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© On The Way Home Podcast
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On the Way Home is a podcast that brings together the voices and issues involved in ending homelessness in Canada.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
249 Episodes
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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.
In this episode of On the Way Home, we’re joined by Vicky Saygnasith, a proud graduate of Blue Door’s Construct program and a second-term carpentry apprentice with Local 27. Vicky shares her journey from discovering the trades to becoming a strong advocate for equity and inclusion in construction, while raising four children and mastering formwork, welding, and more along the way. With honesty and determination, Vicky shows us what happens when opportunity meets resilience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of On the Way Home, we sit down with Neil Hetherington, CEO of Daily Bread Food Bank, to explore what it takes to lead through complexity, crisis, and systemic challenge. From texting his board chair while nearly sinking in the Atlantic to testifying before Parliament for income security reform, Neil shares the stories, strategies, and beliefs that fuel his work. We dive into the explosive rise in food bank demand, the deep links between housing and hunger, and why long-term solutions like the Canada Disability Benefit are critical. Neil also reflects on the most challenging leadership moment he’s faced, and what keeps him motivated as a lifelong learner and bold advocate for change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, John Fox, Partner at Robins Appleby LLP, housing advocate, and member of Blue Door’s Champions Circle joins On the Way Home to unpack a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Canada’s affordable housing sector. John explores the impending transfer of thousands of rental units from private to non-profit hands, new federal and provincial initiatives, and the partnerships needed to make it work. With candor and urgency, he challenges housing providers to rise to the moment with both private-sector discipline and community-rooted compassion. Listen to the pod and read his full post here; https://bluedoor.ca/john-fox-delivers-visionary-keynote-at-blue-doors-agm/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode of On the Way Home, welcomes Scott Dutchak, President of Catalyst Community Developments Society, a BC-based non-profit delivering innovative, community-rooted affordable housing. Scott shares how Catalyst’s unique model blends public funding, private partnerships, and social impact investment to make long-term affordability possible, even amid rising costs and complex policy barriers. Drawing on experience across the corporate, public, and non-profit sectors, he offers grounded insight into what it takes to build housing that lasts, reflects local needs, and drives systemic change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join us on On the Way Home as we talk with Nicole Jones, Quality & Operations Manager at Eden Health Care Services. Nicole digs into Eden’s innovative tiered-housing model in rural Manitoba, ranging from 24/7 group homes to independent apartments, aligned with the province’s five-tier mental health framework. Nicole explores how in-home ACT/FACT-style teams, strong partnerships with Manitoba Housing and Southern Health-Santé Sud, and this model have reduced hospitalizations and tenancy instability in communities like Winkler and Steinbach. She also tackles stigma, collaboration across sectors, Eden’s expansion plans, and offers a simple suggestion for how anyone can support mental health and housing stability in their own community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Michael Quast, CEO of Passive House Canada, brings contagious lifelong passion to his new role as he shares how the Passive House standard outperforms minimum building code homes, cutting heating and cooling energy use by approximately 80–90%, and reducing total energy consumption by 60% or more. He illustrates how airtight construction, super‑insulation, and heat‑recovery ventilation not only slash carbon emissions and living costs but also dramatically improve indoor air quality, comfort, and overall community well‑being. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On On the Way Home, we welcome Daniel Foch, Chief Real Estate Officer at Valery.ca, co‑founder of The Habistat, and co-host of The Canadian Real Estate Investor podcast, consistently ranked among Canada’s top real estate shows. Daniel breaks down the realities behind the rental market, interest rates, debunks common market myths, and outlines practical solutions from zoning reform and multiplexes to modular builds, co‑living, and purpose‑built rentals. He explains how Habistat’s real-time data supports smarter policymaking and enables meaningful collaboration across nonprofits, government, and developers. With a forward-looking vision for housing accessibility across Canada, Daniel offers one clear step every listener can take to be part of the solution: work as a team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Listen in to hear Aislinn Clancy, MPP for Kitchener Centre and Deputy Leader of the Ontario Green Party, bringing deep roots in social work and local leadership, as a former school social worker and Kitchener Ward 10 councillor to her bold legislative work at Queen’s Park including spearheading the Homelessness Ends with Housing Act, a ten‑year, housing‑first strategy to end chronic homelessness in Ontario. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of On The Way Home, we’re joined by Janet Lambert of Dixon Hall and Jawad Kassab of Fred Victor — two dynamic board leaders also leading the Shelter and Support Board Advocacy Coalition (SSBAC). With decades of experience across legal, health, and community sectors, they share how their unique leadership paths converged to champion systemic change in Toronto’s shelter and supportive housing landscape. From the power of board-led advocacy to the urgent need for stable frontline staffing, this conversation dives deep into the work being done to build a more equitable, coordinated, and compassionate housing system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join legal and community housing expert John Fox, community advocate Diana Chan McNally, and CMHA CEO Camille Quenneville as they break down Bills 6, 10, and 25 and what these potential changes may mean for housing policy, homelessness supports, and social services across Ontario. This panel dives into the risks, opportunities, and calls to action for advocates, service providers, listeners, and policymakers alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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