Hydro Ottawa funds 12 projects for frontline agencies fighting homelessness

OTTAWA, Nov. 5, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, Hydro Ottawa and United Way Ottawa announced funding for eight local frontline agencies to invest in a dozen energy efficient projects. Hydro Ottawa's Brighter Tomorrows Fund helps agencies serving people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness reduce their operating costs so that more dollars can be directed into their programs for people in need.

With $145,000 from the Brighter Tomorrows Fund and nearly $18,000 from the Independent Electricity System Operator's saveONenergy program, a wide spectrum of energy efficient replacements and upgrades will be completed this year, including the installation of a new energy efficient roof, converting to high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, purchasing new energy-efficient appliances, replacing drafty windows and upgrading lighting systems.

Quick Facts

• This year's Brighter Tomorrows Fund recipients are: Daybreak Non-Profit Shelter, Heartwood House, Minwaashin Lodge, Multifaith Housing Initiative, Ottawa Salus Corporation, Shepherds of Good Hope, The Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa and Youville Centre.
• The corporate matching dollars from Hydro Ottawa's annual United Way workplace campaign provide the financial foundation for the Brighter Tomorrows Fund.
• Through the generosity of Hydro Ottawa and its employees, the Brighter Tomorrows Fund has invested nearly $675,000 in 62 projects over five years.
• Hydro Ottawa's United Way Workplace campaigns have raised more than $1.75 million since 2001. This year's campaign results will be released next week.

Quotes

"The Brighter Tomorrows Fund is our way of supporting the important work of frontline agencies fighting homelessness. Agencies should be focused on the people who need their help, not a leaky roof, an energy-guzzling fridge or the below-freezing air coming from drafty windows. Our partnership with United Way Ottawa allows us to make the most of our corporate matching dollars from our workplace campaigns by directing the funds to an important social issue, like homelessness."
- Bryce Conrad, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hydro Ottawa

"Hydro Ottawa and its employees are making an incredible difference in our community through the Brighter Tomorrows Fund. Thanks to their work, many community agencies can now save on energy costs and redirect these savings to help serve more vulnerable people. It's a great example of an organization putting their expertise to use to help change lives in our community."
- Michael Allen, President and CEO, United Way Ottawa

About Hydro Ottawa

Hydro Ottawa's core businesses are delivering electricity, generating renewable power and providing energy conservation/management services. Hydro Ottawa is a community-owned, private company, delivering electricity to more than 319,500 customers in Ottawa and Casselman. It is the largest municipally-owned producer of green power in the province, with hydroelectric and landfill gas-to-energy generating facilities. Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. (Hydro Ottawa) owns and operates two subsidiary companies, Hydro Ottawa Limited and Energy Ottawa Inc.

SOURCE Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.

Video with caption: "Video: Ottawa Salus Corporation is an organization that promotes the rehabilitation of individuals who are recovering from mental health illness. Through Hydro Ottawa's Brighter Tomorrows Fund, the charity was able to replace their roof on Lebreton St. in Ottawa.". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20151105_C6203_VIDEO_EN_536802.mp4&posterurl=http%3a%2f%2fphotos.newswire.ca%2fimages%2f20151105_C6203_PHOTO_EN_536802.jpg&order=1&jdd=20151105&cnum=C6203

Daniel Séguin, Manager, Media and Public Affairs, Hydro Ottawa, Tel: [phone] ext. 345, [email protected], www.hydroottawa.com