ONTARIO NON-PROFIT HOUSING ASSOCIATION 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Canada's largest social housing conference unites sector leaders around innovative housing and community development solutions

TORONTO, Nov. 19 /CNW/ - Over 1,300 representatives from Ontario's affordable housing sector gather today for a three-day conference and trade show featuring over 85 conference workshop events and over 75 trade show exhibitors.

"Recent economic challenges have meant that more individuals and families are in need of community-based affordable housing options," says Keith Ward, President of ONPHA. "While we have seen increased investments in Ontario's community-based affordable housing sector over the last two years, more work remains to be done. ONPHA recognizes that our membership plays a critical role in developing innovative approaches that serve tenants and communities for the future. The ONPHA Annual Conference connects sector leaders to the information and resources they will need to strengthen their communities."

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, The Honourable Rick Bartolucci, in attendance to address the conference delegates, reinforces the need for cooperation on affordable housing issues.

"The volunteers and workers that make up Ontario's non-profit housing providers should be congratulated for their tireless work in providing safe, affordable housing for thousands of Ontarians," said Minister Bartolucci. "The McGuinty government will continue to work with our partners to help improve the lives of non-profit housing tenants when we release our Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy."

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Winners of ONPHA's Annual Awards Program will also be announced throughout the course of the conference. 

Categories include: The Award for Excellence (Sponsored by Prentice Yates and Clark); The Sybil Frenette Outstanding Leadership Award (Sponsored by Yardi Systems Inc); The 20 Years of Distinguished Service Recognition (sponsored by Morneau Sobeco); The Tenant Achievement Recognition Awards (Sponsored by Enbridge) and The ONPHA Going Green Award (Sponsored by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation).  Information about the winners will be available on November 22, 2010 at www.onpha.on.ca.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The annual conference program boasts a roster of high profile and qualified speakers, panelists and moderators from Canada and abroad. This year's conference brings together sector leaders, tenants and government representatives to discuss a wide variety of subjects, including:

• Social and Supportive Housing Issues: homelessness, housing people with concurrent disorders, Ontario's Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy, community development and green leadership.
• Economic Issues: Social enterprise, poverty reduction, and efficient asset management.

ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING
More than 400,000 people in Ontario rely on community-based affordable housing, including: seniors, low-income families with children, Aboriginal people, the working poor, victims of violence and abuse, people living with developmental disabilities, mental illness, HIV/AIDS or addictions and the formerly homeless/hard-to-house.

Studies have proven that housing is an essential determinant of health and a key contributor to the vitality of Ontario's communities. Investing in community-based affordable housing supports the government's investment in health care, education, social services and job training and will ensure that the government realizes the benefits of these investments while building strong, vibrant and healthy communities.

ABOUT ONPHA
For over 20 years, ONPHA has been the voice of non-profit housing in Ontario.  Founded in 1988, ONPHA unites 756 non-profit organizations providing housing in 220 communities across Ontario.  Our members include municipal and private non-profits of all sizes, with all types of funding.  Further information can be found at www.onpha.on.ca.

For further information:

Rhona Duncan
Communications and Marketing Manager, ONPHA
Cell: [phone]
Web: www.onpha.on.ca