Searching for In-person Crisis Services

COVID-19 (27 Mar 2020): Due to COVID19, several YSB sites are closed to the public, but the shelter remains open, with precautions in place. YSB asks clients call before coming to any location: Head Office at 613-729-1000 or Community Services at 613-241-7788.

Young Men's Shelter:

• offers young men immediate access to safe housing
• open 365 days a year
• 24 hour support
• 30 beds for emergency shelter and transitional housing
• young men who lack family support are connected with youth workers who will help explore alternate housing options
• referrals to internal and external housing, mental health, addictions, employment, financial, and health services

COVID-19 (9 December 2021): Staff is delivering services remotely. Métis who are in need of help accessing supports are urged to contact the MNO toll free at 1-800-263-4889 or email covidhelp@metisnation.org for COVID-19 support programs

Support and development of self-government institutions of Métis people

• healing and wellness
• education
• labour market development
• housing
• Duty to Consult and Accommodate
• community relations
• traditional knowledge
• intergovernmental relations
• economic development
• finance
• communications
• human resources
• information technology

COVID-19 (22 May 2020) Services remain available by phone. At-the-door services (food bank, food-to-go, basic needs) available Mon, Wed 8:30 am-11:30 am. Reunite will still operate, as usual, youth aged 16-24 can still contact Reunite staff at 613-230-4663 if they have a runaway in need of assistance returning back to parent/guardian, Canada wide program Resource Centre.

• Uses a variety of programming designed to assist clients
• Guides and supports youth based on their dreams, goals, and desires

Programs include:

Works Programs

• Provide things such as challenge, achievement, independence and reward
• Provides paid opportunities to youth and allows them to further their knowledge or experience in an area of employment or education
• Includes social support

Matters Programs

• Focused quality of life, such as socialization, dignity, friendship, and safety

Reunite

• Assists youth with returning home to their families
• Serves all of Canada

Finance Matters:
Six week financial literacy course that provides:

• information on debt
• savings
• budgeting
• credit and credit reports
• saving and investing
• banking
• income and taxes, etc

Job Action Project

• Provides employment preparation, skills training, work experience, support and monitoring for 40 youth facing multiple barriers to employment

Housing Based Case Management (HBCM) Program

• Supported housing program for at-risk and/or homeless youth
• Each participant is provided with a housing worker, for up to one year, to assist them in finding and maintaining safe and affordable housing

Youth in Transition (YIT) and Housing Support Work (HSW) program

• housing advocacy and search
• financial literacy
• basic life and tenant skills
• goal setting
• conflict resolution
• pertinent referrals for youth having signed or eligible to sign a Volunteary Youth Services Agreement (VYSA) with the Children's Aid Society (CAS)

Street Outreach

• Front-line, street level outreach and crisis intervention
• Offers personal supplies such as mittens, socks, water, and food

Specialized service for individuals suffering from a psychiatric illness and who are in crisis

• located within the Emergency Department at each of the Civic and General campuses of The Ottawa Hospital
• team composed of nurses, social workers, residents, staff psychiatrists and other mental health professionals

Services:

• psychiatric assessments
• expedites the care of psychiatric patients in the emergency department
• ensures a liaison between inpatient psychiatric services, the emergency department and appropriate community resources
• avoids unnecessary admissions to inpatient psychiatry by using available and appropriate community resources
• provides an educational service to community clinics, mental health clinics, consumer groups and the health care team at the Ottawa Hospital

COVID-19 (15 October 2021): Program is still running, but with some restrictions because of the COVID-19 situation.

Community Crisis Bed Program suspended until further notice

Community program under the Ottawa Hospital Mental Health Program

• Responds to calls from individuals, family members, and professionals in the community, providing support for mental health crises through assessment, short-term intervention, links to community supports, and liaison with other health and social service providers.
• Assistance and support is given over the telephone as well as in an individuals' own home environment.

Community Crisis Bed Program:

• Voluntary, community-based alternative for people experiencing mental health crises who do not require inpatient hospitalization, but who would benefit from access to temporary accommodation in a supportive environment.
• Provides individuals with an opportunity to initiate steps to resolve their crisis through problem solving, symptom stabilization, and links to community supports.
• Serious mental health problems could include suicidal ideation, situational crises, psychosis, and severe depression or anxiety, not needing immediate medical attention.

A supportive and inclusive community where women gather to connect and build on their strengths

• delivers programs that support women in meeting their basic needs, making their life choices and participating in their community

Drop-in day program for women with their children of all ages

• peer, personal and group support
• advocacy
• outreach
• crisis intervention
• free light breakfast (8 am-10 am) and nutritious hot lunch (12 noon-1 pm)
• social, recreational and educational programs
• personal hygiene products and other practical supports
• Internet access

This information was obtained from and is regularly updated on their Facebook page.

Downtown Services and Drop-In (DSDI) is open.

Services:

• support services and drop-in for youth
• crisis and individual short-term supportive counselling
• laundry facilities, showers, housing, and trusteeship services
• access to computers with internet access and telephones
• health clinic with a multidisciplinary health team
• outreach and needle exchange programs

Issues addressed:

• poverty
• abuse
• health care
• employment
• school
• substance abuse
• sexual orientation
• loss

COVID-19 (30 April 2020): Offices across Ontario are closed and all programming suspended until further notice. Staff will continue to work remotely. Community members are encouraged to check the social media pages for updates, and health and safety tips.

This information is regularly updated on their Facebook page.

Support services for families in crisis and aid in creating safe and supportive means of living through support of culturally safe systems through:

• crisis management services
• traditional supports
• systems navigation
• advocacy support
• holistic teachings
• partnerships with other service providers

COVID-19: The centre is open for showers. Call to book a time.

This information is regularly updated on their website.

Drop-in counselling centre for any adult (alone or with children) who finds it difficult to access services elsewhere due to illness, disability or homelessness.

Practical assistance: shower and laundry facilities

• telephones
• small clothing items (underwear, socks, and seasonal accessories)
• hygiene items
• condoms
• needle exchange

Social Recreation Program: creative expressions program including literacy and writer's group, music appreciation, and visual arts

• board games
• card games
• bingo
• arts and crafts
• special events
• karaoke
• chaplaincy

Counselling: short-term supportive counselling

• advocacy
• crisis intervention
• housing
• employment support and resume writing
• addiction
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) / Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) and Hepatitis A, B, C
• groups (addiction, life skills)

In-Reach visits by: Housing Help

• Royal Ottawa Hospital Outreach Teams (psychiatric and addiction)
• University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

Application Support Program: Assists individuals with significant disabilities and barriers to navigate the complex application process

COVID-19 (26 Mar 2020): Due to COVID19, the centre is physically closed and regular programming is on hold until further notice * staff is still available via email and phone to support clients * free online computer classes available for women: permanent residents, convention refugees, caregivers * to register, contact iskrena@immigrantwomenservices.com or call 613-729-3145

Crisis Intervention and Counselling Service:

• crisis intervention
• short-and long-term counselling
• information, referral and support services
• support to victims of war and trauma
• support and information on various options for pregnant women

Orientation and Adaptation Services:

• needs assessment and information and referral to community and social services
• support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care
• support with finding housing, child care, registering children in school and health care community support through volunteer befriending, conversation circles to practice English or French
• help with connecting to language classes
• workshops to reduce stress of adjusting to Canadian culture

Translation and interpretation services:

• professionally trained interpreters with expertise in health, community and social services: in person, by phone and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)

Supportive counselling:

• short-term counselling to clients who encounter difficulties in adjusting to life in Canada and assistance in overcoming these challenges

Citizenship Preparation:

• courses, tests and activities to help newcomers prepare for the citizenship test: in class or online.

Employment Counselling and Preparation:

Job search preparation and training:

• developing strong job search strategies and workplace communication skills

Employment counselling:

• resume help, job readiness clinic, employment counselling, skills and career development and help in establishing social and professional networks

Job search workshop held monthly:

• free childcare
• referrals
• computer training

Support services for women who are victims or survivors of violence and/or newcomers and their families:

Support Groups:

• 10-week support group for women survivors of violence
• transportation
• child care
• language interpretation

Children Who Witness Violence Program (in partnership with Family Services à la famille Ottawa) offering:

• support and information to children who witness violence in the home
• individual counselling for childre
• family counselling
• art club for children and mother

Transitional and Housing Support Program for Abused Women

Other Settlement Services:

Language Interpreter Training:

• for culturally diverse women and men who fulfill the requirements for training
• for more information on this program, call the Language Interpretation service

Public education

Training and Outreach:

• Information sessions on Ottawa's diverse community

Anti-oppression training for service providers

Public education sessions on domestic violence for newcomers

Workshops for newcomer immigrant women on parenting in a new culture, legal information, social assistance etc.

Works with service providers and community partners to reach isolated newcomer immigrants and refugee women

COVID-19 (12 November, 2021): Provides essential supports to the community during Ontario's stay-at-home order. Hours and services remain unchanged. Call you have any questions.

This information is regularly updated on their Facebook page.

Drop-in centre for men and women located in Centretown

• supportive counselling
• crisis intervention
• advocacy
• free condoms and SITE supplies (needle exchange, Safe Inhalation)
• hygiene supplies, including menstruation supplies
• emergency telephone
• coffee and tea served
• free WIFI
• recreational activities
• light meals

Drop-in services on the 2nd level of Centretown United Church are NOT ACCESSIBLE. Take-out or Dine in options available to each walk-in during meal times.

Early intervention and crisis intervention

• needs assessment
• safety planning
• referrals to community services
• enhanced support for vulnerable victims
• reference to VQRP+

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) --

• assistance with emergency expenses related to the incident, including home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses
• additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal, and treatment at a recovery facility
• no direct reimbursement to victims for support listed above
• financial support also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of child homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims

COVID-19 (23 April 2020) The Centre's operations have shifted to provide only essential services. If you are registered in an upcoming group or have an appointment and have any questions, please call 613-789-1500.This information is regularly updated on website

Integrated comunity health and social services centre

Services include:

• telephone support
• treatment planning and referral as appropriate
• walk-in social services support
• assessments
• advocacy
• crisis intervention
• information and referral
• seasonal life skills and therapeutic group programs

Accessible space offering access to municipal, financial and social services including community agency supports, along with service navigation, crisis support and warm referrals.

Residents can access:

• Walk-in and scheduled appointments for services
• Safe and warm resting space and seating
• Washrooms
• Charging stations
• Public computers
• Wi-Fi
• Telephones

The following services will be offered on-site:

• Crisis support and referrals to community services
• Financial and social assistance
  • Ontario Works
  • Ontario Disability Support Program
  • Essential Health & Social Support
  • Child care fee subsidy application support
• Housing support and referrals
• Employment services (Employment Ontario)
• Somerset West Community Health Centre support staff

In response to the pandemic, many service changes remain in place. In-person contact is limited and telephone and virtual support is offered as an alternative. Updates are regularly posted to our website.

Health centre focused on family and community health

• advocacy
• primary health care
• outreach
• life skills education
• group support
• counselling
• practical assistance
• health promotion
• community development
• crisis intervention

Services:

• self-help groups
• prenatal programs
• help with accessing social assistance, food, clothing and housing in times of crisis
• services for seniors
• services for low-income families, children, and youth
• street outreach
• social services support and practical assistance in English, Cambodian, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese
• crisis drop-in
• needle exchange and safer inhalation
• Headstart Nursery Program
• pre and post natal support
• parenting support programs
• playgroups
• youth leadership programs
• family emergency shelter support
• mental health services
• women's and men's counselling services
• community development
• Contact Ottawa: voice mail box service for those who are unable to maintain a home phone line

COVID-19 (22 Nov 2021) Food Cupboard is still open, food boxes available. Call reception at 613-722-3811 for assistance or to volunteer. The centre and its offices are closed to the public, until further notice, but the staff is equipped and are working remotely from home. Contact program coordinators directly if in need of assistance. Take away breakfast and lunch meals are available.

This information is regularly updated on their Facebook page.

Drop-in centre in partnerships with:

• front line workers
• outreach workers
• housing specialists
• visiting nurses
• elders
• trainers
• attendants
• bannock bus

Offers a secure and culturally appropriate place where people can use the following services:

• professional counselling
• employment readiness

Life skills

• financial management
• hygiene
• self-confidence
• time management
• nutrition
• teamwork
• resume writing
• emails
• computer skills

Cultural teachings

Referral services

• health centres
• food banks
• addiction centres

Crisis Intervention

• suicide prevention
• counselling services

Laundry and shower facilities available on a scheduled basis

Two hot meals per day are provided on a scheduled basis

Clothing donations

Housing search and advocacy

Wellbriety (Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings with traditional teachings) and support groups

This Centre provides

• Information, intercession and referral services
• Crisis intervention
• Food bank services and other food security strategies
• Support to complete an application for the Ontario Hydro Cost Assistance Program and the Energy Assistance Program
• Registration for the Holiday Programs and the Back to School Program with Caring and Sharing Exchange, and Toy Mountain of the Salvation Army
• Tax Clinic
• Community Development Program
• Youth Program (camp, sports, etc)
• School Youth Program
• After-School Program
• Information and advocacy services for affordable housing issues
• Volunteer Opportunities

Programs and Services :

• Social Support Program: practical assistance, referrals, crisis counselling, advocacy, needs assessment
• Community House: food bank, community activities
• Community Development: tax clinic, community gardens, support for community initiatives
• Youth Program :

1. Club 310 (after-school program) for youth aged 6-11 and Club Transitions (recreational program) for youth aged 12-14
2. Drop-in and various activities for local teens aged 12-17 (English)
3. Sports leagues and gym access (Basket-ball, Futsal, Soccer, etc) - various sports available for folks aged 6-30 years old

• Lowertown, Our Home (LOH) project: a partnership between residents and diverse community partners that actively engages community members in identifying common concerns, community solutions and preventative measures to build a healthy and safe neighbourhood
• Action Housing: provides assistance in crisis situations and supports to individuals and families seeking safe, adequate and affordable housing.

COVID-19 (22 March 2022): In-person services have been suspended or are limited. All other services provided remotely.

On-site early intervention and crisis intervention

• needs assessment
• safety planning
• referrals to community services
• enhanced support for vulnerable victims
• assistance with applications to VQRP+
• bereavement support

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+): assistance with emergency expenses related to the incident

• home safety
• accommodation
• meals
• transportation
• basic necessities
• dependent care costs
• counselling
• traditional Indigenous health services
• cellular phones
• vision care
• dental care
• aids for victims with disabilities
• interpretation services
• crime scene cleanup
• government/medical documents
• funeral expenses
• additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal, and treatment at a recovery facility
• no direct reimbursement to victims for support listed above
• financial support also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of child homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims

Small list of the qualifications for a 911 cell phone:

• the individual does not already own a cell phone
• the individual is not living with the accused
• the individual is willing to have ongoing contact with the Supportlink Coordinator
• all individuals qualify for safety planning, regardless of their ability to meet the criteria for a 911 cell phone

COVID-19 (July 13, 2021): Continues to provide critical justice and social services and programs, and have adapted to meet clients' needs while following public health advice.

Housing supports and follow-up services to men who have been left homeless upon their release from custody

• divert clients from the downtown shelters

COVID-19 (May 1, 2020): The mental health counselors are doing youth and family sessions and the walk-in clinic sessions by phone and video. Call 613-562-3004 for more information.

Crisis response service

• can be accessed when other services are unavailable at the time to respond to those in need
• crisis line and online chat are available 24/7
• short-term follow-up services and assessment for families or youth

Effective interventions at the time of the crisis in order to reduce or divert unnecessary access to:

• hospital emergency rooms
• police contact
• children protection services
• residential placement
• short-term follow-up services and assessment

COVID-19 (16 December 2021): Staff is delivering services remotely. Métis who are in need of help accessing supports are urged to contact the MNO toll free at 1-800-263-4889 or email covidhelp@metisnation.org.

Bi-weekly Drop-in program: Willow's (16+) for women and 2SLGBTQ+ people who trade/sell sex and/or use substances

• access to an Ottawa Public Health Nurse
• harm reduction supplies (safer sex, injection, inhalation)
• a hot meal
• clothing
• menstrual products
• toiletries
• peer support
• overdose prevention and education & Narcan kits
• crisis intervention
• referrals, including for cultural supports

Direct outreach is being offered during COVID-19: Bi-weekly Support Group (16+) via zoom for women (16+) survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), exploitation, and trafficking

• personal development workshops
• arts-based activities
• cultural activities
• lunch

Support program offered via zoom during COVID-19 with lunch being dropped off:

• Métis-focused
• Trauma-informed
• Strengths-based
• Evidence-based, rooted in harm reduction

The Team is also available to provide trainings, workshops, and presentations to community members and service providers related to harm reduction, gender-based violence, human trafficking, etc.

COVID-19: In order to respond to the COVID-19 substantial changes were made to the services offered. In-person contact is now limited and offers telephone and virtual support as an alternative. All groups, classes and events are cancelled until further notice.

The health walk-in clinics are closed. Primary health care operates by appointment at the 30 Rosemount Branch. Mental Health, harm reduction and social services walk-in operate at the 55 Eccles St location only.

Health centre focused on family and community health, including:

• advocacy
• primary health care
• outreach
• counselling
• life skills education
• group support
• practical assistance
• crisis intervention
• health promotion
• community development

Services include:

• services from Children's Aid Society workers
• self-help groups
• prenatal programs
• counselling for abused women
• help with accessing social assistance, food, clothing and housing in times of crisis
• services for children, youth and seniors
• services for low-income families
• pre and post natal support
• parenting support programs
• playgroups
• smoking cessation program
• youth leadership programs
• family emergency shelter support
• mental health services

COVID-19: physically closed until further notice. Exception: Partage Vanier Food bank services remain available, via appointment only and crisis intervention counselling is available by telephone - call 613-744-2892 ext 0. Diapers and formula available by appointment. Other services (counselling, intake, settlement services, social pediatric hub, employment, francophone legal aid clinic) available by phone, email or videoconference. (July 13, 2021)

Integrated social services for members of the community

Settlement Services for Ottawa residents (see separate record for details)

Employment Services for Ottawa residents (see separate record for details)

Family Services/Youth Programs for Ottawa-Vanier residents and surrounding areas:

• offers services to parents, grandparents and home caregivers of children 6 years and under
• recreational and prevention programs to youth 6-18 years old
• variety of workshops on parental skills, playgroups, services for pregnant women and new parents, a free toy lending library and resources, home visits, school readiness programs, support groups for newcomer parents and other programs based on the families' needs
• children and youth 18 years and under who live in Vanier or go to school in Vanier also have access to a Social Pediatrics Centre

Legal Clinic for low-income residents of eastern Ottawa (see separate record for details)

Counselling Service for Vanier residents:

• counselling, crisis intervention and referrals, regardless of the individual's status in Canada
• organizes support groups and activities

Community Development for Vanier residents:

• workers assist residents, groups and organizations in organizing activities to improve the well-being of the community
• programs for seniors are offered, as well as activities for residents such as block parties, community coffee-houses, etc
• visit website for calendar of activities

Partage Vanier Food Bank for Vanier residents (see separate record for details)

In-House Agencies: some community agencies offer their services at the Vanier Community Service Centre:

• Catholic Family Services
• Catholic Immigration Centre
• Ottawa Cancer Foundation
• Lifestyle Enrichment for Senior Adults (LESA) offered by the Centretown Community Health Centre
• Families First offered by the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre
• Parent Resource Centre
• Ottawa Children Treatment Centre
• First Words
• Ottawa Public Library - Vanier Branch
• OrKidstra
• Crossroads Children's Centre
• Rideauwood Addictions and Family Services

COVID-19 (December 2, 2021): STORM outreach continues to operate in the community 6 days a week during COVID-19.

Specialized team is available to assist women involved in the sex trade

• specialized supports and services for women who are victims of human trafficking
• outreach team can assist women with immediate medical, safety and shelter needs
• information and referral to community supports
• transportation to emergency shelter, medical facilities, detoxification unit and other locations deemed appropriate
• crisis intervention
• basic supplies i.e. hygiene products, clothing, and condoms
• information on health issues i.e. sexually transmitted infections
• snacks and clothing

Services to people who have suffered sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence or intimate partner violence within the past six months

Program based on privacy, confidentiality and consent based in a hospital setting

• medical examination
• collection of forensic evidence
• initial and serial documentation of injuries, photography and body mapping
• crisis intervention
• sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing
• pregnancy testing
• HIV post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
• preventative vaccinations and prescriptions
• short-term follow-up
• community based or professional referrals for ongoing and/or collaborative care