Men, women and children face poverty and hardship in our city each and every day. This means that our neighbours are struggling to access the most basic necessities of life. Essentials like a safe place to sleep, nutritious food to eat or even a clean change of clothes are out of reach for so many.
117
sheltered nightly
1,057,489
meals served last year
2,897
meals served daily
FOOD PROGRAM
Making Sure No One Goes Hungry in Ottawa
Our kitchen team of staff and volunteers prepare and serve delicious and healthy meals each day to people in our community facing food insecurity.
This includes meal service from our shelter kitchen, which serves both shelter clients and community guests, and service from our food truck program, which hands out meals in low income and unserved communities across Ottawa.
Access to nutritious food may bring people to The Mission, but what starts as a simple meal can often open the door to resources and programs that help people rebuild their lives.
Beyond meals: serving guests with kindness and respect
On the average day, we serve just under 2,000 meals. Every meal is served with compassion, kindness and respect because our team knows that something as small as a smile often makes the biggest difference for someone in need.
Emergency Shelter When It’s Needed Most
The Ottawa Mission offers a clean, warm and safe place for individuals in need of emergency shelter. We’re open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help people who have nowhere else to turn. Our team responds to the immediate needs of our clients and works hard to help our guests feel comfortable in their time of need.
Addressing immediate needs and long-term change
We also have separate, designated beds within our shelter reserved for clients who are participating in our addictions and trauma treatment programs.
FRONTLINE SERVICES
The Fist Point of Contact for Those in Need
Our Frontline staff are trained to ensure everyone at The Mission, both staff and guests, are safe and secure. Frontline monitors our shelter and surrounding block to respond to any clients or community members in crisis or medical distress.
As the first point of contact for vulnerable individuals, they handle daily check-in and check-outs for shelter beds and connect people to the programs and services that help them rebuild their lives. They also provide access to basic essentials, such as to-go food, clothing, and toiletries, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and razors.
CLOTHING PROGRAM
Distributing Clean Clothing to People In Need
The Mission stocks new and gently-used items donated by caring individuals and local retailers, or collected through workplace clothing drives throughout the year. With the help of donors and our partners, guests and members of our community in need of seasonal clothing can access the appropriate attire for job interviews, family gatherings and other important functions.