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Published by On The Way Home
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.
On the charts
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From the feed
The latest episodes published to this podcast’s own RSS feed. Titles and descriptions are the publisher’s.
Land Trusts continue to flourish across the country. The Kensington Market Community land Trust (KMCLT) started 10 years ago as a means to preserve affordable rents in the community. Today, supported by community bonds, donations and the City of Toronto's Multi-Unit Residential Acquisition Program, the KMCLT owns three buildings including mixed residential and commercial spaces. Dominique Russell and Celia Wandio, Co-Directors of the Land Trust speak to us about Land Trusts broadly, the KMCLT's history and how managing commercial and residential spaces provides unique challenges. They also speak about the governance structure and recommendations to make the model even more viable in order to preserve affordability and the unique character of a neighbourhood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today we are joined by Shauna McKinnon, Professor of Urban and Inner-City Studies at University of Winnipeg as well as Board member of the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation. Shauna is also a founding member of the Social Housing and Human Rights coalition. We talk to Shauna about changes in the housing landscape, the National Housing Strategy 2.0 and the important role of social housing investments to help solve the housing crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 17, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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