Non-profit housing sector recognizes tenant community leadership

TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Phillip Dufresne, a tenant leader from Houselink Community Homes, 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.

Phillip's story of homelessness, and the impact supportive housing has had on his life, has reached thousands of individuals. He has been an advocate for a number of social policy changes both at the municipal and provincial levels, and never misses an opportunity to send messages to politicians about poverty, affordable housing and mental illness.

Phillip lives his tremendous commitment to social justice every day.  He is a full-time tenant advocate for people who have experienced homelessness. He has served as a board member for ONPHA and currently sits on Houselink Community Home's Board of Directors.  He has also been an active member of the HomeComing Community Choice Coalition, Toronto East Counselling and Support Services Board, Change Toronto and The Dream Team.

"Phillip is truly an ambassador for people with mental health issues, and a crucial member of our team," says Joanna Pawelkiewicz, Dream Team Co-ordinator.

The Dream Team, a group of psychiatric consumer/survivors, advocates for more supportive housing in Ontario for people with mental illness.  By sharing his personal story, by conducting and presenting research, and by standing up for human rights, Phillip demonstrates and promotes the life-altering benefits of supportive housing. 

"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