On The Way Home

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On The Way Home

On The Way Home

256 episodes

1 day ago

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.

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Personal Journals

Society & Culture,

Health & Fitness,

All content for On The Way Home is the property of On The Way Home and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

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.

Show more...

Personal Journals

Society & Culture,

Health & Fitness,

Episodes (20/256)

On The Way Home

Costs vs. Prices: Adam Mongrain on Rethinking Canada’s Housing Diagnosis

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.

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1 day ago

44 minutes 54 seconds

On The Way Home

Re-Igniting the Future of Housing: Introducing Ontario’s Affordable Housing Investment Fund

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.

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1 week ago

50 minutes 40 seconds

On The Way Home

Beyond the Buzzwords: What “Scale” and "Innovation" Really Means in Housing

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.

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2 weeks ago

52 minutes 50 seconds

On The Way Home

From Evidence to Action: Nick Falvo on Paths to Ending Homelessness in Canada

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.

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3 weeks ago

41 minutes 5 seconds

On The Way Home

Heather McDonald on Built for Good and Unafraid to Be First and Fast

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.

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4 weeks ago

52 minutes 39 seconds

On The Way Home

Building Canada’s Housing Future: A Conversation with CHRA’s Ray Sullivan

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

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1 month ago

31 minutes 2 seconds

On The Way Home

Building a Society That Works: Finland’s Housing First Transformation

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.

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1 month ago

31 minutes 1 second

On The Way Home

Powering Affordability: How Energy Efficiency Supports Non-Market Housing

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.

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1 month ago

29 minutes

On The Way Home

Reframing Housing: Leilani Farha on Human Rights, Financialization, and Hope

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.

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1 month ago

42 minutes 21 seconds

On The Way Home

Communicating Impact and Driving Systems Change in Housing

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.

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2 months ago

44 minutes 32 seconds

On The Way Home

Marie-Josée Houle: Advancing the Right to Housing

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.

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2 months ago

48 minutes 24 seconds

On The Way Home

Building Futures: The Launch of Construct Canada

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.

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2 months ago

33 minutes 48 seconds

On The Way Home

From Functional Zero to National Momentum: Tim Richter on What’s Next for Ending Homelessness in Canada

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.

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2 months ago

35 minutes 40 seconds

On The Way Home

Building Housing, Trust, and Community Power "Brique par Brique"

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.

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3 months ago

40 minutes 23 seconds

On The Way Home

ONPHA’s Role in Solving Ontario’s Housing Crisis and What to Expect at the 2025

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.

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3 months ago

32 minutes 8 seconds

On The Way Home

Disruption and Compassion in Housing Leadership with Phillip Mills

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.

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3 months ago

42 minutes 32 seconds

On The Way Home

Housing and Health: Building Integrated Solutions with Intention with Alex Cheng

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.

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3 months ago

35 minutes 11 seconds

On The Way Home

Blueprints for Change: Vicky’s Path from Construct to Community Leader

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.

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4 months ago

29 minutes 19 seconds

On The Way Home

Bold Ideas for a Dignified Future + Leadership, Trust, and Ending Poverty with Neil

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.

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4 months ago

35 minutes 19 seconds

On The Way Home

Seizing the Moment: Housing’s Historic Shift with John Fox

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/

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4 months ago

31 minutes 59 seconds