With the holiday season underway, Ottawa’s shelters are facing a high demand for beds and winter clothing.
At the Ottawa Mission, CEO Peter Tilley said the shelter has been operating at full capacity,
forcing people to sleep wherever space is available
on the coldest nights of the year.
“Anywhere from 30 to 40 people per night sleep in our lobby waiting area in plastic chairs or on the floor,” Tilley said. “
They have nowhere else to go
and we’re at full capacity.”
Fundraising earlier in the fall was
impacted by the Canada Post strike
, which Tilley said had a significant effect on donations.
“Canada Post was on strike during our Thanksgiving campaign and that hurt us to the tune of $160,000,” he said.
Since then, Tilley said donations have started to recover with the postal strike coming to an end.
“We’re close to on par with where we want to be with the mail response now, and the online response has been good as well,” Tilley said.
The Mission had its Christmas turkey meal Dec. 14, when more than 800 turkeys were served to those in need. Tilley said the organization noticed fewer turkey donations this year, but support from local businesses helped fill the gap.
With Ottawa feeling the chill, winter clothing donations are urgently needed, according to Tilley.
“We’re definitely looking for gently used winter coats and boots,” he said. “We really need winter boots, in particular, of all sizes.”
That sentiment was echoed
at Shepherds of Good Hope
, where demand for winter gear has increased as temperatures drop.
“We see 240 people a night in our shelter, and sometimes they’re not equipped properly for this type of weather,” said Bernie Forestell, senior communications manager of Shepherds of Good Hope.
Forestell said demand at the shelter has remained high, noting the organization’s community kitchen has seen an increase in users.
“Our shelter is over capacity most nights,” Forestell said.
He added that while community support remains strong, fundraising has slowed, particularly through mail donations.
“We have a very loyal group of donors,” he said. “We do know the mail volume is a little lower this year than normal.”
Tilley said he is grateful for the support the Ottawa Mission has received, but hopes donations continue into the new year.
“It doesn’t end at Christmas, just for people to please keep in mind,” he said. “Don’t forget about us in February.”
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