Ottawa, ON – Today The Ottawa Mission celebrated the graduation of 22 students of its renowned Food Services Training Program (FSTP) trained at “Chef Ric’s”, the shelter’s social enterprise at 384 Rideau Street.

One of these graduates is Mehal. The program has given her the knowledge and confidence to pursue a new career. “The Food Service Training Program has been so beneficial. I’ve found my passion and now know that I want to continue pursuing my culinary career. I have a science background and this is a big step away from that. I’m now applying to culinary schools, looking to expand on all that I’ve learned from the FSTP. Without this program, I’m not sure how I would’ve broken into the food service industry. It’s given me the experience to take that next step,” she notes.

2024 marks the 20^th anniversary since the inception of the FSTP. Since that time, the program has graduated 334 students, almost 90% of whom have found employment in the food service industry. The Mission will celebrate this tremendous achievement later this year.

The FSTP was created by Chef Ric Allen-Watson, The Mission’s Director of Food Services. Homeless at age 14, he knows the power of paying it forward. “Someone reached out to me and showed me that education could help and I started this program to help other people in need. After 20 years, I couldn’t be happier that we’ve helped and continue to help so many people in our community who need support.”

Mehal attests to this. “They offer you help in many different areas beyond cooking. They’ve helped me build my resume, provided pointers on how to find work, and even organized life coaching sessions. I’ve seen my progress from when I started the program, to now. I’ve gained quite a lot of experience with different styles of cooking and catering, learning new recipes and even developing my own.”

As Ottawa continues to deal with chronically high inflation, hunger, poverty and homelessness, The Mission will remain the first place of refuge for increasing numbers of vulnerable people for the next several years. “At Chef Ric’s, we’re doing our part to help even more people in need by helping people graduate to new lives,” Ottawa Mission CEO Peter 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 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
C: 613.712.3092
E-mail: aleo@ottawamission.com

Shelter smashes previous numbers for Christmas special meals

Ottawa, ON – During The Ottawa Mission’s annual Christmas meal, which was held on December 17 as well as the week prior to this date through the shelter’s food truck program, The Mission served 17,427 meals – a new record for a special meal service.

“It took 7000 lbs. of turkey, 3500 lbs. of peeled potatoes, 2000 lbs. of vegetables, 150 gallons of gravy, and 900 vegetarian quiches to ensure that those who turn to us for help this Christmas did not go hungry,” said Chef Ric Allen-Watson, Director of Food Services for the Mission.

Prior to the pandemic, the average number of meals served each Christmas was about 2,500; 17,427 is almost seven times that number. While the pandemic has waned, persistent high inflation and other factors have meant surging numbers of people who are turning to the shelter for basic necessities such as food.

The shelter’s annual meal numbers have more than doubled since the beginning of pandemic, rising from 495,000 in 2018 – 2019 to 1,057,000 in 2022 – 2023. The pandemic and now inflation means even more people are having to choose between feeding themselves and their families or paying their housing costs, and turning to the shelter for help. “I’ve been at The Mission for over 20 years, and I’ve never seen hunger this shocking in our community,” Allen-Watson added.

In addition to this special meal, the occasion also provided a sense of warmth and community to those in need who would otherwise be alone.

“While we are so pleased to be providing this special meal for both shelter guests and community clients, we remain very concerned about the shocking increase in hunger across our community due to the pandemic and inflation. We look forward to working with all levels of government in 2024 to address those conditions which caused so many people in need to turn to our shelter for help, including poverty, lack of affordable housing, and other factors,” Ottawa Mission CEO Peter 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 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
C: 613.712.3092
E-mail: aleo@ottawamission.com

Shelter Will Surpass 2022–2023 Annual Meal Count and Serve Record Number of Christmas Meals this year

Ottawa, ON – The Ottawa Mission is on track to surpass its shocking all-time high annual meal count of 1,057,489 meals from its past fiscal year as it prepares to serve a record number of special Christmas meals from December 10 – 17. Thus far this year the shelter has served over 600,000 meals to vulnerable community members. Based on the total of 16,496 Thanksgiving meals served from its food truck program and shelter in October, it expects to serve almost 17,000 special Christmas meals this December.

“It will take 7000 lbs. of turkey, 3500 lbs. of peeled potatoes, 2000 lbs. of vegetables, 150 gallons of gravy, and 900 vegetarian quiches to ensure that those who turn to us for help this Christmas do not go hungry,” said Chef Ric Allen-Watson, Director of Food Services for the Mission.

Prior to the pandemic, the average number of meals served each Christmas was about 2,500; the estimate of 17,000 is almost seven times that number. While the pandemic has waned, persistent high inflation and other factors have meant surging numbers of people who are turning to the shelter for basic necessities such as food. “I know what it’s like to go hungry, and it’s my mission to ensure that no one who turns to us for help does,” Allen-Watson added.

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 gift.

On November 27 and 28, monetary donations to support the Christmas meal and other vital programs at the Ottawa Mission will be matched by DYMON Storage and can be made at ottawamission.com. In addition, DYMON will be donating a meal for every Ottawa Mission Giving Tuesday post that is shared on the Mission’s social media channels. “DYMON is a longtime invaluable partner in supporting our 17 programs to help vulnerable people rebuild their lives,” CEO Peter 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 2021-2022, The Ottawa Mission provided emergency shelter to an average of 118 men every night and served an average of 2570 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
C: 613.712.3092
E-mail: aleo@ottawamission.com

Ottawa, ON – In the wake of ongoing high inflation and shocking increases in hunger across our community, The Ottawa Mission has been forced to increase its ask to donors to cover the costs of individual meals to $4.68.

The last time The Mission raised its meal donation ask was in 2017, when it was raised from $2.97 to $3.47. Since that time, inflation has risen by almost 22%, and the number of meals served annually by the shelter has surged from 484,494 to 1,057,489, an increase of over 215% as deep hunger spreads across our city.

“Over 60% of our annual budget is supported by our donors, who are caring and compassionate people. Without them, we couldn’t possibly provide our 17 programs to help so many people rebuild their lives,” noted Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley. Since 2017, the percentage of The Mission’s budget supported by its donors has grown by over 20% as community need has increased sharply in a post-pandemic environment.

One example of a Mission program supported entirely by donations is its food truck program. Beginning in September 2020 in response to the pandemic 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.

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

“Over the past several years, we’ve worked hard to maintain our ask for donations at $3.47 per meal despite the increasing cost of food and community need. This effort is supported by our wonderful volunteers, hundreds of whom help us deliver services that are desperately needed,” noted Tilley.

However, we’ve been able to keep our meal ask low for only so long, and time has come when we have no choice but to ask our generous and steadfast donors to help us for by contributing just a bit more. The good news is that even with this increase, our meal costs remains low and far below the average cost of a meal.  Our generous donors, volunteers and community partners are key to us continuing to meet the needs of our community in a compassionate and cost-effective way,” 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
C: 613.712.3092
E-mail: aleo@ottawamission.com

Ottawa, ON – During The Ottawa Mission’s annual Thanksgiving meal, which was held on October 9^th as well as the week prior to Thanksgiving through the shelter’s food truck program, The Mission served 16,496 meals – a new record for a special meal service.

“It takes 6,000 pounds of turkey to feed everyone during our special Thanksgiving dinner,” noted Chef Ric Watson, Director of Food Services at The Mission. Also on the menu was: 3000 lbs. peeled potatoes; 2000 lbs. glazed fresh carrots; 150 gallons of gravy; and 900 vegetarian quiches. “This Thanksgiving meal count is yet another example of the overwhelming need for food in our community.”

Prior to the pandemic, The Mission served 495,360 meals annually. This past year, it served an astounding 1,057,489 meals. “While it has been heartening to welcome community clients back into our shelter for meals, our community faces very serious challenges in a post-pandemic environment, the most shocking of which is the skyrocketing rate of hunger,” stated Peter Tilley, Ottawa Mission CEO.

“This means that we served the equivalent of more than one meal for every person in Ottawa this past year. It’s disgraceful that increasing numbers of people in our community have to choose between paying their rent and feeding themselves and their families,” Allen-Watson added.

This is one reason why The Mission launched its food truck program. Beginning in September 2020 with one truck and five stops serving 500 meals per week, it now has two trucks which deliver over 7,000 meals per week at 35 community partner locations across the city to ensure that those who cannot travel to the shelter do not go hungry. The shelter is working to expand this program in response to continuing overwhelming community need.

“Poverty, homelessness and food insecurity are serious public health issues. We at The Ottawa Mission are doing our part to address shocking increases in hunger and keep people healthy through our meal program,” said Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley. “Now more than ever, our team of staff, volunteers and service partners supported by our donors are working harder than ever to meet the increasing need in our community.”

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
C: 613.712.3092
E-mail: aleo@ottawamission.com

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

Help The Ottawa Mission Feed Hungry Community Members this Thanksgiving by Donating Frozen Turkeys

Ottawa, ON – As we head into the fall, planning is well underway for The Ottawa Mission’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner at its shelter, which will take place on Monday, October 9^th, and also from October 2 – 8 through its food truck program.

The meal for shelter guests and community members will begin at 11:00 am in The Mission dining room. The Mission’s food truck program will also serve a full Thanksgiving meal to everyone who accesses this service the week prior to the October 9 meal.

On any given day, The Ottawa Mission serves about 3,000 meals to shelter residents and those in need in the community. Due to the shocking increase in hunger across our community, the shelter anticipates serving over 14,000 meals this Thanksgiving.

“It will take about 6,000 pounds of turkey to feed everyone who comes to our special Thanksgiving 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: 3000 lbs. peeled potatoes; 2000 lbs. glazed fresh carrots; 150 Gallons of gravy; and 900 vegetarian quiche.

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 Thanksgiving 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 the homeless, the hungry and the 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 2570 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:
Myles Dingwall – Communications Officer
C 613.613-809-3764
E-mail:  mdingwall@ottawamission.com

Recent graduates include newcomers to Canada

Ottawa, ON – Today The Ottawa Mission celebrated the graduation of 24 students of its renowned Food Services Training Program (FSTP) trained at “Chef Ric’s”, the shelter’s social enterprise at 384 Rideau Street.

This graduation ceremony was dedicated to Chef Antonio Grande, a long-time and passionate volunteer FSTP instructor. Chef Toni passed away in June and the graduation ceremony is dedicated to his memory.

One of these graduates is Jean Chirac, a newcomer from Burundi. At age 26, he left his home last December to start anew in Ottawa. Facing uncertainty about his future, he discovered the FSTP and was accepted. “I love cooking and creating with food. I felt very fortunate to have found an opportunity like this.”

Jean Chirac excelled in the program and soon found himself employed at a local restaurant, showing tremendous work ethic balancing his work and his studies. While he had some cooking skills and experience to build on, he found the program’s resume writing and job application training to be particularly beneficial. He plans on using that training to pursue a culinary career with a social service agency.

The FSTP was created in 2004 by Chef Ric Allen-Watson, The Mission’s Director of Food Services. Homeless at age 14, he knows the power of paying it forward. “Someone reached out to me and showed me that education could help. That’s why I started this program: to help other people rebuild their lives.”

Since 2004, 282 people have graduated from the program, almost 90% of whom have gone on to positions in the food services industry. In September 2021, operations for the FSTP were moved from The Ottawa Mission’s kitchen to Chef Ric’s to add more space and increase the capacity of the program. The next session of the FSTP began earlier this week and has 20 registrants.

As Ottawa continues to deal with a post-pandemic environment, including worsening mental health, addictions, homelessness, inflation, hunger and poverty, The Mission will remain the first place of refuge for increasing numbers of vulnerable people going forward for the next several years. “By expanding this incredibly successful program at Chef Ric’s, we’re doing our part to help even more people in need,” Ottawa Mission CEO Peter 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 OR TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW PLEASE CONTACT:
Myles Dingwall
Communications Officer
613-809-3764
E-mail: mdingwall@ottawamission.com

The Wall Honours The Profound Connections between Those Who Provide Care and Those Who Receive It

Ottawa, ON – Earlier this month, The Ottawa Mission and its partners in the Diane Morrison Hospice unveiled its new Memorial Wall. The Wall, which measures 24 feet wide by 8.5 feet high, tells the story of how the Hospice came into being, and stories of those who have received care, those who have provided it, and the profound connections between them. The Wall also contains all the names of all 413 people who have passed away in the Hospice since 2001. After the Wall was recently installed, current Hospice clients as well as friends and family members stopped and touched these plaques, remembering their loved ones.

People who are homeless have a far greater risk of premature death than those who are not. “Since 2001, we have been a leader in palliative care for homeless people,” stated Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley. Until 2018, the Diane Morrison Hospice was the only Hospice affiliated with a homeless shelter in North America.

“Diane Morrison’s vision for end-of-life care was based on compassion, dignity and community, a vision shared by our partners in the Hospice Ottawa Inner City Health (OICH), Carefor, and other service providers,” Tilley added. “In the words of Jack, one of our first clients: ‘The Ottawa Mission Hospice is the nicest place I have ever lived. No one in my entire life has ever cared for me this much.’ This is what our Hospice is all about.”

Manager of the Hospice Yetunde Owolabi noted the complexity of providing care to homeless clients and the importance of trust between those who receive care and those who provide it. “Our Hospice offers medical, psychosocial and spiritual support tailored to each person’s needs, including a specialized understanding of complex mental health needs and addictions. Our clients have had great challenges in their lives and find it hard to trust others, and we offer unconditional acceptance The Hospice team offers them a safe and welcoming place during the most difficult time of their lives. For most, the Hospice is their last home, and providing care means gaining their trust. We provide a supportive environment where no one dies alone.”

Rob Boyd, CEO of OICH, spoke of providing care to homeless people where they’re at within the shelter system. “Our very first program was the Diane Morrison Hospice operated with the Ottawa Mission. All OICH programs are operated in partnership with shelters, housing providers, hospitals, and community health providers. OICH has 9 special shelter-based healthcare services, 5 supportive housing services and outreach programs to help people with their health concerns. We are proud to provide care to vulnerable people who often face stigma. We are also proud to provide this care through emergency shelter system, which is sometimes seen as providing only food, clothing and shelter without longer-term wraparound supports.”

Boyd also noted the importance of expanded the Hospice model of care and providing stable and predictable funding. “Hundreds of vulnerable and homeless people in Ottawa need the kind of care that the Diane Morrison Hospice provides. Our clients find it very difficult to access care appropriate to their needs. We also need more dedicated spaces such as the Hospice to reach these patients.”

The Hospice has received over $100,000 in private funds raised by the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem since its inception in 2001. It has also received support through an annual grant from the government of Ontario. However, this support is not guaranteed. “We need stable and predictable public funding to ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of our clients,” Boyd 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, 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

Recent graduates include Mohawk elder who supports the Mission’s Country Food Feast

Ottawa, ON – Today The Ottawa Mission celebrated the graduation of 20 students of its renowned Food Services Training Program (FSTP) trained at “Chef Ric’s”, the shelter’s social enterprise at 384 Rideau Street.

Of the 20 students graduating this week, 19 have secured positions in the industry.

One of these graduates is Pauline, whose Mohawk name is Katsitsyaroroks. New to Ottawa, Pauline enrolled in the FSTP to get back on her feet. A teacher, artist, elder and grandmother from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Pauline is a determined student with a big laugh.

As part of her FSTP curriculum, Pauline helps prepare, cook, and serve traditional Indigenous foods such as caribou, bannock, char and others during the Country Food Feast that The Mission hosts each month. First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people have a disproportionate burden of homelessness in Ottawa. Country foods can be hard to access in our community, and this meal is deeply meaningful to the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people who come to The Mission for these special occasions. “It’s been wonderful to serve these meals. They know it’s their medicine food,” Pauline says.

Pauline combines her extensive knowledge of Mohawk food and culinary traditions with the FSTP’s valuable lessons on the business of food service. Her goal is to use what she’s learned and eventually return to Tyendinaga to build a business that nourishes her community through both traditional foods and cultural teachings. “The FSTP opens the door to help me give back. That’s all people need: love and full bellies.”

The FSTP was created in 2004 by Chef Ric Allen-Watson, The Mission’s Director of Food Services. Homeless at age 14, he knows the power of paying it forward. “Someone reached out to me and showed me that education could help. That’s why I started this program: to help other people rebuild their lives.”

Since 2004, 258 people have graduated from the program, almost 90% of whom have gone on to positions in the food services industry. In September 2021, operations for the FSTP were moved from The Ottawa Mission’s kitchen to Chef Ric’s to add more space and increase the capacity of the program. The next session of the FSTP began earlier this week and has 25 registrants.

As Ottawa continues to deal with many forces buffeting our community such as inflation, hunger, poverty and homelessness, The Mission will remain the first place of refuge for increasing numbers of vulnerable people going forward for the next several years. “By expanding this incredibly successful program at Chef Ric’s, we’re doing our part to help even more people in need,” Ottawa Mission CEO Peter 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