This milestone reflects uOttawa’s unwavering commitment to meaningful research and transformative community engagement in search of solutions to some of Ottawa’s most pressing social challenges: housing instability, homelessness and mental health.
Building on a legacy of collaboration
For over 30 years, uOttawa and CMHA Ottawa have worked together to address critical issues at the intersection of mental health and housing. This collaboration has made a difference in countless lives thanks to our innovative research, training opportunities and impactful community interventions. This formal agreement solidifies and expands this partnership, setting a solid foundation for responsive solutions that reflect our city’s changing needs.
Research driving real change
The partnership testifies to the power of collaborative research. A shining example is the pioneering work of Professor Tim Aubry from uOttawa’s Faculty of Social Sciences, who has worked with CMHA Ottawa to champion the Housing First model. This evidence-based approach has demonstrated that providing stable housing alongside customized support services can significantly improve outcomes for individuals facing mental health challenges.
“Research must transcend academic boundaries and impact the communities it seeks to serve,” said Dean Victoria Barham of the Faculty of Social Sciences. “This agreement underscores uOttawa’s role as a catalyst for human change in Ottawa and beyond.”
Collective action for community impact
Housing instability and homelessness are intensifying, with cascading effects on our health care, justice and social systems. The University of Ottawa recognizes that no single institution can tackle these challenges alone. This partnership brings together the collective expertise of CMHA Ottawa and multiple uOttawa faculties, including the Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Health Sciences, ensuring that solutions are informed by a variety of perspectives and disciplines.
“This is not just an agreement; it’s a shared vision for improving community well-being. It reflects our dedication to fostering partnerships that turn research into actionable solutions.”
Julie St-Pierre
— Interim Vice-President, Research and Innovation, uOttawa
Creating opportunities for students and communities
In addition to its research impact, the partnership will provide training opportunities for uOttawa students, equipping them with the knowledge and experience needed to become leaders in addressing mental health and housing issues. These experiences will prepare students to apply evidence-based strategies throughout their careers, amplifying the agreement’s long-term benefits.
Advancing together: An invitation to make a difference
The University’s Office of Public Policy Research and Outreach (OPPRO) and CMHA Ottawa are dedicated to making meaningful strides in mental health through research, innovation and community engagement. As this initiative’s key driver, the OPPRO connects academic researchers with policymakers, serving as a catalyst for turning insights into concrete solutions that shape public policy and address real-world challenges.
This partnership offers researchers a unique opportunity to contribute to these critical efforts. If you’re ready to make a difference, the OPPRO is here to support and connect you with key opportunities.