New Barrhaven Multifaith Housing Initiative almost complete

Barrhaven will soon be home to one of the most innovative affordable housing developments in the country. The development is currently known as “The Haven” and is the brainchild of a local organization known as the Multifaith Housing Initiative.

Multifaith Housing Initiative provides and promotes affordable housing while encouraging harmonious relations among tenants from diverse backgrounds. It also mobilizes resources from various faith communities to help recipients reach their full potential and become valued members of their respective communities.

The new development will be a family-oriented 98 unit project that will feature both town homes and low-rise apartment buildings. The project is located at 455 Via Verona Avenue along a walking path that provides convenient access to both local businesses and rapid transit.

“The Haven” will feature a multi-use community space, an outdoor children’s playground and a community garden where tenants can grow their own produce. The site will be all about encouraging healthy living in a family environment. The model is also meant to foster friendships among residents, a spirit of sharing and an exchange of cultural knowledge. In essence, the initiative borrows from what makes Canada such a great country, and brings those attributes to the community level.

I’m very excited about welcoming 300 new residents to Barrhaven. For some of these residents, this will be the very first time they have the opportunity to be members of a community where they can live and raise their children in a safe and welcoming environment. I also like that these new residents will be supported by a strong team of volunteers who’ll help them adjust to life in Canada and help them overcome some of the barriers that many homeless people face in their day to day lives. 

Construction of the project began in October 2015 and is scheduled to be completed in 2017. The project is funded by all three levels of government, as well as donations from both local businesses and citizens.

The Multifaith Housing Initiative relies heavily on the generosity of private individuals, faith communities, foundations and corporations to help fund the provision of affordable housing here in Ottawa. If you’d like to be part of this community building project, you can visit the MHI website at http://www.multifaithhousing.ca .