Options Bytown is one of Ottawa’s not-for-profit housing corporations, offering people at risk of homelessness a subsidized apartment. But it does much more. It also offers on-site support to its tenants (they’re very firm on calling them tenants), like informal counselling, communal dinners, and other supportive efforts to help tenants feel part of a community, to become independent members of their community.

Recently I visited their building on Gilmour Street in Ottawa for a communal dinner, and spoke to residents Susan, Pierre and Bob, all grateful to have the option of Options Bytown.

A special thank you to Elaine Kenney for her assistance in producing this piece.