Author Archives: Lou Dawoudiah

An image of a backlit silhouette of a person shielding their eyes from the extreme sun with overlaid text that says "The Intersection of Climate Change and Social Service".

The Intersection between Climate Change and Social Service

With another hot summer underway in Ottawa you’ve probably noticed the impact of the recent heatwaves, even while indoors! We crank up the air conditioning, seek shade, and stay hydrated. But what if we did not have a home to escape to? Or even access to clean drinking water?  

Recently we’ve been experiencing an increase of the intensity, frequency and longevity of extreme weather events. Just last year, Canada endured its warmest summer in 76 years, with temperatures significantly above historical averages. Increasing similarly are the numbers of people who are experiencing homelessness in Canada, estimated to be between 260,000 and 300,000 individuals every year. 

To those who are most vulnerable in our community, these extreme weather events are not just inconvenient—they are dangerous. That’s why it’s crucial to understand how increasingly severe changes in climate intersect with social vulnerability, and social services, in order to ensure our community’s collective safety. 

Health Impacts on Those Experiencing Homelessness

Being un-housed limits access to proper shade, air conditioning and clean drinking water. This amount of exposure significantly increases the risk for chronic dehydration, sunburn, heat stress and heat stroke. Extreme heat also contributes to poorer air quality, which exacerbates respiratory issues and other health problems. These health conditions can affect us all, but they escalate quickly for individuals who are un-housed, often leading to serious health emergencies, or even death. 

In addition, warmer temperatures and longer summers extend the life cycles of common pests and insects. People experiencing homelessness are more vulnerable to the spread of diseases carried by these pests, such as Lyme disease, and struggle to receive proper and timely treatment. (Source: The Climate Reality Project). 

This environmental and public health risk is putting immense pressure on service organizations, and The Ottawa Mission’s own Frontline Team. Frontline staff brave these extreme weather conditions daily to distribute cold water bottles, sunscreen, light clothing, and healthy meals to those spending their days on the street. However, as our team works tirelessly to provide hot weather supplies, resources are limited, and the demand far exceeds our current capacity.

Send Emergency Relief

The challenges posed by extreme weather conditions are not just a seasonal inconvenience; they represent a severe threat to the health and well-being of our community’s most vulnerable members. As the frequency and intensity of heatwaves increase, so does the need for immediate and sustained support. 

Your support is crucial in ensuring our Frontline team has the resources they need to keep our community safe. Your donation today gives people access to cold water, nutritious meals, hot weather supplies, and a cool place to sleep. 

Every gift counts! Together, we can create a safer, healthier community for all. Please consider donating today.

Reconciliation in Action: Supporting Indigenous Communities by Addressing the Legacy of Colonization

“Our strength lies in the fact that we are still here. We have endured.”

Ovide Mercredi

Ovide Mercredi, a Cree lawyer, leader and former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, has been a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights and self-determination throughout his career. His words emphasize the resilience and perseverance of Indigenous peoples in the face of historical and ongoing challenges resulting from our country’s colonial past and ongoing legacy.

Reflecting on this difficult past and legacy is an important part of Indigenous History Month. It’s a time where we remind ourselves of the responsibility we hold for acknowledging the truth, and the active role we need to play in Reconciliation – personally and professionally.

The Ottawa Mission bears this responsibility by taking active steps toward Reconciliation. We acknowledge that our shelter operates on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people. We acknowledge that the history of colonization has deeply impacted Indigenous communities, particularly through the loss of land and housing. Housing is a fundamental human right, yet the effects of colonization have led to a disproportionately high rate of homelessness among Indigenous peoples. We recognize our role in addressing this injustice by creating a safe and inclusive environment through culturally safe programming and partnerships, and continued advocacy to address the causes of Indigenous homelessness.

Understanding the Impact of Colonization

Colonization in Canada has resulted in profound and lasting effects on Indigenous Peoples, including displacement, discrimination, loss of cultural identity, and systemic barriers to housing and healthcare. This legacy is evident in the stark statistics that illustrate the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities.

According to a study by the Homeless Hub, Indigenous peoples represent 30% of the homeless population in urban centers across Canada, despite making up only 5% of the total population. This overrepresentation is a direct result of historical and ongoing policies of displacement and marginalization.

Moreover, the impact of residential schools, which forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families, continues to affect generations. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) reports that the trauma and cultural dislocation caused by these schools have significantly contributed to the social and economic challenges faced by Indigenous peoples today.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted and culturally appropriate interventions to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities. As an emergency shelter, we play a pivotal role. The Ottawa Mission’s Reconciliation Action Plan outlines our commitment to this important work, emphasizing respect, collaboration, and meaningful action.

Culturally Safe Programs

Culturally safe programs are a vital step in addressing the unique needs of Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness. These programs recognize the importance of cultural identity and traditions in the healing and recovery process. According to the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, culturally specific programs help create a sense of belonging and trust, which is essential for effective service delivery. Research indicates that Indigenous peoples are more likely to engage with, and benefit from, services that respect and incorporate their cultural practices. The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) highlights that culturally safe approaches reduce barriers to accessing care and improve overall outcomes for Indigenous clients.

Incorporating cultural practices such as smudging, traditional foods, and ceremonies within homeless shelters not only honour the heritage of Indigenous Peoples but also foster a supportive community where they feel understood and valued. We aim to continue building culturally safe programs and services at the Ottawa Mission with this core belief in mind. Our monthly Country Food Feasts and Smudging Ceremonies provide opportunities for Indigenous community members to connect with their heritage in a supportive environment. Indigenous students from Chef Ric’s Food Services Training Program (FSTP) often lead these community meals, ensuring that the programs are reflective of the true richness of Indigenous culinary traditions and practices.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Goals

Just like collaborating with Indigenous FSTP students, the Ottawa Mission’s path towards reconciliation is informed by working closely with Indigenous partners and community organizations and members to ensure our plan reflects the lived experiences of Indigenous people. Our public support for Reconciliation outlines the steps our shelter is taking to create spaces where Indigenous community members feel welcome and supported. These steps include:

  • Enhancing Cultural Competency: Providing ongoing training for our staff to ensure they understand and respect Indigenous cultures and histories.
  • Expanding Programs: Increasing the number and variety of programs that cater specifically to the needs of Indigenous community members.
  • Strengthening Partnerships: Building stronger relationships with Indigenous organizations and leaders to better serve the community.
  • Improving Accessibility: Ensuring our services are easily accessible to Indigenous individuals, addressing barriers that may prevent them from seeking help.

Moving Forward

As our journey towards Reconciliation continues, we recognize that there is much work to be done. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Indigenous communities and addressing the systemic issues that contribute to homelessness and marginalization.

You can read our full public commitment to Reconciliation here.

Nourishing Change: Confronting the Surge in Food Insecurity in Ottawa and across Canada

In a world where there’s enough food to feed everyone, it’s disheartening that a substantial number of people – including families with children – struggle daily to secure a basic meal. Food is not just essential for survival; it underpins every aspect of human health, supports cognitive development and academic performance in children, and fosters community and cultural connectivity. It fuels the workforce that drives our economy and sustains the social interactions that knit the fabric of our communities. Yet, despite its critical importance, recent reports from reveal a deeply concerning trend: food insecurity in Canada has reached unprecedented levels, affecting more households than ever before. As we observe World Hunger Day, it’s imperative to confront a critical and escalating crisis that affects millions both globally and within our own borders.

The Growing Crisis

A recent study by PROOF, an interdisciplinary research team investigating food insecurity in Canada, revealed alarming trends in household food insecurity over the past year (link). Their findings indicate that nearly one in four Canadians now face difficulty in securing enough food due to financial constraints. The latest data from 2023 shows that an alarming 22.9% of Canadian households are now struggling to access sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. This represents a significant increase from previous years, marking the highest level recorded since national monitoring began. Particularly distressing is the finding that children are disproportionately affected, with nearly one in four living in food-insecure environments. This trend not only impacts their immediate health and development, but also their long-term educational outcomes and future potential.

Similarly, the annual Poverty Report Card by Food Banks Canada (link) highlights that despite being one of the world’s wealthiest nations, Canada has seen a sharp rise in the number of individuals relying on food banks. This report reveals a 30% increase in first-time food bank users. Another notable aspect of the report is the shift in demographics of those relying on food banks. Traditionally viewed as a support system for the most economically vulnerable, food banks are increasingly visited by working individuals and families who find themselves unable to make ends meet due to stagnant wages and skyrocketing living costs. The report also vividly illustrates how food insecurity is becoming a mainstream issue, affecting broader sections of society and pointing to deep systemic economic and social disparities.

Local Impact

Here at home, findings similarly reveal that food insecurity in Ottawa is not just a statistic, but a daily reality for thousands. Our recent report “No More Waiting” sheds light on the local dimensions of this crisis. Last year alone, the Ottawa Mission provided over a million meals, a record high that speaks volumes about the growing demand for immediate food assistance amidst a backdrop of insufficient social support systems. The report also draws a stark portrait of how intertwined food insecurity is with housing instability.

Amidst soaring rental prices and a glaring shortage of affordable housing, an increasing number of Ottawa residents are forced to choose between paying rent and buying food. Over 10% of those accessing the Ottawa Mission’s food services in 2023 were employed, but still unable to afford basic necessities.

The personal stories and lived experiences centered in our report bluntly narrate the choices many in our community face. From single parents juggling rent and food costs, to refugees struggling without stable income, to students, to people working minimum wage jobs, and others, so many are finding themselves having to choose between paying for shelter or paying for meals. These examples are not isolated, collectively they ripple and spreads as a result of broader systemic issues that requires urgent, comprehensive and collaborative solutions.

Nourishing Change

The data is clear, and so is our mission. Food insecurity should not be a norm in our society, and it’s time for transformative changes. The need for coordinated policy approaches by all levels of government that address both housing and food security simultaneously is imperative. We need robust government interventions that prevent individuals and families from having to make impossible choices.

As World Hunger Day calls us to action, let us respond with a unified voice advocating for sustainable solutions. It’s not just about alleviating hunger today, but about securing food justice for tomorrow. We urge you to read the full “No More Waiting” report to understand the depth of need that exists in our city, and how to advocate for policies that ensure no one has to choose between basic necessities [add link here or in the title of the report].

Be it through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word – we can drive real change. Together, we can ensure food security becomes a reality for everyone in our community.

Read the full “No More Waiting” report to learn more about our fight against food insecurity and how you can be part of meaningful change.

The Ottawa Mission Serves Over One Million Meals to Our Community

Despite no affordable housing, the shelter continues to place vulnerable community members into homes.

Ottawa, ON – Today the Ottawa Mission released its annual impact report outlining its support of increasing numbers of vulnerable community members over its past fiscal year.

“Fortunately, as COVID-19 declined in our community, in November 2022, we expanded services that had been scaled back during the pandemic. It has been heartening to welcome community clients back into our shelter for meals, educational, employment and housing support, addiction and trauma counselling, and other services they rely upon,” noted Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley.

“Having said this, our community faces many very serious challenges in a post-pandemic environment such as increases in mental health distress and substance use coupled with inflation, the ongoing housing emergency, the poisoning of the street drug supply and a rise in overdoses,” Tilley added.

But the most severe change has been the shocking increase in hunger across Ottawa. “Prior to the pandemic, we served 495,360 meals annually. This past year, we served an astounding 1,057,489 meals. That means that we served more than one meal for every person in Ottawa this past year,” noted Chef Ric Allen-Watson, the Mission’s Director of Food Services.

In response to worsening hunger across our community, The Mission launched its food truck program in September 2020. Beginning with one truck and five stops, it served 500 meals per week. Since that time, it has expanded to two trucks and 35 stops serving over 7,000 meals per week. The Mission also operates a grocery program through the food truck program, providing a small bag of groceries to each client who receives a meal. This past fiscal year, the shelter handed out 51,161 bags of groceries.

“Many clients have told us that they go hungry until our trucks come. Other clients have told us that our food truck helps them with feeding their families since the cost of groceries has risen so much,” added Allen-Watson. A 2021 survey showed that 34% of food truck program clients are families with children.

Despite the duration and severity of pandemic restrictions coupled with the continuing lack of affordable housing in Ottawa, from May 2019 to April 2023, The Mission placed 424 clients into housing. “This is remarkable since the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has confirmed that there are almost no affordable private rental units for low income households in Ottawa: average rents for one-bedroom apartments have risen 15.3% since last year and are now $2,146 per month. In fact, 10% of people living in shelters are employed, but cannot afford these rents,” noted Kristen Schilkie, Manager of Housing. In 2020, Ottawa City Council declared a homelessness emergency. While the number of people living in shelters declined in 2020 and 2021, it rose again in 2022 and remains higher than it was 10 years ago.

Among the many housing services provided by the shelter, The Mission has a unique city-funded position that provides support to veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. “Veterans are among several unique populations who are at greater risk of homelessness due to PTSD and other factors,” Schilkie added. “Last year, we provided 20 veterans case management support at the shelter and six were successfully housed.”

Despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic over the past year, the shelter continued to support increasing numbers of vulnerable community members who have turned to it for help. In addition to its meal and housing programs, support has included:

  • Providing emergency shelter to 1,830 unique individuals.
  • Providing 83 clients with employment referrals.
  • Providing 121 clients with mental health referrals.
  • Helping 123 clients achieve their educational goals.
  • Training 42 Food Service Training Program graduates, 37 of whom found employment in the industry.
  • Supporting 59 Addiction and Trauma Services graduates on their journey to wellness and recovery and reducing their risk of relapse.
  • Provided compassionate and evidence-based care through 14,739 primary care patient consults, 37 new Hospice admissions, and 593 dental care patient visits.
  • Bringing comfort and solace to clients through our Chaplaincy services.

“Like hospital emergency rooms, emergency shelters are the entry point for many people within the homelessness continuum of care. At The Mission, we’re proud to provide the care vulnerable people need to keep them safe and rebuild their lives. Given the severe challenges faced by increasing numbers of vulnerable people in our community, we continue to be their first point of refuge for the next several years. We’re very fortunate to continue to have exceptional support from our very generous donors and supporters. Given the continuing need to support so many vulnerable community members, we call on all levels of government to increase their funding for affordable housing, food insecurity, and treatment for mental health and substance use,” Tilley concluded.

About The Ottawa Mission

Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving the homeless, the hungry and the lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2022-2023, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 177 men every night and served an average of 2,898 meals every day.  The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, the Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of a new housing department.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Aileen Leo

Director of Communications

T 613.234.1144 x 305

E-mail: aleo@ottawamission.com

CBC: Surge of refugee claimants overwhelming some Ottawa shelters

Ottawa homeless shelters are seeing a surge of asylum seekers showing up at their doors, raising fears that the refugee housing crisis overwhelming Toronto shelters could be spreading to the capital.

Peter Tilley, CEO of the Ottawa Mission, said a record number of migrants have come to the shelter on Waller Street in recent weeks.

Tilley was “floored” when he saw the data. Of 228 new intakes at the shelter since the beginning of June, 87 were newcomers. He said most of those were refugee claimants.

“That would be more than triple, even quadruple, the amount of refugee claimants we would normally have,” he said.

“We’re already at over capacity dealing with the homeless population of Ottawa,” he explained. “So we’re certainly struggling to handle this overflow.”

Martine Dore, director of programs and services at Cornerstone Housing for Women, has seen a 50 per cent increase in newcomers seeking shelter there over just the past three months. Again, most are refugee claimants. She fears for what will happen if the influx pushes more people onto the streets.

“I saw the stories about Toronto and it broke my heart, and it made me very anxious about what we’re going to be facing here as we move forward,” said Dore, who added her shelter is already chronically full.

“It’s just one more pressure on a system that’s already severely overtaxed.”

‘I was afraid’

Canada had processed nearly 60,000 applications from asylum seekers as of June, the highest mid-year count going back to at least 2015.

Thousands have shown up at Toronto’s emergency shelters. The number of asylum seekers there rose from 530 per night in September 2021 to 2,800 this May, and led to dozens camping out in front of an intake office downtown.

Funding Gap Threatens Ottawa’s Ability to Tackle Homelessness Emergency

It’s difficult to believe that it’s been over three years since Ottawa declared a homelessness emergency, and even more difficult to believe how much worse the situation has become. The number of people sleeping outside has doubled, and all shelters in Ottawa are at over 100% capacity.

The recent provincial funding decision for homelessness prevention and housing services in Ottawa is alarming. The province has allocated a mere 0.4% of the $202 million dollars committed for homelessness prevention in our city. This is inexplicable when compared to Toronto, which has been allocated $48 million, almost 60 times the amount allocated to Ottawa ($845,000) – even though we are the second-largest city in Ontario.

Such underfunding will result in a $37 million funding gap for Ottawa, leading to the cancellation of 54 supportive housing projects, and the cancellation of 570 to 850 new builds of affordable units per year. This comes on top of the loss of development charges for municipalities under Bill 23, which cities have used to support the construction of affordable housing and other community benefits.

Ottawa specifically faces unique challenges in tackling homelessness:

  • It includes the significant catchment area of eastern Ontario and west Quebec.
  • It’s experiencing a large increase in the number of asylum seekers (63%), especially as compared to Toronto (18%).
  • It services a disproportionate number of Indigenous clients, estimated at about 32% of the overall shelter population.

The provincial government wants to build 1.5 million homes within 10 years, but Ottawa cannot meet its share of this goal with such underfunding.

As a housing-focused shelter, we urge the provincial government to reserve this decision and to increase Ottawa’s Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) by $18 – 20 million to ensure that our city can support vulnerable community members with a home of their own. Ontario ended the last fiscal year with a $2.1-billion surplus, and it is unacceptable to not provide adequate funding to address the homelessness emergency in our community.

We cannot afford to ignore this issue any longer. Homelessness affects not just individuals, but our entire community. It affects the economy, the health care system, and the criminal justice system. We need to take action to ensure that everyone has a safe and secure place to call home.

You can make a difference. Join us in advocating for adequate funding for Ottawa’s Homelessness Prevention Program. Send a letter to your MPP and urge them to increase funding for our city.

Together, we can ensure that everyone in our community has access to safe, supportive, and affordable housing.

Why Ending Homelessness is the Key to a Sustainable Future

Climate change, pollution, and habitat loss are just a few of the issues that threaten the well-being of our planet. In order to tackle these issues, we need to focus on sustainability and reduce our impact on the environment. However, there is one issue that is often overlooked in the conversation about sustainability: homelessness.

Homelessness is a complex issue that affects millions of people around the world. It is not only a humanitarian crisis but also an environmental one. Research shows that individuals experiencing homelessness are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. They are often exposed to extreme weather conditions and lack access to essential resources, such as clean water and safe shelter. Homelessness also contributes to environmental degradation, with many individuals having no choice but to live in unsanitary and unsafe conditions.

Ending homelessness, therefore, is not only a moral imperative but also an environmental one. Providing permanent, affordable, safe and accessible housing can significantly reduce exposure to environmental hazards and improve the health outcomes of our overall community. By reducing the number of people living on the streets, we also reduce environmental impacts generated by homeless encampments.

Moreover, housing-focused programs that prioritize providing stable housing for individuals who are precariously-housed have been shown to be cost-effective in the long run. By reducing the use of emergency services and healthcare, and increasing employment opportunities, housing-focused programs can have a positive impact on the economy and the environment. They also act as the crucial first step towards addressing the underlying issues that face individuals who experience homelessness.

As we strive for a sustainable future, it’s essential to recognize the importance of ending homelessness, and to find collaborative links between housing and environmental advocacy. By investing in housing-first programs and advocating for policies that prioritize affordable housing and supportive services, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Sources:

Helping Those in Need this Easter: Ottawa Mission Serves 14,454 Meals to Meet Continuing Extreme Hunger in Ottawa

Ottawa, ON – During the Ottawa Mission’s special Easter meal service, which was held on April 10 for shelter and community members in our dining room, as well as the week prior through our Mobile Mission Meals food truck program, the shelter served 14,454 meals to those in need. Shelter guests and community members enjoyed a full roast beef dinner, while food truck program clients took home a delicious turkey supper. Several elected officials participated in serving this special meal to shelter guests and community members, including the Hon. Mona Fortier, PC, MP, and several city Councilors.

The recent pandemic as well as rampant food inflation has resulted in shocking increases in hunger in Ottawa. To meet this deepening need, the Mission added a second truck and additional stops to its food truck program. The program began in September 2020 with 5 stops serving 100 meals at each stop and has grown over the course of the pandemic to now 34 stops serving over 7,000 meals per week to people in need across the city of Ottawa. In 2019, the last Easter before the pandemic, the shelter served 2,659 meals.

“This is a new record for one of our special meals and more than five times the number of meals we served for Easter 2019. The astounding increase in hunger in our community is why we’ve expanded our food truck program so many times across our community,” noted Chef Ric Allen-Watson, Director of Food Services for the Mission.

“Ottawa was already in the grip of a continuing homelessness emergency, an opioid-use epidemic and then the pandemic. And now hunger is at urgent levels across our community because of continuing double-digit food inflation. Given the overwhelming impact of these successive crises on our collective mental health, finances, food insecurity, and risk of homelessness, we anticipate remaining the first place of refuge for even more vulnerable people. We’re happy to help, we can’t continue to do it alone. We need help to ensure that those who rely upon this program don’t go hungry,” noted Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley.

“Our dedicated volunteers and exceptional kitchen staff worked hard to ensure that everyone had a delicious Easter. And a special thanks to our donors and supporters who have been profoundly generous in their continuing support of the Mission. A huge thank you to all,” Tilley concluded.

About The Ottawa Mission
Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving those who are homeless, hungry and lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2021-2022, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 118 men every night and served an average of 2,570 meals every day.  The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, the Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of its housing department. Visit ottawamission.com to learn more.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Aileen Leo
Director of Communications
T 613.234.1144 x 305
C 613.712.3092
aleo@ottawamission.com

Funding Our Way Out of Homelessness: The Impact of Municipal, Provincial, and Federal Funding on Housing and Homelessness

At The Ottawa Mission, we see firsthand the devastating impact that homelessness and the lack of affordable and supportive housing has on individuals in our community.

The issue of homelessness is a complex one that requires a coordinated approach, practical and systematic, from all levels of government to address it. Each level of government has its own areas of responsibility in addressing the problem, and funding plays a critical role in addressing the state of housing and homelessness in our communities.

Let’s take a closer look at how each level of government affects our work here at the shelter.

Municipal funding

Municipal governments have a key role to play in providing essential services that directly affect the homeless population in their communities. This includes:

  • Funding emergency shelters;
  • Providing affordable housing options;
  • Implementing homelessness prevention programs;
  • Regulating the housing market through zoning and building codes, which can impact the availability and affordability of housing.

In short, municipal funding supports the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness and helps to create an environment that fosters affordable and accessible housing.

Provincial funding

Provincial governments have a broader responsibility when it comes to addressing homelessness. They are responsible for:

  • Funding a range of frontline services that support those who are homeless, including rent supplements and housing allowances;
  • Funding mental health and addiction services, employment and education programs, and other wraparound supports, which are often critical to helping individuals transition out of homelessness;
  • Coordinating the efforts of municipalities and non-profit organizations to implement a cohesive and effective strategy for addressing homelessness across the province.
  • Supports a common vision, key principles and a coordinated approach to achieving improved housing outcomes.

Federal funding

The federal government plays a critical role in shaping the overall direction of homelessness policy in Canada. It provides:

  • Affordable housing initiatives funding;
  • Homelessness prevention programs funding;
  • Funding for other services that support the homeless population;
  • Setting goals for the provision of affordable housing and housing loss prevention;
  • Support for the research and data collection that informs housing and homelessness policy decisions

How it all affects us

Although homelessness has always existed, it has now reached epidemic levels in Ottawa and across Canada because government support at all levels has not kept up with the need for affordable and supportive housing. When there is adequate funding for affordable housing initiatives and homelessness prevention programs, we see fewer people coming through our doors. Additionally, when there is funding for mental health and addiction services, we see individuals who are better equipped to transition out of homelessness and into stable housing.

When funding for affordable housing initiatives and homelessness prevention programs is stagnant or cut, we see an increase in the number of people who are experiencing homelessness. Similarly, when mental health and addiction services are not adequately funded, we see individuals who are struggle to get the help they need to transition out of homelessness.

Each level of government has a distinct role to play in addressing homelessness, and adequate funding from each level is critical to supporting the needs of those who are homeless in our community. It is only through collaboration and support from all levels of government that we can hope to end homelessness in Canada. As one of the city’s busiest emergency shelters, The Ottawa Mission urges all levels of government to prioritize funding for these critical programs to help end homelessness in our communities.

Ottawa Mission anticipates serving almost 14,000 meals this Easter

Help The Ottawa Mission Feed Hungry Community Members this Easter by Donating Frozen Turkeys for our Special Food Truck Meal

Ottawa, ON – As we head into spring after a long winter, planning is underway for The Ottawa Mission’s annual Easter Dinner, which will take place on Monday, April 10th at the shelter – the first in-person Easter meal hosted by the Mission in three years. The Mission will also be serving special Easter meals from April 3 – 9 through its first food truck program to 34 community partner stops across Ottawa. The Mission launched this program to meet the unbelievable need for food in our community. The Mission anticipates that it will serve approximately 14,000 Easter meals – a new record for this special holiday meal for the shelter, and 950,000 – 1 million meals over this fiscal year.

“It will take 4,500 pounds of turkey, or 250 large turkeys to feed everyone who comes to our food trucks for our special Easter dinner,” says Chef Ric Watson, Director of Food Services at The Mission. “Our kitchen volunteers and staff are working very hard to ensure that everyone will have a delicious turkey dinner by preparing for this very special event in advance.”

Also on the menu will be: 1500 lbs. roast beef; 2000 Yorkshire puddings; 2000 baked potatoes with sour cream (all for the special meal served to shelter guests on April 10); 4500 lbs. turkey; 3000 lbs. peeled potatoes; 1800 lbs. glazed fresh carrots; 150 gallons of gravy; and 900 vegetarian quiches.

Members of the public can help ensure that no one in our community goes hungry this Easter. Frozen turkey donations can be dropped off between 7 am – 5 pm at the garage entrance to The Ottawa Mission at the corner of Waller and Besserer. Please ring the bell and a staff-person will arrive to receive your donation. Monetary donations to support the Easter meal are also appreciated and can be made at: https://ottawamission.com/donate/.

About The Ottawa Mission
Since 1906, The Ottawa Mission has been serving those who are homeless, hungry and lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and skills. In 2021-2022, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 118 men every night and served an average of 2,570 meals every day.  The Ottawa Mission also provides to men and women health services, mental health and addiction treatment programs, primary care, hospice care, dental services, housing services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and clothing to thousands in need in our community. In September 2020, The Ottawa Mission marked the one millionth hour that the shelter has been in existence since its founding in 1906. In 2019, the Mission became a housing-focused shelter reflective of its commitment to a home for everyone as a human right with the launch of a new housing department.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Aileen Leo
Director of Communications
T 613.234.1144 x 305
C: 613.712.3092
E-mail: aleo@ottawamission.com