Latest news with #OCH
Ottawa Citizen
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Ottawa Citizen
Gray: How Ottawa is building affordable housing for older artists
Article content Our city has painstakingly built a vibrant creative culture, whether it is our wonderful summer music festivals, our striking Ottawa Art Gallery, our diverse theatre scene, our city orchestra. We've all benefited … but while the arts workers may have enormously satisfying creative years enriching their communities, as they age they discover a hard truth: the 'golden years' are far from golden. Article content Article content Work opportunities dwindle. Health deteriorates. Homelessness threatens. Dedicating oneself to the arts rarely allows the artist to accumulate savings and never guarantees any security in old age. As a member of The Writers Union of Canada (TWUC), I know how often my fellow authors, as they age, find themselves in difficulties. In fact, TWUC administers a special fund for those in need. Article content Article content But a handful of far-sighted cities have found a way to provide decent homes for senior arts workers that allows them to continue to express themselves while building an inclusive creative community for a whole neighbourhood. The first city to do this was Toronto in 1993, then Vancouver in 2006, Stratford in 2013 and very soon Ottawa. Article content Already under construction in the heart of Little Italy is PAL Place, an 86-unit apartment building specifically for older residents who have been active in the arts. This six-storey building is part of Ottawa Housing Corporation's Mosaïq development with 273 new residences from Phase Two joining the existing 140 from Phase One. PAL's units, like those elsewhere in the development, will be rented at both market and below-market rates. Article content Article content PAL Ottawa, the driving force behind PAL Place, is a volunteer organization of local people like me who love the arts; PAL Ottawa has already raised $1.7 million towards a goal of $2 million. These funds will be available to pay for a 2,500-sq.-ft. creative arts space in PAL Place as well as to provide additional financial assistance to residents who need it. Article content Article content PAL Ottawa's contribution will add a whole new dimension to this development and neighbourhood, because it makes PAL Place more than an affordable housing development. It will also be a dynamic centre of cultural activities, hosting performances, exhibitions, poetry readings and community gatherings. The creative space in PAL Place in Ottawa will be an arts hub not just for Mosaïq residents but for the whole neighbourhood. Article content PAL Place is modelled on the very successful experiences of the PALs in Toronto and Vancouver. It is based on an approach from Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) to PAL Ottawa, in which OCH suggested a partnership. The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding with the expectation that 40 per cent of the units would be below-market rates. OCH is the landlord and PAL Ottawa has a 20-year renewable block lease and the responsibility to bring in residents from its growing list of more than 200 applicants, many of whom already meet the city's criteria for subsidized housing. This is the first time a charity has partnered with the city in this way.
Business Upturn
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
News Release: Ottawa Community Housing Launches First-Ever Volunteer Engagement Impact Report
Ottawa, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — May 26, 2025 – Ottawa, ON – Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) has released its inaugural Volunteer Impact Report, celebrating an estimated $428,249 in community value generated through volunteer projects in 2024. The report outlines the contributions of Corporate Volunteers, staff and tenants. As well as the far-reaching impacts volunteers have on OCH communities. Corporate Volunteers Fuel Local Impact More than 40 corporate groups contributed their time and resources in 2024, often as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. Their work supported community initiatives – from constructing garden beds and beautifying outdoor spaces to supporting food programs and wellness events, helping reduce social isolation, promote connection, and enhance shared spaces across the city. 'Everyone deserves to feel proud of where they live,' said a volunteer from Export Development Canada who helped plant 60 trees in Overbrook. 'It's a true privilege to contribute to that.' Tenants at the heart of Community Building Supported through OCH's Community Development team, tenant volunteers continue to make an incredible difference in their neighbourhoods. In 2024, tenant-led efforts supported more than 2,000 events across 77 communities. Twenty-seven tenant leaders helped coordinate and support impactful corporate volunteer projects, demonstrating the power of community collaboration. Supporting Community Through Team Engagement OCH staff play a key role in supporting volunteer initiatives – helping to coordinate logistics, strengthen relationships with partners, and ensure that projects align with tenant priorities. In 2024, OCH staff supported a record 25 community-building projects through OCH's Employee Engagement Program, reinforcing its commitment to community engagement and OCH's values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. As the 2025 season gets underway, OCH is looking to expand its network of volunteer partners to support even more tenant-focused initiatives. Organizations interested in getting involved are encouraged to connect with OCH to explore upcoming opportunities. Quotes: 'The Volunteer Engagement Program was established to foster pride in our communities. As we drive innovation and growth within the program, we are thrilled to see a multitude of generous community groups stepping forward to participate. The impact of these projects generates a powerful ripple effect throughout the Corporation. Thank you to the 10,000 volunteers who have given their time to OCH and continue to give each year.' Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, OCH 'The Volunteer Engagement Program is fundamentally about making meaningful connections that change lives. Through its diverse initiatives, we pursue one clear goal: to create a significant impact. From small acts of kindness to substantial building projects, volunteerism embodies the fusion of compassion and action.' Mehdi Louzouaz, Manager, Volunteer Engagement, OCH -30- About Ottawa Community HousingOttawa Community Housing offers approximately 15,550 homes to about 33,000 tenants, including seniors, families, individuals, and people with disabilities. These homes are located in various communities throughout Ottawa and house a diverse population with different languages, cultures, and ethnicities. OCH is Ottawa's primary community housing provider, managing two-thirds of the city's housing portfolio and ranking as the second largest in Ontario. In 2025, OCH earned recognition for the eighth consecutive year as one of the National Capital Region's Top Employers. | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Bluesky By the numbers from 2011 to 2024:
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
News Release: Ottawa Community Housing Launches First-Ever Volunteer Engagement Impact Report
Over $428K in Community Impact in 2024 OCH Volunteer Engagement Impact Report Ottawa, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- May 26, 2025 – Ottawa, ON - Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) has released its inaugural Volunteer Impact Report, celebrating an estimated $428,249 in community value generated through volunteer projects in 2024. The report outlines the contributions of Corporate Volunteers, staff and tenants. As well as the far-reaching impacts volunteers have on OCH communities. Corporate Volunteers Fuel Local Impact More than 40 corporate groups contributed their time and resources in 2024, often as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. Their work supported community initiatives - from constructing garden beds and beautifying outdoor spaces to supporting food programs and wellness events, helping reduce social isolation, promote connection, and enhance shared spaces across the city. 'Everyone deserves to feel proud of where they live,' said a volunteer from Export Development Canada who helped plant 60 trees in Overbrook. 'It's a true privilege to contribute to that.' Tenants at the heart of Community Building Supported through OCH's Community Development team, tenant volunteers continue to make an incredible difference in their neighbourhoods. In 2024, tenant-led efforts supported more than 2,000 events across 77 communities. Twenty-seven tenant leaders helped coordinate and support impactful corporate volunteer projects, demonstrating the power of community collaboration. Supporting Community Through Team Engagement OCH staff play a key role in supporting volunteer initiatives – helping to coordinate logistics, strengthen relationships with partners, and ensure that projects align with tenant priorities. In 2024, OCH staff supported a record 25 community-building projects through OCH's Employee Engagement Program, reinforcing its commitment to community engagement and OCH's values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. As the 2025 season gets underway, OCH is looking to expand its network of volunteer partners to support even more tenant-focused initiatives. Organizations interested in getting involved are encouraged to connect with OCH to explore upcoming opportunities. Quotes: 'The Volunteer Engagement Program was established to foster pride in our communities. As we drive innovation and growth within the program, we are thrilled to see a multitude of generous community groups stepping forward to participate. The impact of these projects generates a powerful ripple effect throughout the Corporation. Thank you to the 10,000 volunteers who have given their time to OCH and continue to give each year.' Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, OCH 'The Volunteer Engagement Program is fundamentally about making meaningful connections that change lives. Through its diverse initiatives, we pursue one clear goal: to create a significant impact. From small acts of kindness to substantial building projects, volunteerism embodies the fusion of compassion and action.' Mehdi Louzouaz, Manager, Volunteer Engagement, OCH -30- About Ottawa Community HousingOttawa Community Housing offers approximately 15,550 homes to about 33,000 tenants, including seniors, families, individuals, and people with disabilities. These homes are located in various communities throughout Ottawa and house a diverse population with different languages, cultures, and ethnicities. OCH is Ottawa's primary community housing provider, managing two-thirds of the city's housing portfolio and ranking as the second largest in Ontario. In 2025, OCH earned recognition for the eighth consecutive year as one of the National Capital Region's Top Employers. | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | BlueskyBy the numbers from 2011 to 2024: The OCH Volunteer Engagement Program was established in 2011. 125 painting projects – brightening shared spaces. 77 landscaping makeovers – revitalizing green areas. 92 outdoor amenities built, including benches, sheds, and garden beds 48 special partner-led initiatives bringing diverse skills to communities Resources: Full report Attachment OCH Volunteer Engagement Impact Report CONTACT: Esther Njuguna Ottawa Community Housing 3439614035 Esther_Njuguna@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Ottawa Citizen
09-05-2025
- General
- Ottawa Citizen
Deachman: End youth homelessness? This Ottawa group has a plan
Article content Article content Ted Guillaume, who owns about 20 apartments in Ottawa, eight of which — including Isse's — are among OCH's stock, has only good things to say about the program. Article content A retired Grade 7 and 8 French immersion teacher with the Carleton District School Board and former chair of the Black Canadian Scholarship Fund, he says his emphasis has always been on helping youths. He's been involved with other social agencies, but says he's particularly impressed by OCH's continued mentorship after getting youths into units, to help ensure their success. Article content 'They're not just putting tenants there and then you don't see them anymore. They are present — with monthly inspections of the units — and they come to me if there are any issues.' Article content Guillaume also stresses the integration aspect of the program. 'Some of the youths have never learned to be neighbours, and once I noticed that, I kind of talked to them about being patient, being good, being charitable, being good neighbours.' Article content Article content Through this program, Ottawa could become the first major centre in Canada to eliminate youth homelessness, as worthy a cause as any, and one we can all be a part of. All that's needed now is getting the word out to landlords willing to help in what is essentially a no-risk proposition. Article content
