HighJinx

highJinx is a social enterprise serving Ottawa's Neighbours founded by Leigh Reid and Karen Nielsen. We resell mostly donated antiques, oddities, retro items and housewares using our net profits to fund an initiative that assists the vulnerable in our community. This socially conscious business is a unique undertaking and is totally private, meaning that we do not use any Government funding. There is a Furniture Bank in our basement and we provide household items and furniture to those in need at no cost. We case manage clients, house the homeless, advocate for the vulnerable, provide life skills programming , encourage positive community integration and a place for people to meet. After years in the Social Services field, we found it becoming increasingly frustrating to secure and provide for client needs in a broken system. Inspired to find an easier way, we embarked on the adventure that is now highJinx. For the past year, we have been interested in your property across the street to house our vulnerable clients knowing it would be the perfect location. Over the past four years we have housed more than 85 clients in this community from various backgrounds and 90% of those are still in their homes and flourishing. Our case management service provides Landlords with an extra layer of security and confidence that is impossible in traditional leasing situations. · Our clients have their rent paid directly to the Landlord from their income source leaving no room for late or missing rent. · If a vacancy should occur, we have a waiting list of clients to fill the apartment therefore ensuring no loss of rental revenue. · An agreement is signed between highJinx and the client allowing for access on a 24/7 basis without notice which means we can check in on clients at any time. · We are able to rehouse clients without costly eviction processes and curb any behaviors that would affect the reasonable enjoyment of the property for other tenants without having to involve the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal. · Conflicts between Tenants or between the Tenant and Landlord are mitigated immediately because we offer a 24/7 on call service both to the Landlord and Client.