From left to right: Suzanne Klein, President of Darchei Noam and the co-chairs of the Tikkun Olam Initiative, Rabbi Toba Spitzer and Carol Ann Schubert
At the JRF Convention in Montreal, Canada, the first Kehillat Tzedek (Community of Justice) Award was presented to Congregation Darchei Noam of Ottawa, Canada.
In the past ten years, Reconstructionist Congregation Darchei Noam has:
- Sponsored a 133-unit affordable housing co-op, Moshav Noam
- Partnered with a Roman Catholic congregation to run a homeless shelter
- Sponsored Trellis Gardens, a 24-unit affordable housing building
Read more about their inspiring initiatives...
Sponsored a 133-unit affordable housing co-op, Moshav Noam
Moshav Noam, which opened in 1995, was the product of five years of work for the Darchei Noam Social Action committee. Members of Darchei Noam created a board that saw the project through from start to finish, working with developers, architects, and city officials.
Partnered with a Roman Catholic congregation to run a homeless shelter
Each week last winter -- and for the past seven winters -- the Darchei Noam Out Of the Cold program served approximately 140 dinners, and 75 breakfasts and sleeping accommodations for 75 homeless men and women. In the summer months the Out to the Parks program delivers 80 bagged dinners a week to poor and homeless people in Toronto’s parks. This program is entirely run and funded by volunteers from Darchei Noam and St. Peter's Roman Catholic Congregation.
Sponsored Trellis Gardens, a 24-unit affordable housing building
In 1999, members of Congregation Darchei Noam formed Trellis Housing Initiatives, an independently incorporated board whose mission is to develop affordable housing. In September 2002, the doors of Trellis Gardens will open to the first tenants in the three-story, mixed income building that will offer affordable housing to approximately 65 people.
In light of their sustained efforts for social justice, building of partnerships with diverse communities, and demonstration of a powerful commitment to address issues of hunger, homelessness, and affordable housing, the JRF Tikkun Olam Committee recognizes Congregation Darchei Noam as an outstanding example of congregational tikkun olam work.
May their efforts serve as an inspiration to all of us!
