About this Event
National Housing Day brings community together to recognize the partnerships and initiatives moving housing solutions forward. Join us on November 20 to connect with fellow changemakers and explore bold ideas for creating Homes for All in Waterloo Region.
The Crowne Plaze Hotel in downtown Kitchener is easily accessible by transit. Free on-site parking will be available for event attendees.
Who should attend: Service providers, advocates, community organizations, researchers, funders, builders, landlords, government, students and educators. This event welcomes anyone interested in strengthening housing stability in Waterloo Region and building a community where everyone has a place to call home.
Registration
This event offers in-person and virtual registration. The in-person event capacity is 216 attendees and spaces fill quickly. Possibility Labs are facilitated sessions with a capacity of 54 per session. Reserve your spot today!
Possibility Labs
During registration, in-person attendees will select one of four Possibility Labs:
Session 1: Building for recovery
Explore an inclusive, community-based recovery housing model designed to support people along their recovery journeys.
Session 2: Co-operative seniors co-living campus
Discover a bold intergenerational housing concept that brings together affordable family housing, accessible apartments, seniors co-living, child care, long-term care, and a shared community hub.
Session 3: Homelessness policy framework
Help shape a practical policy framework to support more equitable, coordinated action on chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region.
Session 4: Home Hub
Bring your phone, tablet or laptop to explore and provide input on Home Hub – a community-led rental listing platform that makes affordable housing searches more transparent, connected and efficient.
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration, breakfast and networking
Info: Settle in, get comfortable and connect with fellow attendees over a delicious full breakfast.
🕑: 09:20 AM - 10:25 AM
Panel: Community wellbeing and belonging
Info: Hear from academics and community workers about what it takes to keep us well in community. Learn about community-oriented views towards wellbeing and how belonging matters when it comes to housing.
🕑: 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM
Possibility Labs: Facilitated group sessions
Info: Join one of four dynamic, interactive sessions exploring a local housing solution. You will participate in a facilitated session alongside local innovators, including Porchlight Counselling and Addictions Services, Central Ontario Co-operative Housing Association and Abbeyfield Canada, Wilfred Laurier University researchers, Union Community Housing and CivicTech.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
Community awards
Info: A celebration to recognize the impactful ways that members of our community are working towards the vision of homes for all.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Networking
Event venue & nearby stays
Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo by IHG, 105 King Street East, Kitchener, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.