Rooftops Canada

10/13/2026

Annet lost her home in a single afternoon.

Her relationship ended, and her partner forced her and their four children out. They had never married, and in Uganda that means there is nothing on paper to argue with. The house went. So did the plot where she grew their food.

She found a room nearby and tried to make it work. She did not know there was anyone to ask.

Then she went to a community meeting, and the local chairperson talked about paralegals who help women in exactly her situation.

She asked them for help. They met with her former partner and explained his legal responsibilities to his children. Annet left with a portion of land, and a written agreement that it was hers.

She grows bananas, cassava, and potatoes on it now. Three of her children are back in school, and she has started selling fried cassava and chapatti on the side.

Second of four stories. https://www.rooftops.ca/news-and-updates/the-impact-you-made-uganda

10/06/2026

"I thought that women had many limitations because I believed they were not capable of doing many things."

Idalina said that about herself, about the years before she joined her local farming co-operative in Angola. When the co-operative talked about moving its projects forward, she assumed that was work for the men.

Then she trained through the Women's Spaces project, in land law, in the law against domestic violence, and in how to get more out of her plot.

She is the president of that co-operative today, and she passes on what she learned to the women around her. Together they have secured land for a poultry project of their own.

The first of four stories we're sharing this month. https://www.rooftops.ca/news-and-updates/the-impact-you-made-angola

10/05/2026

Today is World Habitat Day, and the start of Urban October.

Five years ago we asked a question in Angola, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda. What changes when a woman can prove that her home is hers?

We have four answers, and their names are Idalina, Annet, Esther and Andiswa.

One of them each week, starting tomorrow.

09/28/2026

Rooftops Canada Technical Advisor Zeinab Farokhi was in South Africa working with our partner, the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) , on research and advocacy for women's land and housing rights. She worked with SERI staff and local partners to support joint research and writing, summarize findings from workshops held over the past year, and contributed to gender analyses for upcoming working papers and other publications. Following her time with SERI, Zeinab shared her work and key findings with us, offering insight into what she learned and the important research taking place to advance women’s land and housing rights.

👉https://www.rooftops.ca/news-and-updates/technical-advisor-reflection-zeinab-farokhi

09/21/2026

Join Rooftops Canada’s Board of Directors!

Rooftops Canada is seeking engaged and experienced individuals to join its Board of Directors.

As Rooftops Canada looks to the future, we are seeking Board members who can bring diverse perspectives and strategic leadership to help guide our work and strengthen our partnerships in Canada and internationally.

Learn more about how to apply here:

Current Opportunities Join Rooftops Canada’s Board of Directors Read Full Description Here Lire la description complète ici Technical Advisor – Community Housing Specialist - 5 positions available Read Full Job Description Here YOUNG PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities!....

09/21/2026

Across South Africa, Uganda, Angola, and Kenya, our partners continue to make an impact.

👉Here’s a look at some of their recent work: https://www.rooftops.ca/news-and-updates/across-our-global-community-partner-updates

09/14/2026

Compass Nova Scotia Co-operative Homes recently renewed their three-year commitment to Rooftops Canada, continuing a partnership grounded in shared values and a belief in the power of co-operation. Long-term support from committed co-ops like Compass NS helps make Rooftops Canada’s work possible and strengthens a shared vision for safe, secure, and affordable housing for all.

In this Q&A, Compass NS President, Keith Macdonald, reflects on why they chose to renew their commitment for another three years, the values that drive their support, and why being part of Rooftops Canada’s work matters to their community.

👉 https://www.rooftops.ca/news-and-updates/a-shared-commitment-compass-nova-scotia-cooperative-homes

09/11/2026

In Memory of Karen Hemmingson

The Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers of Rooftops Canada are deeply saddened by the passing of Karen Hemmingson.

We invite those who knew Karen to read her obituary and share memories with her family: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/north-vancouver-bc/karen-hemmingson-13022413

Karen recently served two terms on the Rooftops Canada Board of Directors. Throughout her service, she brought wisdom, integrity, and a deep commitment to the values that underpin our work. Her thoughtful leadership, sound judgment, and unwavering dedication helped strengthen our organization and advance our mission.

Those who had the privilege of serving alongside Karen will remember her warmth, kindness, quick wit, and genuine care for others. She approached every discussion with respect and compassion, balancing conviction with humility. Karen was deeply committed to social justice and to the belief that safe, affordable housing is fundamental to strong and healthy communities.

Karen helped shape our organization through her steady presence, generous spirit, and unwavering belief in the importance of community. Her legacy will live on in the work we continue and in the many lives touched by her dedication.

On behalf of the entire Rooftops Canada community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Karen's family, friends, and loved ones. We are grateful for her service, her friendship, and the example she set for all of us.

Karen will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

The Rooftops Canada Board of Directors

Celebrate the life of Karen Hemmingson, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of First Memorial Funeral Services.

08/24/2026

Housing and urban development leaders from around the world gathered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to review progress on the New Urban Agenda, with the global housing crisis at the forefront of discussions. Rooftops Canada joined government, housing specialists, and civil society representatives to advance the conversation on housing justice.

Read on to learn why the meeting’s outcomes matter for the future of safe, affordable housing worldwide.
👉 https://www.rooftops.ca/news-and-updates/rooftops-canada-participates-in-un-midterm-review-of-the-new-urban-agenda

08/21/2026

Rooftops Canada’s partner, Shelter and Settlements Alternatives (SSA), recently spoke with Nabbosa Doreen Osillo, a Principal Community Development Officer and an important local stakeholder in the Women’s Spaces project in Uganda.

She shared her perspective on the project’s impact in her community, particularly for women, and reflected on the changes she is seeing on the ground.

Conversations like this provide valuable perspectives on the progress being made, the challenges that remain, and the evolving priorities of the communities at the heart of this work. These insights help ensure that our work continues to respond to local realities and contributes to lasting impact.

👉 Read Nabbosa's perspective here: https://www.rooftops.ca/news-and-updates/stakeholder-perspective-nabbosa-dorren-osillo