Slideshow image

The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa (ADO) has donated $75,000 to support indigenous housing in the vast Dream LeBreton project on Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats.

The Bishop of Ottawa, The Rt Rev Dr Shane Parker, said the gift has been made to the Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) component of the project, specifically to be applied to 30 units of indigenous housing.

He expressed the hope that the gift will encourage other faith groupsfaith groups to donate. MHI is launching the Dream LeBreton Capital Campaign, with a goal of raising $1.6M to help offset the cost of building the 30 units for Indigenous households.

“This will ensure that we can offer Indigenous families a lower rent (an average savings of $300/month) on each unit in perpetuity,” MHI Executive Director Suzanne Le says.

Multifaith Housing Initiative will own and operate 133 units, as part of a larger development, in partnership with Toronto-based Dream Unlimited Corp. In all 600 rental units will be built.

While indigenous peoples represent 4 per cent of the population in Ottawa, 32 per cent of people experiencing homelessness identify as Indigenous according to the Ottawa Point-in-Time Count.

The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa spans eastern Ontario and western Quebec. Parishes serve more than 50 local communities, in diverse villages, towns as well as the cities of Ottawa and Cornwall. ADO community ministries serve those most vulnerable in our midst. They are often people struggling with issues around homelessness, poverty, mental illness, trauma, and addiction. The diocese is committed to social connection, spiritual nourishment, social justice, and compassionate service. All are welcome and accepted regardless of faith, race, gender, or orientation. www.ottawa.anglican.ca

All are welcome to donate here.

Further information:

Sandra M Hamway
Director of Communications and Development

communications@ottawa.anglican.ca