About
Our Vision
A north Durham where no person experiences housing instability.
Our Mission
To provide a spectrum of housing supports for those who are at risk or in crisis within the communities of north Durham.
Our Values
North House was created in June of 2004, when people saw a need in their community. They were starting to see that their neighbours and friends were struggling to make ends meet. Some were under-housed, others couldn’t pay their bills and some had nowhere to live. Together, as a community, it was decided to create a resource that could help with some of those problems. And that, was the genesis of North House.
Now that they had the idea, and the people willing to help, they needed a physical space to work. It was then that St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Beaverton donated the use of their office space to conduct meetings and give the formal structure the organization needed.
One full-time staff person was hired through the help of a grant, to work with the community and start to build the reputation of the organization.
North House was fortunate to receive funds from the government to purchase a house, which would be used for transitional housing for people in the community. The house had four apartments and a small room in the rear which was used as the office.
Today, 24 years later, we still deliver on the very idea of helping those in our community who need it. We connect them to resources and help them through the most trying times in their lives.
Meet Our Team
Mona Emond
CAE, CMS
Executive Director
(she/her)
Mona currently holds a Certified Association Executive designation from the Canadian Society of Association Executives and a Certified Marketing Specialist designation from the Canadian Marketing Association. Mona has held senior leadership positions in the profit, not-for-profit and association sectors for over 25+ years. She uses her 25+ years of driving change to make a difference in the world around her. She does that through a transparent leadership approach that empowers her team to deliver results, which transform lives.
Jessica Barbuto
RSW
Manager, Housing Services
(she/her)
Jessica is a registered Social Worker through the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She is a graduate of York University’s critical social work honours program that primarily focused on anti-oppressive practice, equality and social justice. Previously, Jessica pursued a position working with at-risk young pregnant women that come from diverse social backgrounds. Jessica is passionate about making a difference in the lives of her clients, and giving them the voice they deserve. Jessica is excited to continue making a meaningful contribution within the community.
Jennifer MacKay
Manager, Housing Services
(she/her)
Jennifer has over 13 years experience working in the developmental service and housing sectors. She has worked front line in support services, outreach and advocacy, before transitioning to leadership roles in housing stability, case management and housing first. Jennifer is passionate about serving her community and leads with a client-centred, inclusive and socially just perspective. She believes in empowerment through skill building and education with a focus on tenant rights and responsibilities. Jennifer has fostered strong relationships with community partner agencies and been instrumental in the development of programs and services in her past roles. Jennifer is excited to bring her knowledge and skills to serve the north Durham community that she calls home.
Courtney Munn
Office Coordinator
(she/her)
Courtney is a graduate of Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She has previously worked in the retirement home industry with roles in customer care and business administration. Courtney has lived in north Durham all her life and is excited to apply her skills in a new way to help serve her community.
Norma Mann
Housing Administrative Coordinator
(she/her)
Norma comes to us with over 25 years experience in the corporate world, where she provided support to her team members. She is looking forward to using the skills she has acquired over the years to help with housing issues in north Durham. As a long time resident of north Durham, Norma has seen first-hand the challenges of living in rural areas and is passionate about helping to make a difference.
Taryn Federici
RSW
Housing First Caseworker
(she/they)
Taryn is a graduate of Trent University’s Bachelor of Social Work Honours program and holds a Social Service Worker Diploma from Durham College. Throughout her professional experience, she has primarily focused on an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and client-centred approach. Taryn has experience working with individuals experiencing housing insecurity, individuals with disabilities, individuals with exceptional needs, and women fleeing violence. Taryn is dedicated to helping individuals who experience barriers to social determinants of health to have their needs met. She is passionate about helping others improve the quality of their lives and advocating for clients’ voices, choices, and best interests.
Marissa Josephs
RSW
Housing First Caseworker
(she/her)
Marissa is a graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University’s Bachelor of Social Work Honours Program and also holds a Victimology certificate from Conestoga College. Throughout Marissa’s career, she has supported individuals who have faced challenges such as housing insecurity, mental health and substance use. Marissa is dedicated to eradicating systemic barriers for individuals all while working through an anti-oppressive, client-centered, and trauma-informed lens.
Paula Matte
SSW
Mental Health & Addictions Caseworker
(she/her)
Paula is a dedicated Mental Health and Addictions Caseworker, passionately committed to empowering individuals and breaking down systemic barriers within the health care system. With a post-secondary education and professional background in the social service work field, as well as being a certified Addictions and Mental Health Worker, Paula combines personal and professional experience with a fierce dedication to advocacy. She excels at navigating clients through the complexities of our mental health system and will tirelessly advocate for those who struggle to do so for themselves, ensuring that every individual receives the support and respect they deserve. With a deep and comprehensive knowledge of available resources coupled with a compassionate approach, Paula is devoted to supporting individuals in achieving enhanced mental health, wellness and personal goals.
Natalya White
RSSW
Housing Support Specialist
(she/her)
Natalya holds a Social Service Worker diploma from Centennial College. Throughout her professional career, she has worked with individuals who have experienced mental health issues, addictions, and homelessness. She practices from an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and client-centred lens when supporting her clients. Natalya’s passion is helping clients navigate systems by removing barriers that hinder individuals who find it challenging when seeking services to address their needs.
Kylie Beatty
SSW
Housing Support Specialist
(she/they)
Kylie holds an Honours Social Service Worker Diploma from Sheridan College and is pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Family and Community Social Services at Guelph-Humber. Throughout her professional career, she has worked with individuals with complex mental health and addictions, as well as those facing systemic barriers such as homelessness, individuals with disabilities and those engaged within the criminal justice system. Kylie is a passionate advocate who is committed to service provision utilizing a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, harm reduction lens to support the communities she works within and is dedicated to empowering those she supports by amplifying their voices while working collaboratively alongside them to achieve their goals and address their needs.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Ron Houston
Chair
(he/him)
Ron brings a proven track record for leading teams to co-create next generation capabilities and execute strategic IT initiatives to deliver business value. Ron has held numerous management positions in the Information Technology area with a primary focus on people leadership, team building and leading software development for loyalty solutions. Ron lives in nearby Sunderland, with his wife Kerri-Anne, children Courtney and Aidan as well as three cats and a dog.
Mitchell Flagg
Vice Chair
(he/him)
Mitchell Flagg is a lawyer with the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General. From 2003-2018, he worked as a prosecutor in Durham Region. Since 2018, he has worked at the Serious Fraud Office dealing with cases of complex wrongdoing. He is a problem solver who cares deeply about serving the community and supporting people who are vulnerable – for many reasons – to losing their housing.
Michelle Lee
Director
(she/her)
Michelle is a CPA, CA whose professional career included working with not-for-profit organizations and registered charities to navigate their operational, financial, and governance needs. Since moving to Uxbridge, she has become increasingly engaged in the town’s community initiatives and has dedicated her time to understanding and addressing the needs of its residents. Michelle is deeply committed to making her community a more equitable, accessible, and sustainable place for all.