COVID-19 Community Ministries Update:

We are all facing the challenge of COVID-19 together. It is affecting everyone and especially the most vulnerable in our community – people suffering from poverty, food insecurity, homelessness and mental health issues. The staff of our five community ministries are working hard to serve so many people by providing 200 + food packages every day as well as counselling support and social connection through telephone, Facebook and other electronic options.

Day Programs (Centre 454, St Luke’s Table and The Well) – Within the day programs, the reality of social distancing has required significant changes in services. All Social recreation programs have been suspended. Centre 454’s Day Program is not operating; however staff have been redeployed to the other ministries. At St Luke’s Table and The Well, the focus has turned to providing food security and ensuring meals are available to folks who would otherwise go without. For people who cannot pick up pre-packaged food, deliveries are being made. These Day Programs are to staying socially connected with participants to ensure that they aren’t completely isolated. As much as possible, participants are encouraged to call in for support and to stay connected with the program staff via Facebook.

Ottawa Pastoral Counselling Centre (OPC) – The offices of OPC are closed for counselling sessions. Counselling is now provided via telephone and video conferencing.

Cornerstone Housing for Women – Cornerstone is working closely with a coalition of shelter providers, including The Mission, Salvation Army, Shepherds of Good Hope and Ottawa Inner City Health, the City of Ottawa and local hospitals, to ensure a coordinated effort in addressing the needs of the homeless population in Ottawa. Strict COVID-19 protocols are in place at Cornerstone to ensure the health and safety of all residents, clients and staff. Cornerstone is considered an essential service and will remain fully operational.

We are here for them – one conversation, bowl of stew, card game,

load of laundry, quiet room, phone call, workshop or joke at a time.

Together we are pushing back despair and supporting each

success—large or small—one step at a time.

Every day we see that the most powerful opportunities to heal

feelings, bodies and lives come from loving, caring relationships and

a sense of belonging. Our volunteers, counsellors and employees

are adept at building such relationships in unassuming ways.

As a result, life improves in Ottawa: neighbourhoods settle down and

pitch in as public health indicators receive a boost. Each success

builds strength in our community.

Community Ministries of Ottawa consists of five social service

agencies. Each in its own way and with its own people addresses

social problems that are common in a city like ours.

HOMELESSNESS

In 2013, more than 6,700 men, women and children were homeless

in Ottawa.

Our Community Ministries offer:

• • safe places away from the street

• • meals and emergency food

• • emergency shelter and safe, affordable housing for women

• • life skills training and access to healthcare

• • help navigating a transition into housing

NUTRITION

We are committed to providing food for those who are hungry and to

helping all participants develop good nutritional practices:

• • over 200,000 meals served each year

• • advice for people with diabetes and special needs

• • cooking classes

• • guidance for people in a housing transition and on a tight budget to
  • meet the challenge of buying and preparing nutritious meals

MENTAL HEALTH

Many of the people visiting our centres struggle with mental health

challenges. We provide:

• • counselling services

• • spiritual care

• • access to mental health professionals

• • non-judgmental, stigma-free environment

CHANGING LIVES

To all, we offer support and encouragement, and qualities too often

in short supply on our streets — respect, dignity, a sense of

belonging, and the assurance that somebody cares:

• • a safe place to go today

• • help in finding the motivation to reconcile with family and friends

• • the skills and stability to find a job and move into permanent housinf

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