summer’s end the 34-unit residence was fully occupied. The St. John’s congregation is discussing ways in which members may remain involved in a voluntary capacity, an initiative that is welcomed by Carebridge Community Support, owner and operator of the building and seven other residences in Lanark County.