Investors and community members gather at Dominion City Brewing Company to celebrate reaching the Housing Forever Bonds campaign goal.
Back in May 2024, Ottawa Community Land Trust officially launched its Housing Forever Bonds campaign – a community effort to springboard the OCLT mission of keeping housing affordable – forever.
In just four short months, the $1.7M goal has been reached and this past week investors and community members gathered at Dominion City Brewing Company to mark the milestone.
“What you have all done and what we have done together is being noticed,” said OCLT Executive Director, Mike Bulthuis. “I think the rate at which you have responded to this community bond offering has been so exciting and quite phenomenal. So, I’m very grateful and hope that we together can celebrate this because it’s just getting started.”
A new goal has been set
The celebration also coincided with the launch of OCLT’s new brand. Attendees went home with totes and buttons promoting the OCLT mission of preserving affordable housing – forever.
With such a remarkable community response, OCLT has decided to keep the momentum going by increasing the campaign goal to $3M, allowing even more Ottawa residents to invest in their communities and see the impact housing security (access to affordable housing) has on the lives of our neighbours.
Reaching this new goal of $3M will enable OCLT to purchase a 3rd and 4th rental property and continue to build our revolving fund. To invest in Housing Forever Community Bonds, visit https://www.oclt.ca/invest/
A friendly push for membership
Left to right: OCLT board member, Lisa Ker, OCLT investor and member, Valerie Stam, OCLT investor and member, Rebecca Aird, and OCLT Executive Director, Mike Bulthuis.
Investing in community bonds isn’t the only way to support OCLT. Investor, Rebecca Aird spoke to the crowd about the benefits of simply becoming a member of the organization:
“Your membership would provide, at a very modest cost to you, some sustaining funding for the incredible work that the organization does. So, just an encouragement to remember and to get the word out. It’s table stakes. (OCLT membership) is a very low-cost way to just stand up and show that you’re present behind something that you believe in.”
Individuals can join OCLT for just $35 ($25 one-time application fee plus $10 annual fee) and businesses and organizations pay $250 ($200 one-time application fee plus $50 annual fee).
In addition to demonstrating your commitment to the cause of affordable housing and supporting OCLT’s ongoing operations, membership also opens the door to participation in volunteer working committees, the right to vote at annual general meetings and eligibility for a seat on the Board of Directors.
Think you might want to become a member? Visit https://www.oclt.ca/become-a-member/ and fill out a brief form.