History
Heartwood House began in the autumn of 2000 with the shared vision of ten individuals from five non-profit community organizations in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada who were looking for a building where a "collective" of organizations could share space, resources, costs, opportunities, ideas and energy - an environment where member organizations and their clients could interact and partner with each other and with the broader Ottawa community in a variety of ways.
The founders had a strong preference for organizations that served their clients directly - where the clients would be a vital part of the building. They wanted a place where member organizations would participate in decision-making and in all aspects of the daily life of the building. It was also very important that Heartwood House become self-sufficient and self-sustaining for the long-term.
Heartwood House was incorporated in the spring of 2001. The elderly, but still usable building in downtown Ottawa at 153 Chapel Street was empty and the founders began negotiations with it owners, Congregation Beth Shalom. By July 2001, organizations began moving in. A three-year start-up grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation gave time for the building to be filled. Eighteen non-profit community groups now call Heartwood House home.
The Heartwood House motto is "Better Together!" Member organizations, their staff, volunteers and clients are all part of the life of Heartwood House. Staff and volunteers from the member organizations serve on committees and on the board of directors. Partnerships include a contract with the City of Ottawa to run the OC Transpo Lost and Found and the "Everybody Wins!" electronic recycling project with RD Long Recycling. The Gallery provides space for community meetings as well as an art gallery for local artists to exhibit their work.
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