About OLS
Our Livable Solutions (OLS) is a registered non-charitable public benefit corporation operating under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA). OLS is dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness as they navigate complex systems and coordinate care. By actively listening, observing, and identifying challenges, OLS fosters meaningful discussions to explore possible solutions. Through collaboration, OLS empowers individuals with lived experience to advocate for and contribute to the development of sustainable, impactful solutions that drive positive change in their communities.
Unhoused Advisory Committee
OLS ideas come from the people OLS supports. As OLS walks alongside people navigating systems and coordinating care, OLS listens, observes and identifies challenges. OLS discusses possible solutions and enables people with lived experience to participate in advocating for and developing those solutions. Anyone with living experience, recent lived experience and front line support workers are welcome on the Unhoused Advisory Committee.
Housed Advisory Committee
To change processes, policies and access research and resources, OLS needs the help of the broader community. OLS’s Housed Advisory Committee is fluid and responsive to the needs of the Unhoused Advisory Committee, participation changes depending on the challenge OLS is trying to address. Anyone with an interest in helping to end homelessness is welcome on the Housed Advisory Committee.
Board of Directors
The bulk of the work at OLS happens in the two Advisory Committees. OLS’s Board of Directors manages the administrative responsibilities of having a transparent and accountable governance model.
President - HollyAnn Meeks
Secretary / Treasurer - Anya Hageman
Director At Large - David Stewart
Director At Large - Derek Vanalstyne
Director at Large - Chrystal Wilson
Director at Large - Ryan Rolfe
Acting Executive Director
Responsible for recommending the direction, goals and overall strategy of OLS, and overseeing and directing OLS’s day to day operations, the Acting Executive Director will be an unpaid volunteer role assumed by Chrystal Wilson during the pilot project. Over time, but not during the pilot project, it is expected this role will transition to a paid employee position following a process aproved by the Board.
Care Coordinators
Responsible for ensuring the wellness and care for the residents, coordinating various services and agencies and much of the day-to-day oversight of the cabin community, care coordinators are currently the only paid positions within OLS. Care Coordinators are advocates for the residents; they support the residents, acting with direction from and in the best interests of the residents at the forefront.
Volunteer Coordinator
Responsible for assisting the residents and care coordinators by arranging the provision of workshops, activities, connections etc being offered by volunteers, community groups or COUNCILS according to the needs and desires of the residents.
Supporting Volunteers
Members of the Kingston community who help build resilience within OLS’s cabin community by engaging with residents in meaningful conversation and activities. Volunteers will be encouraged to participate in OLS’s trauma informed education and courses. To become a Support Volunteer, please email us.