Non-profit housing sector recognizes tenant community leadership

TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Leslie Cringan, a tenant leader from WoodGreen Community Housing, was recognized for her 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.

Leslie has overcome many obstacles in her own life. But when she arrived at WoodGreen, she made it her home. She set out clear objectives for herself, sought supports to help accomplish her goals and moved forward to become an active volunteer and respected community leader.

Leslie has been integral in Woodgreen's safety committee, addressing on-site security concerns of residents. She also volunteers her time with many community initiatives that positively impact tenants' lives such as community kitchens, food distributions, committees and fundraising events. These initiatives help foster a connected, healthy tenant community.

Leslie always represents WoodGreen in a positive way, and educates the community about its successes and programming. "Her tenacity and tireless efforts to affect change have garnered the respect of our tenants and community members," says Jessica Ostrom, Communty Development Housing Worker at Woodgreen.

Leslie's work as a tenant representative and volunteer program leader has helped to build a strong community. "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.

Find ONPHA online:

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

SOURCE: Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA)

Media contact:

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