Introduction: In November 2002, parishioners of St John's were asked to provide their views regarding the potential role for St John's in addressing the affordable housing crisis in Ottawa. Following is a summary of the 40 responses received. If you have not completed a survey and would like to provide your input, the survey is still available for you to check out on the St John's web site at http://www.cyberus.ca/~stjohns/housing.html#survey or at the Welcome Table at the back of the Church. Please put your completed survey in the collection plate or return it to the church office.
Housing individuals: Regarding the ability of individual parishioners to house those in need of affordable housing, the majority indicated that they were unable to house students/low income people. However, there were 5 who knew someone who could do this and 4 who were willing to consider it. Three said they would like to help match a potential tenant with available housing. Two would be willing to build a secondary dwelling unit.
Purchasing a house: Many respondents (23 yes and 12 maybe) thought St John's should consider providing financial assistance to purchase and renovate existing housing, and a slightly smaller number (17 yes and 16 maybe) would be willing to financially support such a purchase. People were divided on whether St John's should own a building itself or support an organization, such as the Ottawa Mennonite Church, who already owns housing. Only two said St John's should not be involved in such an endeavour. Twelve people said they would be able to provide time and/or talent in converting and/or managing a property. Seven might be able to provide assistance.
The preferred groups to target in providing this housing were seniors (14), families (10), refugees (9), and singles (3). Six recommended all of the categories, two indicated "most in need," one person "mixed" and one suggested disabled.
Advocacy: Many (25 yes and 4 maybe) felt that St John's should play an active role in advocating for change in affordable housing policies. There were no "no" respondents to this question.
Financial and other assistance: There were many offers of assistance for all categories of involvement, with the most being financial contributions (14) or St John's Affordable Housing Committee (17). Few people were able to consider leaving a bequest of house or land at this time but 7 said "yes" they would consider a financial bequest and an additional 12 said "maybe." Three might consider a bequest of a house and 3 a bequest of land.
Annual allocation: Suggestions of a yearly allocation of funds by the church were $1000 (one person), $5,000 (1), $10,000 ( 5), $20,000 (3), $50,000 (4). Others were uncertain about the amount.
Multifaith Housing Initiative: Thirteen people would be willing to support the Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) with a $25 annual membership fee and 6 would donate more than that amount. (Note: Nine St Johnians have already joined MHI as individual members.)