Meeting the Need
In 2024, The Ottawa Mission issued our No More Waiting report concerning shocking levels of homelessness and food insecurity. In 2025, things are even worse.
Failures by governments to address growing poverty and income erosion, vanishing affordable housing, inadequate supportive housing, food inflation, and other causes have caused this crisis. Until these factors are meaningfully addressed, things will get even worse.
We encourage you to read on and learn just how impactful your support is.
On behalf of our clients and those in need, thank you.
Peter Tilley
CEO, The Ottawa Mission
Peter Saunders
Chair, Board of Directors, The Ottawa Mission
Impact Report Video
1,208,935
meals served last year
1,248
unique individuals sheltered annually
270
clients successfully housed
3,469
primary care patient consults
131
educational and job training graduates
107
addictions and trauma program graduates
Stories of Hope
At The Ottawa Mission, we support clients to enhance the quality of their lives. We nourish the body, mind and spirit of those who seek our help, and enable people in crisis to heal and build hope for the future.
Here are just a few stories of their stories:
Struggling with PTSD, He Found Stability and Hope – Paul’s Story
Paul suffered from complex post-traumatic stress disorder that went untreated, leading him to lose more than his job and his place.
With housing support from The Mission and care from our DYMON Health Clinic, he secured affordable housing and received the medication that helped stabilize his condition.
Together, these supports transformed Paul’s life and helped him rebuild his life.
The End of 9 Years of Homelessness – John’s Story
John was homeless for nine years due to the profound trauma of losing his wife and child.
After going through two of The Mission’s addictions programs, he lives now in his new, modest 1-bed, 1-bath apartment and plans to attend college and launch a new career.
“I was living on the streets last year at this time" – Shawn's Story
For many years, Shawn was on and off the streets, in and out of jail, and grappling with substance use.
After completing two of our abstinence-based addictions programs and our Food Services Training Program (FSTP), Shawn had all the resources he needed to find
success in housing.
From Living in a Tent to Graduating from College – Kristen’s Story
When Kristen learned about our MCA Ottawa Stepping Stones Learning Centre, she was staying in a local women’s shelter after having spent some time living in a tent.
She connected us to start an inspiring educational journey that soon sees her set to graduate from Algonquin College’s Law Clerk Program as part of the Dean’s List.
Came for Education: Found Purpose and Belonging – Rebecca and Jan’s Story
Rebecca first heard about our Discovery University (DU) when she and her son were grappling with homelessness. A friend told her that a photography course was available free of charge, and Rebecca saw a chance to find purpose and pursue higher education on a topic that was always near and dear to her heart.
For her part, Jan is thankful for the education, but also the sense of community DU fosters.
New Life: New Career and New Friends Included – Janine and Curasa’s Story
Both were new to Ottawa and looking for fresh starts. Janine didn’t have the experience, nor resources to pursue a new career in cooking. Curasa had a similar passion for cooking, and having just finished a local addictions treatment program, was looking to restart her life.
They both found the Food Services Training Program (FSTP), became friends, and graduated with plans to attend Algonquin College to further their culinary studies.
Expenditures
2024-2025
At The Ottawa Mission, direct costs are categorized based on program outputs and have been grouped into six main categories:
- Food & Shelter
- Housing Services
- Client Services
- Addiction & Trauma Services
- Health Services
- Fundraising
The cost of delivering these programs includes the costs of volunteer services, community engagement and a full-time chaplaincy department. These costs are allocated to programs based on estimated time spent on each one.
*While the housing department comprises 4.57% of the OM’s overall budget, case management services, which includes finding housing for clients, are spread across different departments such as housing, client services, and health services.
The Mission is funded through a combination of a per diem subsidy we receive from the City of Ottawa and donations from generous partners and members of the community.
See our completed financial statements