Mission Updates
News Articles:
CivicAction: Mission Affordable
Rental Rescue’s approach to defending affordable housing by bridging nonprofit organizations with private sector capital, while defending the community, as told through the experience of one of their tenants.
The Institute of Southern Georgian Bay
An update on the collaborative research proforma with Rental Rescue, University of Toronto (U of T), and the Institute.
Hamilton Spectator
July 26, 2024
FirstOntario Credit Union and non-profit Rental Rescue team up to buy King Street East property.
The Sun Times
July 5, 2024
Rental Rescue co-hosted a hands-on Lego workshop bringing together community housing leaders to tackle Owen Sound’s complex affordable housing issues.
The Owen Sound Current
July 3, 2024
Rental Rescue co-hosted a hands-on Lego workshop bringing together community housing leaders to tackle Owen Sound’s complex affordable housing issues.
Newswire Canada
June 20, 2024
Rental Rescue’s partnership with FirstOntario Credit Union demonstrates how innovative collaboration between financial institutions and housing nonprofits can preserve affordable housing through community-focused investment.
Interviews and Podcast Appearances:
Hamilton Community Foundation
Jan 7, 2026
Krystal Valencia shares how Rental Rescue’s innovative model helps nonprofit housing providers compete in the open market.
Cable 14 News
May 6, 2025
Krystal Valencia and Kevin Tom talk about how Rental Rescue helps secure affordable rental units for Hamiltonians.
Uniting Communities: Partnerships for Affordable Housing
Sept 10, 2024
FirstOntario Credit Union CEO Lloyd Smith engages in a crucial discussion with FirstOntario’s Kevin Tom, Chief Investment Officer, Lori Beech, Executive Director of Bethlehem Housing and Support Services, and Krystal Valencia, Founder of Rental Rescue, to address the urgent issue of affordable housing.
No Safe Mode!
June 10, 2024
Krystal Valencia and Mateo Chiyangi discuss the mission-oriented values of Rental Rescue, recognizing housing as a human right.
Breezy Breakfast Radio Hour
Jan 8, 2024
Krystal Valencia discusses how Rental Rescue was created to preserve existing affordable housing units by safeguarding them against deterioration.
Industry Recognition and Awards:
2025 ONPHA Awards Young Changemaker Award Winner
The ONPHA Young Changemaker Award recognizes young professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to creating positive change in the community housing sector in Ontario.
Event and Conference Appearances:
Blended Finance Summit 2026
March 5, 2026
Krystal Valencia is featured as a speaker at Spring Activator’s Summit 2026, showcasing Rental Rescue’s model of defending affordable housing.
Future Builds XP
Sept 17, 2025
Krystal Valencia, alongside Mayor Olivia Chow and Tsering Yangki, headline the 2025 FutureBuilds XP event.
The Globe and Mail: Globe Drive Urban Mobility Summit
March 28, 2025
Krystal Valencia joined urban planning experts to discuss how housing stability intersects with community mobility and accessibility.
Intentional Community Consortium
March 18, 2025
Justin Rain presented Rental Rescue’s model at the Intentional Community Consortium, discussing social solutions to the housing crisis.
CMHC National Housing Conference
March 2024
Krystal Valencia joined industry leaders, experts and innovators to share their knowledge, insights and experiences in the housing sector and beyond.