On The Way Home

Today we welcome Alana Jones, Founder and Executive Director at Borden Place. Borden Place is a supportive community housing provider based in Toronto whose program started from neighborhood concerns about a neglected rooming house. Today, through strong community and landlord relationships, Borden Place manages three locations across the GTA. Borden Place ensures that rooming houses remain an affordable option and that individuals have the support they need to thrive. Individuals receive housing, food, mental health and addictions supports, all funded through charitable donations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on On the Way Home, we sit down with Emmy Kelly, former On the Way Home host and Blue Door COO, as she reflects on her next chapter. Emmy shares insights from her nearly 10 years at Blue Door, the lessons she learned from colleagues and individual service users, and the incredible housing community she had the opportunity to connect with through the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can affordable homeownership still be part of the solution to Canada's housing crisis? In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Ene Underwood, CEO of Habitat for Humanity GTA, about the organization's ambitious new strategic plan, Raising the Bar: 2,000 Homes by 2030. Ene reflects on how the housing landscape has changed during her decade of leadership, why affordable homeownership remains a critical piece of the housing continuum, and what barriers continue to stand in the way of building the 1.5+ million homes Ontario needs. The conversation explores Habitat's unique model, common misconceptions about affordable housing, and the innovative partnerships and policy changes that could help more families achieve the stability and opportunity that comes with owning a home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if affordable housing could be built faster, more efficiently, and on a greater scale without sacrificing quality? In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Joshua Benard, Executive Vice President of Real Estate Development & Construction from Habitat for Humanity GTA about the organization’s new Build Factory initiative and its potential to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing. The conversation explores how factory-built construction differs from traditional methods, why the model could help address labour and efficiency challenges, and what it takes to bring innovative housing solutions from concept to reality. Josh also discusses the partnerships behind the project, common misconceptions about factory-built housing, and their vision for how the Build Factory could contribute to accelerating affordable housing development across Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than one million Ontario households are now estimated to need subsidized housing, and that number is expected to keep growing. In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly welcomes back Marlene Coffey, CEO at ONPHA, to unpack the findings of the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario’s latest report, An Update on Subsidized Housing Programs. Together, they explore why housing needs continue to outpace investment, the growing reliance on rent supplements, and what it means that rent-geared-to-income and below-market housing are projected to decline. The conversation examines the pressures facing municipalities and the role of non-profit housing providers. While the numbers are staggering, Marlene also shares what gives her hope and what we can prioritize to build a stronger and more sustainable affordable housing system for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When rent consumes most of a household’s income, what gets sacrificed next? In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Neil Hetherington, CEO of Daily Bread Food Bank, about why Canada’s largest food bank is now advocating for housing policy reform. As food bank usage reaches record highs, Neil shares why he is “mad” and listeners have the opportunity to hear that frustration fueling his fight against hunger, poverty, and food insecurity through a tangible solution. He explains the growing connection between rising rents, poverty, and homelessness, and makes the case for a proposed Federal Rent Relief Tax Credit. The conversation explores what Daily Bread is hearing directly from service users, how housing costs are driving financial crisis for families, and what governments, non-profits, and communities can do to prevent more Canadians from being forced to choose between paying rent and meeting basic needs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when someone leaves jail with nowhere to go? In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Shannon Speirs, Executive Director of the John Howard Society of York Region, about the often-overlooked link between incarceration and homelessness. Drawing on the findings of the From Incarceration to Encampment report, Shannon explains how thousands of Ontarians are released from custody each year with no fixed address and why the justice system can become a pipeline into housing instability. She explores the barriers people face when trying to reintegrate and the policy solutions that could break this cycle. It’s a powerful conversation about prevention, dignity, and why housing must be part of any serious justice reform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it mean to treat housing not just as infrastructure, but as a human right grounded in identity, culture, and self-determination? In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Margaret Pfoh, CEO of the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, about the power and responsibility of Indigenous-led housing. Drawing on her roots in the Ginaxgiik Tribe and Gisputdwada Clan of the Tsimshian Nation, as well as her personal journey navigating identity after being raised outside of her culture, Margaret reflects on how her experiences shape her leadership and approach to housing. She shares how Indigenous worldviews are reshaping housing systems across British Columbia and beyond, and reflects on the transformation of AHMA, the creation of the Building BC Indigenous Housing Fund, and the importance of Indigenous leadership at every level of decision-making. The conversation also explores encampment responses, long-term planning through the Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy, and what it will take to ensure Indigenous housing solutions are fully resourced for generations to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if Ontario’s next housing bill were written with a clear objective: to deliver significantly more non-profit and below-market housing across the province? In this special panel episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly moderates a forward-looking conversation with John Fox Partner at Robins Appleby LLP, Nick Gefucia Senior Vice President, Affordable Housing at EllisDon Community Builders, and Andrew McKenzie Director of Operations at the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association. Together, they explore what recent housing legislation has achieved and where there is opportunity for us to do better. The discussion explores the possibilities of what specific policies, financing tools, land strategies, and regulatory reforms could be included in the next housing bill to facilitate scale. From practical changes to bold ideas, this is a candid conversation about what it would take to fundamentally shift the trajectory of community housing in Ontario. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if Canada’s housing challenge is not only about supply, but about how the entire system is designed to deliver at scale? In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Lisa Ker, Executive Director of the Community Housing Transformation Centre, alongside Development Managers Joseph Daniels, Dawn Campbell, and Luc Labelle, about how community housing can evolve from a fragmented sector into a coordinated system, and ultimately a mature industry capable of meeting Canada’s growing needs. Drawing on their cross-country review of housing models in every province and territory, they unpack themes such as autonomy, risk-sharing, partnerships, and portfolio-based approaches. The conversation also offers a preview of the Centre’s new housing report being released this spring, highlighting where Canada is making progress, where it is falling short, and what policy, structural, and mindset shifts could unlock more scalable and sustainable community housing solutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As student housing costs rise and traditional models fall short, new approaches are emerging that center community, equity, and affordability. In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Nathi Zamisa Co-Executive Director of HOUSE Canada, about how co-operative and non-profit housing can reshape the student housing landscape. Drawing on his work across Toronto and Mississauga, they explore the barriers students face today, gaps in practice and policy, and what it takes to scale non-market housing models. The conversation also highlights sustainability, and collaboration in building a more inclusive housing system and what gives him hope for what comes next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to lead through complexity without losing sight of long-term change? In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy speaks with Ala’a Shadid, Executive Director of the Multifaith Housing Initiative, about navigating the tension between day-to-day operations and building toward systems transformation. Ala’a reflects on his journey into housing and the realities of leadership in a sector often stuck in reactive mode, challenging us to “stop normalizing crisis” and move toward more sustainable, proactive approaches. He shares insights on partnerships, governance, and responsible growth, offering a thoughtful perspective on how organizations can scale their impact without losing their mission in an increasingly complex housing landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Supporting more than 15,000 seniors across 83 buildings, Tom Hunter is leading one of Canada’s largest seniors housing portfolios at a time of growing complexity. In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with the CEO of the Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation about what it takes to help seniors age in place with dignity and stability. Tom reflects on his journey into the role, the importance of community-building initiatives like Community Connect+, and how partnerships with Ontario Health are integrating care and housing. The conversation also explores safety solutions and concerns, system pressures like Landlord and Tenant Board delays, and what the future of seniors housing needs to look like to truly support connection and well-being. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Victor Willis, Lead of the Toronto Mental Health & Addictions Supportive Housing Network, about the critical role supportive housing plays in strengthening communities and addressing gaps in housing and our communities. Drawing on more than 30 years in community development, Victor explains what supportive housing is, why it exists, and how collaboration between nonprofits, municipalities, and land trusts can create lasting affordability and community control. He reflects on expanding PARC’s housing portfolio in partnership with the Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust, the role of social purpose real estate in poverty reduction, and the broader societal benefits of investing in supportive housing across Toronto and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Jen Crowe, Executive Director of Choices for Youth, about the evolving landscape of youth homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. Jen shares insights into the unique realities facing young people in both urban and rural communities, explains how a systems-focused and equity-driven approach can address root causes rather than just crisis, and outlines the impact of the Family and Natural Supports model in preventing homelessness. She also discusses innovative housing strategies, including a portfolio-based approach to affordable housing, and the launch of Becket Integrated Youth Services, a province-wide initiative transforming how young people access mental health and social supports. Drawing on both local and national perspectives, Jen highlights the policy shifts needed to truly end youth homelessness and what gives her hope for the future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Deliah Bernard, Partner at Root Strategies, about what meaningful reconciliation looks like in practice and how relationships, leadership, and listening shape lasting change. Drawing on her experience working alongside Indigenous communities and advising on major national initiatives, including serving as Senior Indigenous Affairs Advisor in the Office of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Deliah shares reflections on centering Indigenous voices in decision-making, building trust across sectors, and understanding housing as connected to dignity, culture, and self-determination. She discusses lessons learned from moments of crisis and healing, practices that help sustain respectful collaboration, and the changes she hopes to see in the coming decade as Indigenous communities continue to lead and shape their own futures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Alyse Bernbaum, Executive Director of the Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation, about the deep connection between youth mental health and youth homelessness, and the role early intervention and wraparound care play in changing life trajectories. Alyse shares her journey into this work, reflects on how these challenges show up in young people’s daily lives, and discusses how meaningful partnership and programs like Blue Door’s Construct help build confidence, stability, and a sense of purpose beyond employment. She explores what is truly moving the needle in the sector, where young people continue to fall through the cracks, the Foundation's focus and what kind of change is needed so more communities can create pathways to stability, belonging, and hope.Explore the Construct Canada Portal, flexible online learning designed to support and enhance your programming. Visit www.constructgta.ca to learn more and book a demo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What could Canada learn if we looked beyond our own borders at how other countries are tackling homelessness? In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with leading housing researcher Nick Falvo about why global learning can be a powerful tool for local change. Drawing on his work across Canada and internationally, Nick shares what’s shifting in homelessness policy and where we may still be getting it wrong. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming 2027 study tour to Amsterdam and Rotterdam, including what participants will experience, why these cities were chosen, and how insights from the tour can be applied back home. With registration opening May 1, 2026, the conversation explores who these opportunities are for, what makes them valuable, and how knowledge-sharing can extend far beyond those who attend.Explore the Construct Canada Portal, flexible online learning designed to support and enhance your programming. Visit www.constructgta.ca to learn more and book a demo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with David Fry, CEO of LOFT Community Services, about leading supportive housing at a time when housing and healthcare systems are increasingly intertwined. Drawing on his background in home and community care leadership, David shares how his experience has shaped his view of housing as a critical part of the care continuum. He discusses his early vision for LOFT, the importance of partnerships between healthcare, housing, and community services, and the biggest gaps facing people with complex health and mental health needs in Ontario today. The conversation explores opportunities for system transformation, the dreams driving his leadership, and the bold moves needed to shift the trajectory of the housing crisis while improving outcomes for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.Explore the Construct Canada Portal, flexible online learning designed to support and enhance your programming. Visit www.constructgta.ca to learn more and book a demo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Sheldon Polett, Executive Director of Raising the Roof, about how Canada’s housing and homelessness crisis has evolved over more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership. Sheldon reflects on what feels fundamentally different about today’s moment, what he is seeing across communities nationwide, and how organizations like Raising the Roof are responding through innovative and urgent initiatives. Drawing on his experience in youth homelessness and national coalition-building, he discusses where systems are still failing young people, what we are getting right, and where improvement is needed, as well as the importance of collaboration and sustaining the people doing this work. The conversation closes with practical ways individuals, businesses, and policymakers can help make a meaningful difference right now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Robert Barnard, CEO of Toboggan Flats, about rethinking how cities support young people through innovative housing and data-driven design. Drawing on experience in advancing youth-friendly cities, Robert shares why vacant office buildings present a unique opportunity to create affordable co-living housing, what barriers are slowing adaptive reuse, and how we can work to better understand youth experiences. He explores how housing for young adults must go beyond affordability to include community, belonging, and mental well-being, and offers insights for young people seeking to reclaim space and influence the future of the cities they call home.Explore the Construct Canada Portal, flexible online learning designed to support and enhance your programming. Visit www.constructgta.ca to learn more and book a demo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Jessica DeVreeze, Affordable Housing Team Leader with the City of Airdrie, about what it takes to move affordable housing from policy discussions into real implementation on the ground. Jessica reflects on her journey from policy strategy in Calgary to leading municipal housing initiatives, sharing what surprised her most about the realities of delivery and collaboration. She discusses the role municipalities play in advancing housing through land use, partnerships, and policy tools, explores the biggest barriers cities face today, and highlights lessons Canadian communities can learn from global and multicultural perspectives. Jessica also shares what gives her hope and what she believes must happen now to build more inclusive, affordable communities in the years ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Jason Miles, a lived expert who shares his powerful journey from chronic homelessness and addiction to stability through supportive housing at Dunn House. Jason reflects on what life was like before having a home, the challenges of navigating cycles of instability, and what it feels like to finally have a place of safety and belonging. He discusses the role that supportive housing, community, and health services played in his recovery and wellness, and shares where he is today and his plans for the future. Drawing from lived experience, Jason offers insights for decision-makers about what works, helps listeners better understand the realities of homelessness, and shares his hopes for the future of supportive housing for others seeking a path out of instability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Bailey Waukey, Strategic Advisor for Youth Engagement and First Nations Relations, about the power of youth voice, collaboration, and reconciliation in shaping better housing outcomes for Indigenous young people. Bailey shares his journey into youth reconciliation and strategy development, explains how he helps organizations design responses using their existing strengths, and reflects on why collaboration is often challenging and how it can be done with care and intention. He discusses the development of the Indigenous Youth Housing Strategy, what mattered most to youth in shaping it, and why the next phase of pilot funding is critical. Bailey also explores what meaningful reconciliation looks like in housing systems and offers practical guidance for organizations seeking to create stronger, more inclusive outcomes for Indigenous youth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Brian Doucet about why solving the housing crisis requires more than simply building more market housing. Drawing from his research and his film Thinking Beyond the Market, Brian explains what non-market housing means in practice, why preserving existing affordable homes is as critical as creating new supply, and what Canada can do right now. He explores how displacement affects real families and communities, why housing cannot be separated from transportation and city planning, and highlights examples of solutions already working across Canada. Brian leaves listeners with practical ways governments, communities, and individuals can help push toward a more inclusive and genuinely affordable housing system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly speaks with Michelle Parisien, Director of Tenant Experience Operations at Ottawa Community Housing, about how thoughtful system design drives stronger tenant outcomes and healthier frontline teams. Michelle explains why service delivery models matter more than structure and organizational charts, how Lean principles can be applied in a people-centered public service environment, and how leaders can balance consistency with flexibility in complex housing systems. She shares real examples of how redesigning systems can outperform individual effort, reflects on preventing burnout while improving service quality, and offers practical guidance for leaders seeking to move from reactive mode toward continuous improvement and shared accountability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly sits with Mark Aston, CEO of Covenant House Toronto, to talk about youth homelessness in Toronto and what it truly takes to respond with care and hope. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, Mark shares why youth homelessness is fundamentally different from adult homelessness, what young people need to rebuild their lives, and where systems still fall short. Grounded in respect, compassion, and unconditional support, this conversation is a powerful reminder that listening to our young people and meeting them where they are can change lives and help create real pathways home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when Canadian housing leaders step inside a system that has effectively ended chronic homelessness? In this episode of On the Way Home, Mohamed Abdallah and Carolina Ibarra share reflections from the 2025 Helsinki Study Tour, exploring Finland’s coordinated Housing First approach, integrated supportive services, and long-term political commitment to housing as infrastructure. Through personal moments, policy insights, and practical observations, the conversation examines what truly sets Finland apart, and what lessons are most transferable to the Canadian context as we work toward more coordinated, humane, and effective housing systems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does tenant experience really mean when you’re responsible for more than 30,000 people? In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly sits down with Alain Cadieux, Vice President of Tenant Experience and Quality Assurance at Ottawa Community Housing, to explore how large housing systems can deliver consistent, high-quality, human-centred services at scale. Alain shares how responsible technology and artificial intelligence are reducing administrative burden for staff, improving service quality for tenants, and helping housing systems shift from reactive to proactive, while staying grounded in the human connection at the heart of housing. Here is the link to the report Alain shares will be helpful to listeners who are interested. View here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Prentiss Dantzler is Associate Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of the Housing Justice Lab at the University of Toronto, whose research and advocacy explore the deep structural forces shaping neighbourhood change, racial discrimination, and housing inequity across North America. Dr. Dantzler traces his journey into housing justice, examines how homeownership has evolved into a powerful cultural ethos tied to wealth and mobility, and explains the consequences of relying on asset-based welfare systems. He discusses how discrimination continues to appear in contemporary housing markets, the uneven impacts of displacement on low-income and racialized communities, and the ways residents are reclaiming space through community organizing. He also shares the structural shifts needed to move toward true housing justice and reflects on what gives him hope as the movement grows across cities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly sits down with physician and health-policy leader Andrew Boozary to explore what it looks like when housing is treated not as a social add-on, but as a core health-care intervention. Through the lens of Dunn House, a groundbreaking model built on land donated by the University Health Network and led in partnership with Fred Victor and a broad team of community, housing, and health providers, the conversation examines shifting care upstream, measuring outcomes beyond traditional clinical metrics, and designing integrated systems that respond to the real drivers of health. With compelling data, lived experience, and deep credit to the frontline teams who made it possible, this episode offers a clear and hopeful case for why housing and health must be treated as one system, and why models like Dunn House and housing are the future Canada must now scale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of On the Way Home, we sit down with Heather Tremain, Executive Director of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto Development Society, whose career spans architecture, sustainable development, nonprofit transformation, and impact investing. Heather shares what “home” means to her, the journey that led her into social-purpose real estate, and why the renewal of co-op housing is so urgently needed today. She reflects on the often-underestimated strengths of the nonprofit sector, lessons from delivering nearly 900 homes at Options for Homes, the complexities of scaling affordable homeownership, and how strong cross-sector partnerships, from private developers to impact investors, can move solutions forward. Heather also explores the balance between sustainability and affordability, the policy shifts that could unlock progress, and the reasons she remains hopeful about the future of co-ops and nonprofit-led housing across Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly is joined by Cliff Youdale, Chief Development Officer at Ottawa Community Housing, to discuss what it takes to steward and modernize more than $4 billion in community housing assets while planning for the future of supportive housing. Drawing on over 30 years of experience as a professional engineer, Cliff shares how preventative maintenance, capital repair, and green initiatives work together to keep housing stable for tenants, and how innovative partnerships like the BumbleBee Initiative are accelerating supportive housing by combining public land, development expertise, and integrated health and social supports. Cliff highlights how this approach is not only reshaping outcomes in Ottawa but may also offer a compelling possibility model for other communities looking to strengthen their housing continuum and reduce homelessness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, we speak with Adam Mongrain, Director of Housing Policy at Vivre en Ville, whose systems-oriented approach to the housing crisis raises provocative questions and challenges some of the assumptions that dominate today’s debates. Adam shares his unconventional journey from software development into housing policy, unpacks the distinction between cost problems and price problems, and explores how misdiagnosing these dynamics may be holding Canada back. He discusses his belief that building a broad public movement must come before asking politicians or households to make sacrifices, makes the case for a national rental registry, and reflects on lessons learned from working across research, planning, nonprofit development, and the co-op movement. Throughout the conversation, Adam offers thought-provoking perspectives, including some that push listeners to reconsider long-held narratives about ownership, equity, and reform and closes by sharing what gives him hope and where he sees the greatest opportunity for meaningful change in Canada’s housing future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toronto’s housing system is at a breaking point. With home prices now nine times median income and purpose-built rental development stalled, we are losing fifteen older affordable units for every one new home built. Two-thirds of the GTHA workforce spend more than 30% of their income on housing. A strain that threatens families, employers, and Ontario’s economic future. To shift from crisis to construction, we must rethink how affordable housing is financed. In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy sits down with Mwarigha, Vice President of Housing Growth, Development & Asset Sustainability at WoodGreen Community Services to explore the concept of the Affordable Housing Investment Fund, a province-wide, Ontario-backed investment vehicle designed to unlock upfront capital and bring institutional investment back into affordable rental development. Developed in partnership with BILDGTA, FRPO, ONPHA and Arcadis, AHIF has the potential to de-risk projects, accelerate approvals, and support the creation of high-quality mixed-income, sustainable communities across Ontario, so that we can build a housing system that works for everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emmy sits down with Adrienne Pacini (Partner, SHS Consulting) and Carolyn Whitzman (Adjunct Professor and Senior Housing Researcher) to explore what it really takes to scale affordable and non-market housing in Canada. From regional portfolio approaches and innovation labs to financing models and data-driven collaboration, this episode dives deep into practicalities and partnerships that can move us from pilot projects to sustained impact and what gives these housing leaders hope for the road ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we sit down with Dr. Nick Falvo, researcher, policy expert, and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal on Homelessness. Drawing from more than a decade of frontline experience, Nick offers a grounded look at what Canada can realistically achieve right now: from defining meaningful short-term goals and strengthening supportive housing, to improving federal funding models and ensuring smaller communities aren’t left behind. He also highlights non-profit innovation and shares what we’re doing right which gives him hope for the future of housing and homelessness in Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly chats with Heather McDonald, President and CEO of United Way Greater Toronto, to explore her first 6 months in the role, United Way Greater Toronto's ambitious 10-year strategy, and insights from the new Built for Good report. Together, they unpack barriers slowing down affordable housing, where urgent action is needed, and how community organizations, governments, and non-profits can work "first and fast" together to build stronger, more connected communities across the GTA. A powerful conversation about leadership, collaboration, and the path forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week with On the Way Home, we’re joined by Ray Sullivan, Executive Director of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association (CHRA), one of the country’s leading voices for non-market and community housing. With over 25 years in the field, Ray shares how the sector has evolved, what opportunities lie ahead and why research and collaboration are key to shaping a truly affordable housing system. Tune in as we explore the future of community housing in Canada and how, together, we can build a country where everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finland has boldly embraced Housing First to drastically reduce homelessness. On this episode of On the Way Home, we’re joined by Juha Kahila, Head of International Affairs at the Y-Foundation, to explore how Finland moved from emergency shelters to permanent housing as a national standard. Juha shares the story behind this systems-level shift, the role of collaboration across sectors, and the key lessons other countries, particularly Canada, can take from Finland’s experience. Together, we reflect on what must be true for a “society that works” one where no one is left without a home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore how the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is helping make homes more affordable and sustainable across Ontario. Featuring Arwa Sayyadi, Program Advisor for Community Program Performance, we look at how initiatives like the Energy Affordability Program and Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program are reaching low-income households and non-profit housing providers. From lowering utility bills to supporting climate goals, listeners can understand programs that can support both energy efficiency and housing affordability to make a difference in our communities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, we sit down with Leilani Farha, Global Director of The Shift and former UN Special Rapporteur on the right to housing, to explore how housing has become one of the defining human rights issues of our time. Leilani unpacks the global forces driving financialization, the connections between housing and the climate crisis, and what it will take to reclaim homes as places of dignity and security - not investment assets. From her UN advocacy to her film PUSH and podcast PUSHBACK Talks, Leilani shares a bold and hopeful vision for shifting housing systems toward justice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly is joined by Jacob Gorenkoff, founder of Homeward Public Affairs, and Kimberley Meijer, a consultant known for her ability to turn complex data into clear, compelling stories. Together, they explore how housing and homelessness leaders can navigate new national initiatives, communicate their impact effectively, and build strong partnerships across sectors. This episode offers practical insights for anyone working to create more inclusive, sustainable housing solutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Emmy speaks with Marie-Josée Houle, Canada’s first Federal Housing Advocate. Recently reappointed, Marie-Josée reflects on the progress and persistent gaps in realizing housing as a human right, drawing on her experience in frontline service, housing co-ops, research, and federal advocacy. She brings sharp insights on issues like encampments, the financialization of housing, and the distinct challenges facing Indigenous communities, always centering the voices of those most impacted by the crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of On the Way Home, Emmy speaks with Blue Door's Construct Expansion leadership and team; Emma Wood, Emma Murgida, and Jarrod Armer who share the story of Construct, a trades-based employment social enterprise that began at Blue Door in York Region and has grown into a national movement creating pathways out of poverty through skilled trades training and employment. As Construct Canada launches, the team reflects on how workforce development and housing stability are deeply connected, and shares how communities across the country can join the movement to build stronger, more inclusive futures for all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, Emmy Kelly is joined by Tim Richter, President and CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, to explore the big ideas shaping this year’s CAEH National Conference and the next chapter in Canada’s movement to end homelessness. Tim shares insights on the launch of the Homelessness Reduction Innovation Fund, what it will take for Build Canada Homes to make a real impact, and how communities across the country are accelerating progress toward functional zero. Tim reflects on the stories, systems, and leadership driving hope and tangible change across Canada. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of On the Way Home, we sit down with Faiz Abhuani, founder of Brique par Brique, to explore how one Montreal neighborhood is reshaping the future of affordable housing. From transforming an old paint factory into homes for dozens of families, to mobilizing millions through community bonds, Faiz shares how co-design, deep listening, and grassroots leadership can create not just buildings, but lasting systems change. Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about what happens when communities lead and why housing justice is about more than bricks and mortar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Marlene Coffey, CEO of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA), talks about how non-profits are key in driving solutions to Ontario’s housing crisis and shares what’s ahead at ONPHA’s annual conference; a province-wide gathering of housing leaders, innovators, advocates, friends, and anyone eager to learn and be part of the solution. With hundreds of members across the province, ONPHA is a powerful voice for affordable housing, and this conversation highlights both the progress made and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. If you care about building stronger communities and want to connect with the people leading the way, this is the conference, and the conversation, you don’t want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week On the Way Home welcomes Phillip Mills, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region. Known for his mix of bold disruption and deep compassion, Phil is leading transformative initiatives like BUILD NOW: Waterloo Region while drawing on leadership experience across health care, housing, and community development. In this conversation, he shares his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and how Habitat is helping shape housing solutions that bring both heart and innovation to the sector. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Cheng, VP of Programs and Services at Blue Door, joins On the Way Home to share his powerful journey from frontline staff to system builder. With more than a decade of experience, Alex has led Blue Door’s shift toward holistic, health-integrated housing solutions breaking down barriers between emergency shelter, healthcare, and long-term housing. We talk about transitional programs like Abode and INNclusion, the critical role of partnerships, and what it takes to support individuals and families from crisis to stability. Alex’s leadership is thoughtful, grounded, and always in service of intentional, lasting impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.