Support Services

The Soup Kitchen operates 365 days of the year producing an astounding 350-400 hot and nutritious noon meals, together with 90 hot breakfasts, and 200 evening meals served in shelters every evening.   Additionally, 860 sandwiches are distributed as ‘take aways’.  Toiletries, linens, towels, blankets and food supplies are also distributed from Support Services to the various programs in Shepherds of Good Hope.

The Grocery Program

Assistance with emergency food supplies to all persons (once per month) is available from the new computerized Grocery Program in the basement of 233 Murray Street.  The program operates Wednesdays and Fridays (except holidays) between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm with the help of many volunteers.   All food hampers reflect what is donated and what is seasonally available. Annually, over 21,000 families receive approximately $440,000 worth of groceries.

The Clothing Program

This program provides seasonal clothing, footwear, and items of necessity for clients and residents of the Shepherdsof Good Hope as well as low-income earners.  Distribution of clothing items is on Wednesday and Friday between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm.  This program is always accepting donations.

Shepherds of Good Hope Van

For eight hours each day, Monday to Friday, the Shepherds of Good Hope Van collects donations from the generosity of our community’s bakeries,  donut shops,  grocery stores and fruit and vegetable outlets.  Occasionally we are fortunate enough to receive donations of meat as well.

Evening Drop-In

Evening Drop-In provides a safe, friendly environment where all are welcome. It is open every day from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Clients drop in for a bowl of soup, a hot drink, sandwich, or to share friendship.  The program welcomes men and women from nearby residences and shelters as well as those living in rooming houses or on the street to enjoy social activities such as various tutorials, a game of bingo, cards, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, Chapel Service  and occasional musical entertainment. Our new large, flat screen T.V. has been a real drawing card, attracting people who like to take a break and watch their favourite game or sitcom.

Wednesday Night Cafe

This event takes place in the chapel of Shepherds of Good Hope on Wednesday evenings. This is where the poor and impoverished of Ottawa can purchase a minimal-amount ticket and be guaranteed an evening of warmth, ambiance, music and fine food in the atmosphere of a 5 star restaurant.  No one lines up at a soup kitchen.  Instead our special patrons are served food made with care right at their tables in a setting that is comfortable, relaxing and dignified. The servers are all volunteers and many former clients themselves.  Those served and those who serve gain in the privilege of community.

Christmas Hamper Program

Shepherds of Good Hope has offered this seasonal program for over 22 years to enable families in need to be provided with the makings of a full Christmas Dinner. The Christmas Hamper Program is open from November 1st to the end of December. Every year, approximately 1000 households receive a hamper from our program which operates in concert with the Christmas Exchange Program of Ottawa.