As the holiday season deepens and temperatures plummet, shelters in Ottawa are grappling with unprecedented demand, operating beyond capacity and leaving vulnerable residents with few options for warmth and safety.
Shelters Stretched Beyond Limits
The Ottawa Mission has been consistently operating at full capacity, according to its CEO, Peter Tilley. On the coldest nights, this critical overflow forces individuals to sleep in any available space. "Anywhere from 30 to 40 people per night sleep in our lobby waiting area in plastic chairs or on the floor," Tilley reported. He emphasized the stark reality facing these individuals: "They have nowhere else to go and we’re at full capacity."
Fundraising Challenges and Community Response
The shelter's crucial fundraising efforts were dealt a significant blow earlier in the fall. The Canada Post strike during the Thanksgiving campaign resulted in a loss of approximately $160,000 in expected mail-in donations. While donations have started to recover since the strike ended, the financial impact was severe.
The organization's major Christmas turkey meal, held on December 14, successfully served over 800 turkeys to those in need. Tilley noted that while turkey donations were lower this year, support from local businesses helped bridge the gap.
Urgent Call for Winter Gear and Sustained Support
With Ottawa in the grip of winter, the need for appropriate clothing is dire. The Ottawa Mission is urgently requesting donations of gently used winter coats and boots, with a particular emphasis on winter boots of all sizes.
This critical need is echoed across the city. At Shepherds of Good Hope, Senior Communications Manager Bernie Forestell confirmed their shelter is also over capacity most nights, serving about 240 people nightly. "Sometimes they’re not equipped properly for this type of weather," Forestell stated, noting increased use of their community kitchen. While community support remains strong, mail-in donation volumes have been lower than usual this year.
Peter Tilley expressed gratitude for the support received but issued a poignant reminder that the need persists long after the holiday decorations come down. "It doesn’t end at Christmas, just for people to please keep in mind," he urged. "Don’t forget about us in February." The call to action is clear: Ottawa's shelters require ongoing community generosity to support the city's most vulnerable through the harsh winter months.
