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Dear Belong,
As winter weather fades, I take a deep breath of fresh air then sigh in relief. Winter amplifies already challenging conditions our Participants face every day, all year long; so, I am thankful Belong Ottawa is available to provide solace to those in need.
Were you shocked by recent statistics shared by the City of Ottawa in the 2024 Point-In-Time count? Over 2,900 individuals are experiencing homelessness in Ottawa right now. At Belong Ottawa in particular, nearly 50% of our Participants experiencing homelessness are sleeping outside of shelter systems, using the life-sustaining supports we provide to survive each day. Whether retreating from harsh outdoor elements, eating a warm meal, or seeking connection to a welcoming community, our services provide hope and save our Participants’ lives.
Although this seasonal spring transition is a welcome one, our work is ongoing year-round. With the support of community members like you, we have been able to respond to and care for the most vulnerable in our community. In this newsletter, you'll learn more about The Well's extended hours and how we continue to expand our services.
This spring I am hopeful we can continue to make a meaningful difference together. Please give generously to Belong Ottawa so we may continue to care for Ottawa’s marginalized and most disadvantaged citizens.
With gratitude,
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Shauna-marie Young
Executive Director
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The Well Extends Hours
This year, Belong Ottawa extended the hours at The Well to better serve participants. First, The Well began opening on Saturdays and Sundays for women and gender-diverse individuals, providing more opportunities for connection and access to essential services. Later, The Well expanded to include Friday evenings, making it officially open to everyone and now offering evening hours five days a week.
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Belong Ottawa Blog
Belong Ottawa is thrilled to showcase our blog! Discover insights and stories about the work we're doing to support vulnerable individuals in our community, and stay inspired by the positive impact we're making together. Click here to read now!
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Weathering the Storm
"For individuals experiencing homelessness, there is no retreat to the warmth of a living room, the flexibility to work remotely, or to work at all, and no living room. There is however the continual and unrelenting struggle to find a safe place for food, rest, and warmth."
Despite the record-breaking snowfall this February, Belong Ottawa kept doors open to ensure that Participants had spaces to escape the elements. Click here to read the full blog post.
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National Social Work Month
"I know what it feels like to be invisible, to be rejected, and to survive without support. When I can create even a small space of care, trust, or empowerment—especially for folks who have been marginalized—that is everything to me."
Throughout March, Belong Ottawa interviewed staff members connected to the social work profession, sharing their reflections on their work, passion, and dedication to supporting others. Click the names to read their stories: Reina, Panah, Jason
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Winterlude!
Belong Ottawa participants embraced the winter festivities in the city by exploring Winterlude! With a hot chocolate in one hand and a Beavertail in the other, the group wandered through downtown Ottawa, taking in the stunning ice sculptures and art installations, stopping for photo ops along the way!
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International Women's Day
For International Women’s Day, Belong Ottawa, along with other amazing agencies, attended St Joe’s Women’s Centre annual event! The theme this year was "Unfolding in Bloom: Giving Flowers & Sharing Joy”, a beautiful tribute to that celebrates and honours women and gender-diverse people.
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Anglican Diocese of Ottawa -
Parish Training by Belong Ottawa
Our parish partners, St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church and St. Alban’s Anglican Church, are among Belong Ottawa’s strongest advocates and supporters. Each parish is deeply committed to assisting the community’s most vulnerable, and both sought Belong Ottawa’s guidance in this effort. In response, we facilitated training sessions for parishioners at each site titled “Community Compassion: Strategies to Support Vulnerable Individuals,” offering valuable insights on how community members can respond with empathy and understanding.
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Belong Ottawa and Cornerstone NCI Training Highlight
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NCI) teaches strategies to identify early signs of a crisis and understand how and why it develops - from a person-centered and trauma-informed perspective. This core training helps deepen an individual’s understanding of how to support vulnerable populations. In January, Belong Ottawa, in collaboration with Cornerstone Housing for Women, a fellow Community Ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, facilitated this valuable training for members of the staff teams.
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Social Work Fair at Carleton University
In January, Belong Ottawa visited Carleton University’s School of Social Work Agency Fair to connect with students, and potential future employees of Belong Ottawa. Staff members Panah, Petra, and Tracy shared what a student placement, co-op, and work experience is like at Belong Ottawa.
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Our laundry and shower programs are still in high demand! To help ensure participants feel their best, we are in need of the following toiletries. Would you be able to donate any of these items?
Toothbrushes/toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, towels, laundry soap and pods, underwear (men and women), socks, combs, hairbrushes
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Did you know that Belong Ottawa prepares 500 meals every day? We are seeking important serving items for our meal programs!
If you, your parish, or business have previously loved cutlery and dishware, please consider sharing with Belong Ottawa. This includes plates, bowls, coffee mugs, forks, spoons, and butter knives.
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Donations can be dropped off at:
Belong Ottawa - The Well
154 Somerset St W Ottawa, ON
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Belong Ottawa and National Volunteer Week
From April 27th to May 3rd, we are celebrating our stars - our volunteers - and the sharing impact you have on Belong Ottawa!
"The theme for National Volunteer Week 2025 is Volunteers Make Waves. It highlights the power, impact and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across Canada."
Save the Date: Volunteer Soiree
Wednesday, April 30th from 3-6pm
An invitation to our volunteer soirée will be arriving in your mail and email boxes in the coming weeks! We look forward to honouring your commitment and dedication.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Belong Ottawa's volunteer program is growing and we’re excited to invite new members to join our us! If you're passionate about making a difference and would like to contribute your time and skills, we’d love to have you on board.
Delivery Driver Assistant: 8am-1pm weekdays
Receptionist:
Shifts of 9am - 1pm,1- 4pm, 4 - 8 pm
Kitchen Support:
Variety of shifts available, including evenings and weekends
To learn more about these roles, you can click here to visit our website or email volunteer@belongottawa.ca!
| | 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. | | | Belong Ottawa | 454 King Edward Ave | Ottawa, ON K1N 7M8 CA | | | | |
