Former Rtn Maryann Jost, the regional manager for Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) was Dryden Rotary’s feature speaker for our March 19th meeting.
 
OAHS is a non-profit housing provider with a focus on the Aboriginal community. Head office is based in Sault Ste. Marie. Dryden is one of two regional centres. The OAHS board is comprised of representatives appointed by their Director Member Organizations, the Métis Nation of Ontario, Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres and Ontario Native Women’s Association.
 
It’s mandate to provide housing and repair programs with a specific focus on the Aboriginal community, consisting of Metis, off reserve First Nations, and Inuit
 
Maryann is in charge of 66 units with 30 in Dryden, 30 in Sioux Lookout, and 6 in Red Lake.
 
OAHS offers 3 main programs, consisting of a rental program, an Assisted Homeownership Program for those who qualify, and a Homeowner Repair Program to assist low-to-moderate income Aboriginal homeowners living off-reserve bring their homes to acceptable standards. On April 1, 2014 they will also be taking over rent-geared-to-income housing units from other government organizations.
 
For more information on OAHS visit http://www.ontarioaboriginalhousing.ca/