The Ottawa Mission

The Ottawa Mission Providing hope and help to people experiencing homelessness since 1906. For emergency support please call 613-234-1144.
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What happens when we close the door to harm reduction? We don't have to guess, the data from the first round of Ontario ...
06/12/2026

What happens when we close the door to harm reduction? We don't have to guess, the data from the first round of Ontario site closures in 2025 gives us a grim preview:

🔴 A 69.5% increase in EMS calls for opioid-related overdoses.
🔴 A 67% increase in Emergency Department visits.
🔴 A spike in deaths occurring in private residences and outdoor settings.

In Toronto specifically, EMS calls for toxicity rose by 82% immediately following closures, reversing a previous downward trend. By removing safe consumption and treatment sites, the government is effectively shifting the burden onto an already burdened healthcare system and putting those who are the most vulnerable in our province at greater risk.

Call to Action: Ottawa cannot afford a 69% spike in emergency calls. Tell the province to keep safe consumption and treatment sites open alongside the new recovery hubs. https://ottawamission.com/get-involved/advocacy/advocacy-cta-2026-scts/

"Now, I can dream again." - GaniyuLast week, Ganiyu and 9 other people graduated from the Maintenance Services Training ...
06/12/2026

"Now, I can dream again." - Ganiyu

Last week, Ganiyu and 9 other people graduated from the Maintenance

Services Training Program (MSTP), one of our no-cost job training programs.

Thanks to your support, Ganiyu, Chris, Edmond, Jorvan, Alain, Kate, Chinedu, Gary, Andre, and Herman have all acquired the trades-based skills and experience they need to start new lives and careers as building superintendents and maintenance worker.

All 10 of our graduates have already started work placements with local organizations across Ottawa!

We are so grateful for the donors and partners who make the MSTP possible.

Together, we are providing opportunity that lifts people away from uncertainty, poverty, or homelessness and into promising, self-supporting lives.

“The MSTP has restored hope for me. It has given me the skills I need to confidently do the job of a building superintendent or maintenance worker. I feel like my future is bright because of this program." - Ganiyu

☀️🌡️ Extreme heat and humidity in OttawaWith temperatures feeling as high as 38°C today, the heat can quickly become lif...
06/11/2026

☀️🌡️ Extreme heat and humidity in Ottawa

With temperatures feeling as high as 38°C today, the heat can quickly become life-threatening for people without access to shelter or a cool place to rest.

Our Frontline Team is out in the community, checking on vulnerable neighbours, watching for signs of heat-related illness, distributing water and essential supplies, and helping people get indoors where they can cool down. 💙

🚨 Here's how you can help:
📞 If you see someone in distress, call 311 to help them access shelter and support services.
🚑 If they are experiencing a medical emergency or signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

💙 You can also support our Frontline Team by making an emergency donation to help provide water, outreach, and lifesaving care during this heat warning.
👉https: https://ow.ly/r6EQ50ZaFoX

Together, we can help keep our community safe during this extreme heat.

As we approach the final 2 days of provincial funding for Safe Consumption and Treatment Sites, it is vital to remember ...
06/10/2026

As we approach the final 2 days of provincial funding for Safe Consumption and Treatment Sites, it is vital to remember that the government’s own experts have recommended the exact opposite of this policy:

🔴 The Chief Medical Officer of Health recommended that safe consumption and treatment sites be expanded, not closed.
🔴 The Ontario Auditor General found that the decision to close sites was made without proper planning or impact analysis.
🔴 The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police supports safe consumption and treatment sites as a vital part of community safety.

The evidence is clear: safe consumption and treatment sites save lives, reduce pressure on emergency services and refer thousands of clients to housing and primary care. To ignore the advice of doctors, auditors, and police services needlessly and tragically ignores evidence-based policy. By disregarding the experts, the province is choosing an idealized version of recovery over the lived reality of survival.

Call to Action: Stand with the experts. Tell the provincial government to fund the evidence, not the narrative. Send your letter here: https://ottawamission.com/get-involved/advocacy/advocacy-cta-2026-scts/

“I just diverted someone,” Carlo says with a smile. As Intake & Diversion Case Manager, he meets people at the door, ass...
06/09/2026

“I just diverted someone,” Carlo says with a smile.

As Intake & Diversion Case Manager, he meets people at the door, assesses their situation, and when it’s safe - helps them avoid entering the shelter system at all.

Recently, a man came seeking a bed, believing it was the only way to access housing support. Carlo explained he could still receive Mission services through our community drop in hours.

He left relieved by keeping his current housing while getting help to find something better and leaving a bed available for someone with fewer options.

Diversion isn’t one-size-fits-all. For those with complex needs, our wraparound programs - ID help, income support, addiction and trauma care, education, healthcare, job training, and more—are here because of you.

Learn more about how we're supporting those in need in our latest newsletter: https://ottawamission.com/summer-2026-enewsletter/

Doors Open Ottawa at The Mission was a success! 💙Even with the drizzle, 100+ members of the community toured our dorms, ...
06/08/2026

Doors Open Ottawa at The Mission was a success! 💙

Even with the drizzle, 100+ members of the community toured our dorms, kitchen, Dymon Health clinic, Diane Morrison hospice, MCAO Stepping Stones Learning Centre and more, to learn about our 120 years of service.

We had so many great conversations about the breadth of services your support powers.

Huge thanks to our incredible volunteers who braved the rain to welcome guests and lead tours. We couldn’t do it without you! 💙

Our community showed up in a big way this year for the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend - thank you. Because of you, more o...
06/06/2026

Our community showed up in a big way this year for the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend - thank you.

Because of you, more of our neighbors will have access not only to hot, nourishing meals and safe shelter, but to the wraparound programs that open new doors.

“It is simple to feed the hungry, but the Ottawa Mission feeds people and educates them and gives them future and a new life! I'm proud to associate with the Ottawa Mission!” — Alexandra 💙

The momentum doesn’t stop at the finish line. Keep the impact going today: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ottawamissiontamarack

Ever wondered what’s behind The Mission’s blue door? Step inside during Doors Open Ottawa - this year celebrating Ottawa...
06/04/2026

Ever wondered what’s behind The Mission’s blue door? Step inside during Doors Open Ottawa - this year celebrating Ottawa’s bicentennial! We’ll be highlighting The Mission’s 120 years of service.

Saturday, June 6, 2026, 10 AM–2 PM (no tours depart after 2 PM)

Enter at our side entrance at 53 Daly Street

Join a free 40 minute guided tour of Ottawa’s largest and oldest homeless shelter. See the dorms, kitchen, chapel, clothing room, DYMON Health Clinic, Diane Morrison Hospice, and the MCAO Stepping Stones Learning Centre. No registration needed - just drop in before 2PM.

https://ottawa.ca/en/arts-heritage-and-events/doors-open-ottawa/2026-buildings

As our team prepares for summer heat in Ottawa, our Frontline team is out every day - offering healthy meals, cool water...
06/02/2026

As our team prepares for summer heat in Ottawa, our Frontline team is out every day - offering healthy meals, cool water, light clothing, and a safe place to rest. One afternoon, we met Liz, sitting alone in the sun, exhausted and disoriented. A small moment of care made all the difference.

“Sometimes what you need most is for someone to notice you’re struggling and not walk past.” - Liz 💛

All June, your gift will be matched, providing 2X the meals, shelter, water, and relief from extreme heat.

And new monthly gifts for June – August are TRIPLED, sustaining steady care all summer. ☀️🥤

Join us - your matched gift helps someone find shade, water, and a safe place to rest: https://ow.ly/xXGS50Z5FFs

Love is on the menu this wedding season 💍🍴Cara & Brian’s June wedding will be catered by students from The Ottawa Missio...
06/01/2026

Love is on the menu this wedding season 💍🍴

Cara & Brian’s June wedding will be catered by students from The Ottawa Mission’s Food Services Training Program (FSTP), a FREE culinary training program helping people build skills and a fresh start.

Chef Ric's and one of the students, Connor, recently joined Ottawa in the Know to showcase some of the delicious appetizers guests will enjoy, including smoked salmon with cream cheese, capers, and fresh dill, plus interactive food stations served by the FSTP students themselves.

The couple is using their special day to give back by raising funds for The Ottawa Mission. They have almost reached their goal of raising $100,000!

Two Hearts, One Mission - help Cara & Brian reach their goal: https://donor.ottawamission.com/page/TwoHeartsOneMission

Address

35 Waller Street
Ottawa, ON
K1N7G4

Telephone

+16132341144

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