Why are shared spaces so important for local charitable and non-profit organizations?

Heartwood House is a charity which carries a significant responsibility. It is the owner of a property dedicated to providing an affordable, safe, secure, fully accessible, and welcoming home base for local charities and non-profits to maximize their services to those in need. Providing an affordable space is challenging mission which saves a minimum of 30% in annual rental costs for the members of the Heartwood House community.

Working together under one roof in a spirit of collaboration and partnership could not be achieved without the dedication of Heartwood House and its staff to build its community and nurture relationships to achieve an interest in partnership. Heartwood House hosts monthly member meetings for the 23 charities and non-profits in its community. Members are encouraged to come together to share ideas, resources, equipment, spaces and work together in partnership for the benefit the people served in our community.

Reducing costs not only includes a minimum of 30% annual savings on rental costs, including no costs for utilities, but also includes the opportunity to access meeting room spaces for 10 to 110 at very low member rental rates. Members also share a no-cost kitchen, low-cost print shop, no cost for internet and the benefits of in-person reception staff who greet visitors each day, as well as a maintenance staff who are on duty each day.

Many small charities operate with volunteers or with one staff person. Heartwood House provides the opportunity to learn from each other about the management of organizations with limited resources. Heartwood House is a location that is recognized in the greater community for its efforts in the service of small charities.

In 2018, Heartwood House received the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in recognition of its work to provide a fully accessible facility. It also received recognition from the City of Ottawa for its mission and building a community of charities working together under one roof. Creating a home base for all to feel welcome is Heartwood’s top priority.