The Belong Bulletin

Dear Farah,


In just a few days, I will sign off as Executive Director of Belong Ottawa, marking the end of my 35-year career in social services. As I reflect on this chapter, I feel a deep sense of pride in what we’ve accomplished together at Belong Ottawa. Creating a true community, where people can find safety, comfort, and support during difficult times, has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.


As you know, we are currently in a challenging period with rising homelessness and deepening poverty impacting the most vulnerable people in our society. Despite this, I retire with confidence, knowing the team we’ve built will continue to grow our programs and offer a place of joy and safety to those who need it most. Our drop-in services have risen to the challenge of increasing need, and this is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of our staff, volunteers, and supporters like you.


At the start of September, we welcomed Shauna-marie Young as our new Executive Director. With her wealth of experience in mental health, community service, and program development, I have no doubt that she will lead Belong Ottawa to even greater heights. You can get to know more about Shauna in the Community Corner below.


Finally, I want to personally thank you for your support. Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, worked with us, or simply stayed connected, your contribution has made a lasting impact. I know that with your continued support, Belong Ottawa will continue to be a place for dignity, wellness, and hope for all in our community.


With Gratitude,

Rachel Robinson

Executive Director

Community Corner

Say hello to our new Executive Director, Shauna-marie Young!


Background: Shauna-marie has lived in Ottawa for over 32 years, and worked across the hospital, community health, health data, and education sectors. A national leader, Shauna has also worked in the Yukon, British Columbia, and Nunavut. She is a Registered Nurse and Management Professional with a background in conflict resolution and mediation.


Most Looking Forward To: For Shauna-marie, working in community service is a calling. She is most looking forward to supporting the community through applying her client-focused experiences to Belong Ottawa.

Shauna-marie Young (she/her) - Executive Director

Why Belong Ottawa: Shauna-marie says, "Ottawa’s street-involved population needs as much care and support as can be delivered. It is of deep value to me to work for an organization serving those most in need. Belong Ottawa has been doing so for a very long time. I am honoured to work for and with Belong Ottawa in support of this cause."


Fun Fact: Shauna-marie is passionate about food, and loves to cook and bake!

Belong In Focus

Participants of the 2024 Creative Expressions Art Exhibit and Vernissage with Liz D. (Community Development Manager, second left).

A Night at the Library

In partnership with Ottawa Public Library, Belong Ottawa hosted our sixth annual Creative Expressions Art Exhibit and Vernissage featuring participant art. While art was on display all month, on August 14th, we got together to hear the stories of our artists and how their masterpieces came to be. Thank you to all who attended the Vernissage.


Getting Groovy with The Ottawa Mission

In partnership with The Ottawa Mission, Belong Ottawa co-hosted our annual Tie Dye Extravaganza and Corn Boil Barbecue event at Belong Ottawa's Centre 454. Over 55 participants made colourful t-shirts, and we served over 200 meals.

Celebrating Pride with Tanja V. (Senior Social Support Worker), Winn K. (community supporter), and Panah K. (Social Support Worker).

In the Community

We have been out and about across Ottawa all summer.

  • We were proud to take part in Pride, supporting our 2SLGBTQ+ community members and sharing with our neighbours more about what we do to promote inclusivity for all.
  • At the CAPSA Working On Wellness Festival, we engaged with supporters and community partners to highlight our work promoting wellness through providing meals, hygiene services and supplies, and mental health support to participants.
  • We also connected with students at Carleton University's School of Social Work Agency Fair and met many potential volunteers at Volunteer Ottawa's annual Volunteer Expo.

We have had a blast interacting with our community, and look forward to a fun Fall!


Sundays at Belong Ottawa at The Well

Earlier this summer, we expanded our weekend hours at The Well by opening on Saturdays. Our community shared that they have also been looking for a space to meet their basic needs on Sundays. In response, we have introduced Sunday hours at The Well, providing daily service to women, women with children, and gender-diverse people. Meals, laundry, showers, and all of our regular services are now available on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Your Impact Matters

We were honoured to be a part of Theatre Reviewer and Content Creator, Lydia Greatrix's Pay It Forward Campaign inspired by the Come From Away Musical that was performed in Ottawa this August!


Lydia and friends visited Belong Ottawa at The Well to donate hygiene supplies like toothbrushes and deodorant to our participants.


Essential supplies like this are in demand all year long, and donations like this one help us meet demands, especially going into the cooler months.


Want to 'pay it forward' like Lydia? Learn more about making a donation here.

Join Our Community
You're Invited

We're always on the hunt for passionate volunteers looking to make a meaningful difference in our community.


From helping us in the kitchen to supporting us at reception, there's a role for everyone.


Learn more about volunteer roles at Belong Ottawa and get in touch with us today!

Celebrate 70 years of Centre 454 and 40 years of The Well at with our We All Belong anniversary celebrations this November. Stay tuned for details!


This December, we will celebrate the Holiday Season with a range of activities. If you are looking to volunteer or donate vital winter supplies like socks, gloves, and hygiene supplies, get in touch with Liz de Melo at liz@belongottawa.ca.

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We thank our community of funders, donors, partners, volunteers, and staff for supporting our work to build safe spaces that connect people and create community.

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Belong Ottawa | 454 King Edward Ave | Ottawa, ON K1N 7M8 CA