Who to call for help and information
- Call 2-1-1 for information about drop in centres, community and health resource centres, food banks and community food programs, winter clothing, financial assistance with utilities and a list of Out of the Cold locations with free meals, snacks and drop-ins. The 211 service is provided by Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario.
- Call 3-1-1 to get referred to the best available shelter, or to get assistance for someone who needs transportation to get out of the cold. The City's 3-1-1 Line is available to respond to calls 24 hours a day. Calls are answered by the City of Ottawa Call Centre on a priority basis and referred to appropriate service providers.
- Call 8-1-1 Health Connect Ontario for non-emergency medical advice.
- Call 9-1-1 for medical emergency assistance such as hypothermia.
Mobile outreach for people experiencing homelessness
The Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre operates a Mobile Outreach Van and responds to calls made to the City's 3-1-1 Call Line. Additionally, they attend calls at request of Ottawa Police, Paramedic and Fire personnel. They encourage people to seek indoor shelter and are able to transport them to places, where they can seek refuge such as emergency shelters. In addition, they have warm clothing and other resources for those who refuse shelter placement. The Ottawa Booth Centre Outreach Van also completes case management, with unsheltered individuals, to assist in finding and affording safe and secure long term housing. This service operates in the Ottawa city limits, seven days a week, from 6 am to 3 am. During extreme weather conditions, hours are extended up to 24 hours a day.
Overnight shelters
Call 3-1-1 to get referred to an available and appropriate overnight shelter.
- Cornerstone: Women’s Shelter
- Salvation Army: Men’s Shelter, 171 George Street
- Shepherds of Good Hope: (both Men’s and Women’s Shelters), 256 King Edward Avenue
- The Mission: Men’s Shelter, 35 Waller Street
- Youth Services Bureau shelters for youth and young adults
Warming Spaces
Ottawa Public Health has a mapping tool with warm spaces in Ottawa.
