Author Archives: Lou Dawoudiah

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