![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Planning_Business_Men_Kitchen-PhotoBy-Benjamin_Hershey-scaled.jpg\")
Photo by Benjamin Hershey.<\/p>\nPhoto by Benjamin Hershey.<\/p>\n
Our Livable Solutions (OLS) has launched a Micro Loan Pilot Project at its new Community House, designed to help residents build confidence, skills, and income through small, supported projects, and micro-business ideas.<\/p>\n
As previously reported, earlier this year, OLS began the process of developing what is currently being called their \u201cCommunity House,\u201d<\/a> a shared home for up to seven residents who are ready to build stability, grow opportunities, and take part in a shared, responsibility-based household \u2014 with support.<\/p>\n In a release issued on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026, OLS detailed that participants in the pilot project will be able to access microloans, starting at up to $100 and increasing step-by-step as they demonstrate responsibility, repay their loans, and grow their skills. Participants use the loan to run a small project, repay the loan, and keep any profits they earn, the organization explained.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat makes this program unique is that each stage includes three parts: a business project, a learning activity (such as budgeting, customer service, or planning), and a compassion activity (helping others, volunteering, mentoring, or contributing to the community). The goal is not just to help people earn money, but to help people build confidence, responsibility, skills, and a sense of purpose and belonging,\u201d OLS said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis program is especially meaningful because individuals receiving Ontario Works and ODSP are able to earn additional monthly income without penalty. This pilot project helps participants safely and responsibly explore those earning opportunities while learning valuable life and work skills.\u201d<\/p>\n The pilot group will be seven residents, and OLS said they will be learning and growing as the program develops.<\/p>\n According to the release, OLS remains focused on practical, community-based solutions that help people move forward step-by-step.<\/p>\n The organization shared details on how members of the community can support the program or get involved.<\/p>\n Mentor:<\/p>\n OLS is looking for people with experience in small business, trades, crafts, sales, budgeting, or simply life experience who would be willing to meet occasionally with participants, encourage them, and help them think through challenges.<\/p>\n Volunteer:<\/p>\n Volunteers can help with project evaluation, workshops, compassion activities, transportation, project ideas, or general program support.<\/p>\n Donate:<\/p>\n Donations will go toward the OLS Micro Loans Revolving Fund, which will provide the small loans for participants. Because this is a revolving fund, when loans are repaid the money is reused to help the next participant, meaning one donation can help many people over time.<\/p>\n Anyone interested in mentoring, volunteering, donating, or simply learning more, is asked to contact OLS at [email\u00a0protected]<\/a>.<\/p>\n The public is also invited to learn more about the OLS Micro Loan Pilot Project and ask questions at an upcoming \u201cAsk OLS Anything\u201d event on Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026 at 7 p.m. online over Zoom. Contact the email address above to RSVP and receive the link.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/OLS-CommunityHouse-ChrystalWilson-CV-FINAL-scaled.jpg\")
Chrystal Wilson, founder of Our Livable Solutions (OLS), stands in the kitchen of the organization\u2019s new property in Kingston, currently dubbed the \u2018Community House,\u2019 where OLS offers supportive housing with an emphasis on employment training, social enterprise, and skill building. File photo by Cris Vilela\/Kingstonist.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ask-OLS-Anything.jpg\")
Image via OLS.<\/p>\n