Canada’s capital is a political city known for being a great place to raise a family. Its living conditions are considered reputable. And yet, in Ottawa, there is a social housing crisis. Many of the “affordable” homes available face crime, violence and substance abuse every day — and yet, to live in such conditions, there’s still a long waitlist. This short documentary explores the lives of two mothers, Leïla and Stephanie, who have been on a journey of finding an affordable and safe home for their families. With patience, they’ve found it in The Haven. The Haven is a new social housing community that opened spring 2017 in Barrhaven, and is already at full capacity due to the long waitlists for affordable housing in Ottawa and the desire to find home in a safe, clean community.
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- The Haven is a new social housing community located in Barhaven. Opening in the spring of 2017, The Haven has already reached its full capacity because of long waitlists and demand for affordable housing that is safe and clean. Stephanie and Leila were two people approved for housing in The Haven, and now call it home.
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- Stephanie Saunders sits inside her home in The Haven with her son Damaius. “A home means to me peace, safety and comfort,” she says.
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- Two boys who live at Caldwell Avenue are sitting on top of a park structure. “My parent doesn’t like all the guns,” one says.
Produced, edited and filmed by Sandrine Murray, Jasmine Sikand and Sidney Weiss
Special thanks to Leila and Stephanie*
Music by Jordan Omstead
Photos by Jasmine Sikand
*Last names removed for privacy reasons