Men’s Services
EMERGENCY MEN’S SHELTER
The Men’s Shelter at the Shepherds of Good Hope on 230 Murray Street provides a safe place for men over the age of 18 who have found themselves temporarily homeless for a variety of reasons. The majority of the residents have significant mental health and/or active addiction issues. A universal case management approach facilitated by a team of case managers and a housing worker assist with developing unique game plans for each individual. This 102 bed facility (114 including emergency mats on the floor) provides basic needs, such as a bed and storage locker, meals, shower facility, laundry services, and medication storage. The shelter also has a one for one needle exchange program that operates in the evening and overnight hours. Residents have access to the shelter 24 hours a day. The dorm area is restricted between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm unless the resident has authorization, i.e. bed rest, worker’s list. Etc. New clients can book in after 7pm and can re-confirm their beds the following day if required between the hours of 4pm and 6pm. Medical professionals such as nurses, physicians, mental health and addiction workers serve and advocate for the residents and act as a resource for staff.
M-ESP (Male Enhanced Supports Program)
This program strives to provide specialized services for homeless men, many of whom are deemed to be ‘in the greatest need of assistance’. The program has 29 beds, but can max out at 58 individuals if necessary. The enhanced supports program can be broken down into three sub-sections:
Recovery Program
This area provides a safe, non-judgmental, temporary environment for individuals who are currently under the influence of alcohol and/or mood alternating substances. This harm-reduction based program plays a vital role in the City of Ottawa by providing an option for individuals who quite literally have no other place to go the vast majority of the time. Staff members provide universal case management and basic needs such as a bed, temporary storage, sandwiches, and shower and laundry facilities. An individual can remain in Recovery for up to 72 hours. Mental health and addiction professionals are accessible if requested. It accepts referrals from agencies all over the city including other emergency shelters, Ottawa Police Services, hospitals, self-referrals and the Ottawa Withdrawal Management Centre.
Wet Program
Partnering with Inner City Health, this area provides 12 beds for chronically homeless, alcoholic, high risk males. The program also assists up to four women who can participate during the hours of 7:00am and 9:00pm. The Programs intent is to reduce harm to the individual and to the community by preventing binge drinking of alcohol and alternate stimulants. (mouth-wash, purell, aqua velvet etc.) It also reduces emergency services (police calls, ambulance, hospital stays, cells etc.), decreases the number of incidents in the community (aggressive pan handling, passing out on the streets) and restores dignity and creates a sense of community. The Program provides ongoing health assessments, access to counseling, social and clinical services. This abbreviated version of the Managed Alcohol Program has been created as a stepping stone to the Oaks Residence. Oaks residents have successfully graduated from the Wet Program at 256 King Edward Ave. Their alcohol levels have been stabilized and they have shown they are ready for a successful transition from the ‘shelter system’ to a ‘domiciliary hostel program’ outside of the downtown core.
Overflow Program
This area provides a safe place to sleep when all other shelter beds in the city are full. It also provides shelter for individuals who are temporarily denied access from all other shelter providers for a variety of reasons. These individuals can access the Enhanced Support Program between the hours of 9:30pm and 6:30am. All individuals are offered universal case management and basic services such as a bed, temporary storage, sandwiches, and shower and laundry facilities.