OTTAWA COMMUNITY HOUSING RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE

OCH receives Award for Excellence at ONPHA's 2010 Conference

TORONTO, Nov. 22 /CNW/ - Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) was recognized over the weekend for their pursuit of excellence in non-profit housing by the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA).

The ONPHA Award for Excellence is part of ONPHA's annual awards program recognizing leadership and celebrating success in Ontario's non-profit housing sector.

Made possible through the generous sponsorship of Prentice Yates and Clark, this annual award recognizes a non-profit housing provider that responds to community and tenant need with imagination and insight.

"Ottawa Community Housing has truly emerged as a leading organization in our sector," said ONPHA President, Keith Ward.  "Their focus on tenant engagement and inclusion is making a big positive impact in their communities and their organization. We were thrilled to be able to acknowledge their hard work in front of colleagues from across Ontario"

Also recognized from Ottawa Community Housing over the weekend was a group of very special tenants - the Clementine Social Club and Tenant Association, one of two recipients of the ONPHA 2010 Tenant Achievement Recognition Award, sponsored by Enbridge Gas Distribution.

"This special group of OCH tenants has truly gone above and beyond when it comes to taking an active role in their community," said Sharad Kerur, ONPHA's Executive Director. "Tenant leadership and engagement is central to strong, vibrant non-profit housing. Both recipients of the 2010 Tenant Achievement Recognition Award understand the important role that tenants play in making their communities good places to live."

ABOUT THE ONPHA AWARDS:

The awards were announced during the 22nd Annual Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA) Conference and Trade Show from November 19-21.  Over 1,300 representatives from Ontario's affordable housing sector gathered together for this three day event, featuring over 85 conference workshop events and a trade show with over 75 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.

Other 2010 winners by category include:

Category: Sybil Frenette Outstanding Leadership Award
Winner: Lindsey Reed, Executive Director, Social Housing Services Corporation.
Sponsor: Yardi Systems Inc.

Category: The ONPHA Going Green Award
Winner: Housing York Inc. York Region
Sponsor: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

Category: ONPHA Tenant Achievement Recognition Awards
Other Winner: Neyrda Ollett, Windsor Essex Community Housing
Sponsor: Enbridge

Videos of each award recipient are posted on the ONPHA website at www.onpha.on.ca.

ABOUT ONPHA

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.

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:

ONPHA Rhona Duncan, Communications Manager Tel: [phone] Web: www.onpha.org

Ottawa Community Housing Susan Therien Manager, Corporate Communications Tel: [phone] Cell: 613-296-2651