Partnership with Multifaith Housing Initiative offers parishes opportunities to support housing justice

An excellent article in a recent issue of ‘Perspective,’ outlined the list of projects which the Diocese has supported to create affordable housing. These initiatives led often by individual parishes have created more than 150 affordable housing units. Another way to contribute to affordable housing is through the Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) which has been active in the Ottawa area for close to 25 years.  A parish can become a member of MHI which has the capacity to gather small contributions from faith communities and purchase housing in large projects such as ‘Odenak’ on LeBreton Flats. MHI became a partner with the builder ‘Dream Corporation’ which will ensure the creation of 130 affordable units in the two towers on LeBreton Flats. [The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa contributed a $75,000 donation for Indigenous housing in the project with funds from the sale of a church property.]

With a membership purchase of $100 per year, your parish would be able to vote on decisions made annually at MHI’s AGM and thereby influence projects to be pursued.  Although $100 is a small sum, it is an indication of your parish’s wish to participate and contribute to the cause of providing affordable housing.

One long-term fundraising initiative of MHI is its annual Tulipathon.  This three-kilometre walk in Commissioners Park (the location of the Tulip Festival next to Dow’s Lake) raises money to subsidize ‘affordable housing’ for some MHI tenants. Participation in this activity puts safe housing in reach for many low-income families and individuals.

This year’s Tulipathon will take place on May 24 at 3 pm.  Each parish is encouraged to create a team and gather supporters in their community of friends and family.  Whether parishes have members who are walking, fundraising, donating, or sharing information they and their parish are part of something bigger.  Action by your parish will help to move the mission forward, especially as housing challenges in Ottawa continue to grow.

For more information : https://www.multifaithhousing.ca/tulipathon