A severe cold snap gripping Ottawa has triggered a significant surge in demand for the city's shelters and daytime drop-in centres, with frontline organizations reporting a sharp increase in people seeking refuge, warm meals, and critical winter supplies.
Shelters Stretched as Waitlists Double
The Ottawa Mission is experiencing a pronounced spike in need. According to CEO Peter Tilley, a waiting room that typically accommodates 10 to 15 people nightly has seen its numbers swell to between 20 and 35 individuals during the winter months. This represents a more than doubling of demand for overnight shelter space.
Despite efforts by shelter staff and the City of Ottawa to relocate 25 people to transitional housing centres over the past two months, many individuals opt to remain in the shelter's waiting area. "Some people prefer to stay outside, even with shelters being available, for whatever reason," Tilley explained, citing factors like mental health challenges, past negative experiences in shelters, a desire to stay in the downtown core, or being temporarily displaced.
"At least they know they're going to get a good breakfast in the morning, and a good lunch and a dinner if they're around for that," Tilley added, highlighting the role of basic sustenance.
Drop-in Centres Face Overwhelming Need for Services
The strain is equally felt at daytime drop-in centres, which provide essential services during operating hours. Centre 454, located in Sandy Hill, is serving far more people per meal. Senior staff member Arnelle Kelsick reported that approximately 150 people now attend each breakfast, lunch, and dinner service during the winter, a notable increase.
Clients are urgently requesting donated winter items like jackets, socks, mittens, gloves, and hot pockets. Some have also asked for safe drug-use supplies, including clean needles and crack pipes. Kelsick noted the heartbreaking limitations of their hours, which run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. "We have to send (clients) out after our centre closes... there's only so much we can do in that time span," she told the Ottawa Citizen.
The centre also enforces a no-drugs policy, which can be difficult for some clients to follow, especially as drug use often leads to denial of a bed in overnight shelters.
A 24/7 Lifeline in the Cold
In Centretown, Centre 507 operates around the clock, 365 days a year. Executive Director Richard LeBlanc said the centre has witnessed a longer-term increase in demand. On average, the facility sees about 370 visits over a 24-hour period and serves roughly 500 meals in that same timeframe.
The centre provides hot beverages, blankets, proper winter clothing, and footwear. "I find with the cold weather, (these resources can) definitely be motivating and help people want to move forward sometimes," LeBlanc said. "So just being available for when they come in, when the weather gets bad, is key."
The rising numbers present ongoing challenges for staff at all these organizations. Kelsick pointed to the root cause of unaffordable housing in Ottawa, which drives many to seek their services. As the deep freeze continues, these vital community resources remain on the front lines, working to ensure the city's most vulnerable have a place to turn for warmth and support.
