Category Archives: Advocacy

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.

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:

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.