About this award 

The ONPHA Tenant Achievement Award recognizes a tenant or tenant group who volunteers to make their non-profit housing community and neighbourhood a better place to live. The tenant or tenant group has fostered community connections and has made meaningful contributions to their community that can serve as a model to tenants across Ontario. 

This award recognizes an active tenant or tenants involved in group efforts (rather than an organization). 

Eligibility criteria  

The tenant or group must meet the following criteria:

  • Be associated with an ONPHA Housing Provider Member.
  • Has made their non-profit housing community a better place to live.
  • Has fostered connection within their community and contributed to the well-being of their neighbourhood.
  • Has made a meaningful contribution that can serve as a model to tenants across Ontario.
  • Has not been compensated for their volunteer work.

2025 Awards

Nominations for the 2025 ONPHA Awards are now closed.

2025 ONPHA Tenant Achievement Award Winners

Group Award: The Caring Cupboard, London and Middlesex Community Housing

When Fran Wassmer and Mary Blancher, tenants at London & Middlesex Community Housing, saw their neighbours struggling to put food on the table, they acted. What began as a small, in-house food bank has grown into a lifeline for tenants, offering monthly food supplies, partnerships with local businesses, and volunteer opportunities that bring seniors together. Through the challenges of the pandemic and beyond, the Caring Cupboard have shown what compassion in action looks like. They’ve not only filled cupboards but strengthened community bonds, ensuring no neighbour is left behind.

Individual Award: Deqa Nur

Deqa Nur, a dedicated tenant at Toronto Community Housing has sparked transformational change across the city with her grassroots vision. As founder of the Hooyo Innovation Hub, she supports Somali-Canadian mothers with free certifications, digital literacy training, and employment support. Through advocacy, Deqa has also helped bring forward Toronto’s first Somali Cultural Centre, now backed by $20 million in federal funding. From neighbour to changemaker, Deqa shows us how a simple vision can build better futures.

Past Winners

2024: Birchmount Community Action Council, Gaston Brisson (Options Housing)

2023: The Bellwoods’ Community Advisory Council, Sylvain Rock

2022: South Mountain Planning Team, Hamilton East Kiwanis Non-Profit Homes

2021: Somerset Towers Tenant Circle, Ottawa Community Housing

2020: Guy Clairoux, Ottawa Community Housing

2019: Blaine Dunlop, LOFT Community Services

2018: Carissa Davis, Ottawa Communtity Housing

2017: Maggie McGroarty, Evangel Hall Mission

2016: Lisa Burton (City Housing Hamilton0, Rhea Ryckman (Wawil Villa Turtle Creek Manor), Robert Huff (Ecuhome), and ReSet Local Design Team (Toronto’s Community Housing Corporation)

2015: Helen Landry (Brockville Non-Profit Housing Corporation), Harold Roebuck (Central King Senior Residence), Danny Hobag (Ottawa Community Housing)

2014: Howard Breen (Parkview Place), 130 Centrepointe (Nepean Housing Corporation), John Shields (St. Stephen Community House), The Doll Workshop (Cambridge Non-Profit Housing Corporation)

Other ONPHA Awards

Know someone who deserves recognition? Explore our other awards and nominate them today!