Housing First

At any given time, our Housing First practitioners work closely with approximately 175 clients who have experienced chronic homelessness.

We provide tailored support to help them find and keep their permanent home. We’re extremely proud that 88% of our Housing First clients remain stably housed after 24 months. It really is possible to end homelessness!

A recovery-oriented approach

People who have experienced homelessness for six months or more often find they need support to manage the new challenges of renting a home. As part of the City of Ottawa’s 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan, we use the Housing First model: “a recovery-oriented approach to ending homelessness that centers on quickly moving people experiencing homelessness into independent and permanent housing and then providing additional supports and services as needed.”

The Housing First Team

Our Housing First Practitioners work with people to create plans tailored to their needs and help them find and maintain permanent housing. Peer Support Workers bring their lived experience to work with clients from a recovery-oriented perspective.

Our Housing Specialist makes sure there are positive relationships with landlords in order to maximize housing opportunities and housing retention. The team can help with many things, such as:

In-home visits to offer support, such as hands-on practical assistance and coaching
Obtaining furniture and other important items for a home
Providing referrals to relevant resources and working with community partners to promote recovery, independence, and overall well-being
Accompaniment to appointments
Goal planning and developing new skills (budgeting, resume-writing, finding employment/volunteer opportunities)
Help with communicating with landlords and understanding tenant rights and responsibilities

Principles of Housing First

Immediate access to permanent housing with no housing readiness requirements

Consumer choice and self-determination

Recovery orientation

Individualized and client-driven supports

Social and community integration

This project is funded by the Government of Canada.

Are you a landlord?

Fill your rental spaces. Join our successful roster of landlords who benefit from guaranteed rent payments, a City of Ottawa subsidy, and wraparound support from our Housing First team.

Solving homelessness is about more than finding housing.

Our tenants also need support with setting up their new homes, accessing services, connecting with community, and more. Whatever your skill set, you can be part of the solution.

Donate Money

Give the gift of home with a regular or one-off donation

Donate Items

Make someone’s day by donating your new or gently used items

Fundraise

Host an event to raise awareness and funds so we can see an end to homelessness

Volunteer

Use your skills and time to make a difference in someone’s life