As Ottawa’s weather worsens, the conditions for the homeless in our community is increasingly becoming more and more dangerous. Unfortunately, there is a considerable amount of Ottawa’s population who are experiencing homelessness. Dozens of people will find shelter in Ottawa’s parks and next to buildings to catch some much needed sleep. With the help of Ottawa’s shelters and organizations, people without a home can find a place to sleep, be provided with a meal, and access health services.
The Ottawa Mission is gathering fellow community organizations to show their support for Councillor Catherine McKenney’s motion to declare an emergency concerning homelessness. As well, The Mission will release a companion national public opinion poll on attitudes regarding homelessness across Canada by Nanos Research. This will be used as a follow-up to the poll released in November on public attitudes concerning homelessness within Ottawa by the same research firm.
Taking place on Tuesday, January 21 at 9:00, The Mission hopes to demonstrate their support regarding the concern of the homelessness in Ottawa. The event will be located at the Ottawa Mission dining room on 35 Waller Street.
Listed below are a selection of guest speakers and advocates for those experiencing homelessness and struggling with poverty that will be featured at the event.
- Councillor Catherine McKenney: Special Liaison for Housing and Homelessness for the City of Ottawa
- Peter Tilley: Chief Executive Officer for the Ottawa Mission
- Alexandra Apavaloae: Analyst, Nanos Research
- Naini Cloutier: Executive Director of Somerset West Community Health Centre and representative for the Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres
- Simone Thibault: Executive Director of Centretown Community Health Centre and representative for the Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa
The Ottawa Mission was founded in 1906, created to serve the homeless, the hungry and the lost by providing food, clothing, shelter and hope. The Mission offers physical and mental health services, addiction treatment programs, hospice care, dental services, educational support, job training, spiritual care, and men’s clothing to thousands in need in our community. Dedicating themselves to those in need, The Mission has provided emergency shelter to approximately 195 men every night while serving an average of 1,358 meals every day in 2018-2019.