Synod 2024 unanimously endorsed a forward-looking plan to support the creation of more affordable housing and a renewed commitment to advocacy and coalition-building.
Terms of reference for the newly named Bishop’s Panel on Housing Justice (BPHJ), formerly the Homelessness and Affordable Housing Working Group were presented by the Ven. Kathryn Otley, speaking for Canon Sue Garvey, the chair, who was unable to attend.
She expressed gratitude for the way parishes have participated in many ways to support housing justice. Looking ahead “we hope that some of your congregations will explore housing justice initiatives through the Futures Fund that responds to your unique contexts, and we’d love to help,” she said.
The panel’s new terms of reference include providing advice to the panel charged with administering the Futures Fund on projects related to housing and homelessness. The fund was established, following approval at Synod 2022, to support projects across the diocese with a dedicated focus on contextual mission and new worshipping communities. The fund is seen as the main source of funding of small projects around homelessness and affordable housing that parishes may access.
The terms of reference specifically direct the panel to support housing-related projects that arise from contextual mission in parishes and community ministries.
Otley said panel members are interested in participating in conversations with the Diocese about the use of surplus property and whether it has potential to be used as affordable housing in conjunction with government and other community partners.
Other priorities are advocacy and communications through the diocese website and reports in Perspective and Crosstalk.
In anticipation of a federal election at any time in the next year as well as an Ontario vote no later than June 2026, the panel plans to prepare talking points and encourage parishioners to make presentations to local candidates.
After attending the national conference of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness with housing advocates from across Canada, Otley said, “It is painfully clear that the need is greater than ever.”
In his report to Synod, Anglican Community Ministries director general the Rev. Canon Peter John Hobbs said the latest City of Ottawa count of homeless is 2,800
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Le repentir : Le chemin de la vie