Non-profit housing sector recognizes tenant community leadership

KINGSTON, ON, Nov. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - John Dickson, a tenant leader from Home Base Non-Profit Housing Inc., was recognized for his commitment to tenant leadership with an award from the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA) this past weekend.

The Tenant Achievement Recognition Award, one of ONPHA's annual awards, recognizes tenants living in non-profit housing who make their communities better places to live.

Despite facing mental and physical health challenges, John has accomplished so much and always has a positive attitude towards his neighbourhood and his community.

He has reached out to the local community to assist seniors with yard work, house cleaning, errands and other chores.  He continues to build relationships with his neighbours through his passion for gardening. John also volunteers throughout the community, and is an active speaker for the United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington.

"By sharing his very personal story, John highlights the issues that confront our communities daily" says Bhavana Varma, President and CEO of United Way Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington.  "His eloquence and honesty provide a moving testimonial to the resilience and courage of those who are impacted by homelessness, poverty, mental health and the caring and compassion of those who work with them."

John believes in giving back to his community, and he continues to demonstrate this belief on a daily basis. "Tenant leadership and engagement is central to strong, vibrant non-profit housing. This year's recipients of the Tenant Achievement Recognition Award understand the important role tenants play in making their communities good places to live," says Sharad Kerur, ONPHA's Executive Director.

About ONPHA:

For more than 20 years, the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA) has been the voice of non-profit housing in Ontario.  Our 770 member organizations operate more than 163,000 non‐profit housing units in over 220 communities in Ontario. They provide affordable homes to a diverse range of tenants, including: seniors; low‐income families with children; Aboriginal people; the working poor; victims of violence and abuse; people living with developmental disabilities, mental illness, addictions and HIV/AIDS; and the formerly homeless/hard‐to‐house.

About the ONPHA Awards:

The award winners were announced during ONPHA's 2012 Conference and Trade Show from November 16-18.  Over 1,100 representatives from Ontario's affordable housing sector gathered together for this three-day event, featuring more than 85 workshop events and a trade show with more than 80 exhibitors.

Since 1997, many individuals and non-profits have been recognized for their contributions to the sector.  There are many more that deserve to be recognized and rewarded for their dedication to, and support of, non-profit housing. Videos of each award recipient are available at www.onpha.on.ca/awards.

SOURCE: Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA)

Media contact:

Shard Kerur
Executive Director, ONPHA
416-723-2835
[email protected]

Find ONPHA online:

www.onpha.on.ca
www.facebook.com/ONPHA
www.twitter.com/ONPHA