Shelter Programs
Emergency shelters offer men and women a bed in a safe environment away from the elements of the streets. Our shelters are staffed with Front-line Workers 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days a year.
Men’s Services
Emergency Men’s Shelter
Offers 102 beds for men each night in a safe environment.
M-ESP (Male Enhanced Support Programs)
Strives to provide specialized services for homeless men, many of whom are deemed to be ‘greatest need of assistance’ clients. The enhanced supports fall into three categories:
Recovery Program
Provides a safe environment for individuals who are currently under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Immediate needs are met, and clients are able to rest while their bodies recover from the effects of these substances. Since clients who are under the influence of mood-altering substances are not able to access other shelters in the city, Recovery fills a very important niche in client services.
Managed Alcohol Program (Harm Reduction)
Partners with Ottawa Inner City Health and provides 12 beds for high risk, chronically homeless, alcoholic males and 4 spots during the day for females. The program reduces the harm that individuals suffer while dealing with an addiction on the street, as well as the community disruption that the addiction entails. With their alcohol consumption managed, many clients are able to stabilize and address other areas of need in their lives.
Overflow
Provides beds and/or mats for clients when all other shelter beds in the city are full. Also provides services, including case management, to individuals who are barred or temporarily denied access from all other shelter providers.
Women’s Services
Special Care Unit
An Ottawa Inner City Health Partnership providing 16 beds dedicated to women with complex health needs that are unable to access mainstream services.
Outreach Emergency Shelter for Women
A 70 bed emergency shelter offering specialized services to women and transgendered adults. Residents are provided with a safe place and coordinated care by psychiatric nurses, outreach workers and medical professionals. The philosophy is based on providing services in a non-judgmental way and focuses on creating a healing environment for women.