Message from Dharma Developments
URBANA is an annual gala fundraising event where proceeds raised support the prevention of homelessness in Ottawa. It is with great pleasure and privilege that we are hosting this event for the 2nd year. URBANA is a wonderful opportunity to show what community spirit can achieve when we each take a step forward together.
Last year over $20,000 was raised at the inaugural URBANA. The overwhelming support from well-respected members of Ottawa's business, social care and political community demonstrated that we had captured the minds and hearts of citizens in our community. Like Dharma Developments, URBANA supporters wanted to improve the current affordable housing conditions in Ottawa.
It is clear that we have an escalating problem with the lack of adequate shelter and affordable housing in our city. As the 2005 Report Card on Homelessness states, we had 8,853 persons needing shelters in the past year which is a 2% increase since the previous year. Even more discouraging is that these statistics do not account for many of the hidden homeless - the individuals who are unable to use shelters or supportive housing. In an affluent city like Ottawa, these statistics must be improved if we want a healthy future for our city.
This year, URBANA has chosen to work with Raising the Roof,a national charity that directs proceeds locally to programs that are working to eliminate homelessness. Through this network, we have had the amazing opportunity to work with Cornerstone Housing in Ottawa. The staff and volunteers at Cornerstone work around the clock to provide critical support, friendship and shelter to over 500 women annually. It has been a wonderfully educational experience to work with them and they deserve huge recognition for the tireless and invaluable service they provide to our community.
As URBANA evolves and grows with the spirit of our community each year, we look forward to the fun and positive changes that come when people work together to improve our city's housing needs. Join us at URBANA on Friday April 7th, 2006 at Ottawa's old Railway Station, now the Government Conference Centre for an evening of live jazz with the Kelly Craig Sextet, Culinary Conspiracy Canapes, and a giant URBANA bingo game with exciting prizes! We look forward to sharing the fun of URBANA with you this year!
Sincerely,
Akash Sinha
President
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