Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association "Action Ready!"

    
    Leading industry representatives explore challenges and opportunities for
    social housing in the post-economic stimulus environment.
    

TORONTO , Nov. 13 /CNW/ - Over 1,300 representatives from Ontario's affordable housing sector gather today for a three-day conference and trade show featuring over 85 education and conference workshop events along with 76 trade show exhibitors.

The theme of ONPHA's 21st Annual Conference and Tradeshow, "Action Ready," reflects ONPHA members' commitment to take action on affordable housing and poverty reduction issues.

"Over the past year, there has been increased investment in Ontario's community-based affordable housing sector, but more work remains to be done," says Hugh Lawson , President of ONPHA. "Now, more than ever, it is clear that Ontario needs strong affordable housing policies to meet the economic, environmental and social challenges that lie ahead. The ONPHA Conference connects sector leaders to the information and resources they need to take action and build stronger communities for the future."

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

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

"Investing in new affordable housing and repairing the social housing stock makes good economic sense," said Jim Watson . "By working with our partners in the non-profit sector, Ontario is making a real difference in the lives of our province's most vulnerable residents."

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; The Sybil Frenette Outstanding Leadership Award; 20 Years of Distinguished Service Recognition Award; The Tenant Achievement Recognition Award and The ONPHA Going Green Award. Information about the winners will be available on November 16, 2009 at www.onpha.on.ca.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The 21st 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 business leaders, landlords, 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, green leadership.

    -   Economic Issues: usage of the government's economic stimulus funds
        for social housing, poverty reduction, fundraising and efficient
        asset management.

    -   Administrative Issues: building administration, maintenance, energy
        efficiency.
    

ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING

More than 400,000 people in Ontario rely on community-based affordable housing, including: the elderly, low-income families with children, the working poor, victims of violence and abuse, people living with developmental disabilities or mental illness and the 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

ONPHA is the voice of non-profit housing in Ontario. Founded in 1988, ONPHA unites 760 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, ONPHA Communications Coordinator, Tel: [phone] x. 126, Cell: [phone], Web: www.onpha.on.ca