Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa aims to house 100 families by October with help from landlords, city
Posted Aug 10, 2020 12:38:00 PM.
The Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa, in partnership with the City of Ottawa and community organizations, is seeking help from private landlords to provide 100 affordable-housing units.
The goal is to find a home for 100 households experiencing homelessness by the end of September.
The City of Ottawa will match people in need of housing with appropriate units and rent support from available housing benefit programs. Priority will be given to people experiencing homelessness who qualify for subsidies, are ready to be housed and are currently looking for housing.
The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the issue around housing, with many residents currently lacking safe and affordable housing. A housing and homelessness emergency crisis was declared by Ottawa city council in January.
“The COVID-19 pandemic will likely lead to a temporary higher vacancy rate this fall,” said Mayor Jim Watson, adding that “We're launching this housing blitz now to capitalize on the opportunity and house up to 100 households experiencing homelessness before a second wave hits. If you have a unit available, please reach out.”
Landlords with available units are encouraged to visit ottawahousingblitz.ca for more information.
“The Eastern Ontario Landlord Organization supports the plan put together by the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa and the City of Ottawa, to help house 100 households currently experiencing homelessness,” says chair John Dickie, “EOLO's members look forward to receiving applications from prospective tenants under the program.”
