Responsible Giving; The Key to Positive Change
Ending Chronic Homelessness in Ottawa is Good Business
Ottawa’s corporate kindness is changing lives. For organizations like Shepherds of Good Hope, this philanthropic spirit allows frontline staff and volunteers to meet people where they are, supporting them throughout the continuum of care.
Business leaders understand why it is essential to support charitable causes in our community. Their connection to meaningful causes and shared purpose brings goodwill and their generosity lifts an entire community – even if it is one person at a time.
Shepherds of Good Hope spent time with five local businesspeople, asking them, straight up; “Why, as a business leader, is it important for you to give back?”.
Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation, CEO, David Gourlay is grateful for the growing relationships between the Foundation and businesses across Ottawa. They are united in a passion to help people in need of shelter, nourishment, and a place to call home.
“Someone experiencing homelessness today must be seen for who they are, without judgement,” says Gourlay. “In Ottawa, we believe that people help people, and we must be there throughout their journey and be ready to help no matter their circumstances. Local business leaders like Ashley, Solange, Nik, Sofia and Devinder turn their words into action, seeing people as people, knowing that homelessness should only be a temporary experience.”
“All of us deserve acceptance and tenderness,” Gourlay says. “The voice of someone experiencing homelessness can get lost among the many needs of a community. However, when businesses consciously decides to make a difference, those voices are amplified. They’re saying, ‘we see you, we hear you, we’re here to help’.”
In Their Words – Why We Give Back.
Solange Tuyishime Keita – President and CEO, Elevate International Inc.
One of the biggest problems we face is the belief that homelessness could never happen to us. Even though we see it every day—in the comfort of our homes, cars, and beautiful communities—many believe homelessness is far from their reality. But that narrative is false. Homelessness can happen to anyone, and many are just one or two paychecks away from facing that reality. Worse yet, we never know what unexpected event could affect our mental health or circumstances so deeply that we, too, could end up without a home.
There are harmful stereotypes about homelessness that persist, such as the assumption that it is always linked to personal failure or addiction. While these issues can contribute, homelessness is often the result of systemic failures and challenges beyond individual control. Our society must stop seeing homelessness as someone else’s problem. Instead, we should recognize our shared responsibility to end it.
I can speak to this from personal experience. As a child, I lived in a beautiful, gated home, but when war and genocide erupted, my family became refugees overnight. We went from living comfortably to surviving in a tent in the middle of nowhere. This experience taught me that homelessness is not something that happens to “other people”; it is a reality that can affect anyone at any time.
We must understand that homelessness is not just a lack of shelter—it is the loss of safety, dignity, and hope. It strips people of their identity and worth. Our shared humanity demands that we act, not out of pity, but out of a deep sense of justice. Homelessness isn’t an isolated problem; it’s a mirror reflecting the cracks in our society. If we are to thrive as a community, we must first ensure that no one is left behind in the shadows. Ending homelessness is not just possible—it is our moral obligation.
“Giving back” and “paying it forward” are more than just common phrases—they reflect the core of our responsibility as citizens of this world. As business leaders, it’s essential to recognize that our success is never achieved in isolation. We are deeply interconnected with our communities, and the resources, knowledge, and influence we gain come with the responsibility to uplift others and drive meaningful change.
For me, I’ve come to realize that the gifts I’ve received—whether financial, intellectual, or relational—are not mine to keep. They are entrusted to me because the universe believes I will use them wisely for the benefit of others. My journey has taught me that we are merely stewards of these blessings, and with stewardship comes the duty to ensure that we share our resources wisely and generously.
Business leaders hold immense power to influence not just economies but the very fabric of society. We have the ability to create jobs, mentor future leaders, invest in education, and build systems that foster sustainable growth. More than that, we have the opportunity to create a culture of compassion and
responsibility within the business community. By leading with generosity, we set an example that inspires others to do the same.
The impact of giving back extends far beyond individual actions—it creates ripple effects that transform lives, communities, and futures. It’s not about charity for charity’s sake; it’s about recognizing our role in making the world a better place. When we all do our part, the world becomes infinitely better. Giving back is how we honor the blessings we’ve received and build a lasting legacy of kindness, compassion, and progress for generations to come.
Ten years ago, my family’s world was turned upside down when my youngest brother, once a star soccer player on his university team, began experiencing severe mental health challenges. It started with anxiety so intense that he couldn’t even get out of the car to play the game he loved. Soon, he started disappearing for days, haunted by voices in his head. My brother is the kindest soul you will ever meet and seeing him suffer felt deeply unfair. Watching this unfold was devastating, especially for my parents, who had already endured so much. After surviving war, genocide, and rebuilding their lives as refugees, I believed they had finally earned peace. But mental illness doesn’t discriminate—it can affect anyone, at any time. During those difficult moments, we entered a new reality, filled with ignorance and misconceptions about mental health. People suggested my parents kick my brother out, believing tough love would set him straight. But these misunderstandings only deepened our pain. As people of color with accents, my parents faced additional barriers when seeking help, encountering prejudice that compounded their struggle. To the volunteers and donors who dedicate their time and resources to organizations like Shepherds of Good Hope, I can’t thank you enough. Your commitment to making our system more compassionate is a beacon of hope for families like mine. You support those who cannot advocate for themselves because their mental health no longer allows them to, and you offer relief to families who feel lost and helpless. Your generosity is not just charity—it is a lifeline. It offers dignity, love, and the possibility of recovery. Our society desperately needs more people like you, and more organizations that believe in the potential of every human being. Together, we can create a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.