The Ottawa Mission

08/25/2026

Applications for Discovery University’s fall semester are now open!

We have 2 courses on offer for our upcoming semester:

🏅Sports in Politics & Society
🙇‍♀️ Some Female Philosophers & 20th Century Philosophy

The deadline for application submissions is Tuesday, September 15th❗

Interested in joining Discovery University (DU), or know someone who might be?

Apply here: https://ottawamission.com/programs/client-services/discovery-university/

DU offers university-level courses to people living on low incomes or experiencing homelessness, taught by instructors from Carleton University and Saint Paul University.

Learn about and apply for The Ottawa Mission’s Discovery University: non-credited university courses for homeless people or people living on low incomes.

08/20/2026

“I am a father, a superintendent, and resilient.” – Hakim

In his own words, hear how you helped Hakim access free job training through our Maintenance Services Training Program (MSTP), unlocking a promising new career and a pathway out of hardship for him and his young son.

For those facing instability, poverty or homelessness, The Ottawa Mission not only provides emergency essentials of food and shelter, but also the programs that provide hope, opportunity, and lasting change; programs that rebuild lives.

Thank you for helping Hakim and so many others like him.

Together, we are rebuilding lives.

Learn how at: ottawamission.com/rebuildinglives

08/19/2026

Belong Ottawa's Centre 454 provides essential support to some of our city's most vulnerable residents.

Please consider adding your voice and sending a letter to The City asking for an extension to their January 2027 relocation deadline.

An extended deadline would provide Centre 454 with more time for a safe and stable transition of their essential services.

Centre 454 provides essential support to some of our city's most vulnerable residents. With growing pressures on Ottawa's health and social service system, more time is needed to ensure a safe and stable relocation.

Add your voice today and send a letter to City officials calling for an extension to the January 2027 deadline.

📝 www.belongottawa.ca/blog/centre454advocacy

08/18/2026

“I am a mother, a teacher, and a lover of food.” – Jennifer

In her own words, hear how you helped Jennifer access free job training from our Food Services Training Program (FSTP), restoring hope to her and her young family’s lives.

For those facing instability, poverty, or homelessness, The Ottawa Mission not only provides emergency essentials of food and shelter, but also the programs that provide hope, opportunity, and lasting change; programs that rebuild lives.

Thank you for helping Jennifer and so many others like her.

Together, we are rebuilding lives.

Learn how at: ottawamission.com/rebuildinglives

08/13/2026

“I am brave, spontaneous, and one of a kind.” – Kristen

In her own words, hear how you helped Kristen stabilize her life and find a path forward through education.

For those facing poverty or homelessness, The Ottawa Mission not only provides emergency essentials of food and shelter, but also the programs that provide hope, opportunity, and lasting change; programs that rebuild lives.

Thank you for helping Kristen and so many others like her.

Together, we are rebuilding lives.

Learn how at: ottawamission.com/rebuildinglives

08/11/2026

“I am resilient, hardworking, and sober.” – Randy

In his own words, hear how you helped Randy shift into recovery, exit homelessness, and start rebuilding his life.

For those facing poverty or homelessness, The Ottawa Mission not only provides emergency essentials of food and shelter, but also the programs that provide hope, opportunity, and lasting change; programs that rebuild lives.

Thank you for helping Randy and so many others like him.

Together, we are rebuilding lives.

Learn how at: ottawamission.com/rebuildinglives

08/07/2026

In our continuous effort to help alleviate hunger and food insecurity in Ottawa, we're announcing a new partnership with the FAMSAC Food Bank, adding a new stop to our Food Truck route.

The Mobile Mission Meals Food Truck will stop by Hollyer House, at 3865 Old Richmond Road, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. The service at this stop will be from 3:45 pm to 4:15 pm, starting this Tuesday, August 11th.

This new addition helps us support more communities across the city and brings our network to 42 Food Truck stops where we provide nutritious meals to those in need.

Together, we can make a difference in the life of someone struggling to bring food to their table.

To learn more about our food truck program and schedule, visit: https://ottawamission.com/ottawa-mission-food-truck-weekly-schedule/

08/06/2026

Extreme heat wave alert — please share. ☀️🥤 Extreme heat can be life threatening for neighbours without shelter. Our Frontline team is increasing checks and offering water, ice packs, and access to cool, safe spaces.

If you’re in the heat right now:
• Sip water often (avoid alcohol/caffeine) 🧊
• Rest in shade or an air conditioned space 🪑
• Cool down: damp cloth on neck/wrists, take a cool shower 🚿
• Watch for symptoms: dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion. If severe, call 911 immediately 📞

How we can help today:
• Cooling space available at The Ottawa Mission; staff can help with water and relief from the heat
• Outreach teams are circulating—if you see someone struggling, check in, offer water, and call for help if needed
• Learn more or get support: https://ow.ly/PZZa50Zx914

Your care saves lives in this heat. Thank you for looking out for one another. 💛

Help you neighbors in need: https://ow.ly/321C50Zx913

08/02/2026

Please note our food trucks will not be on the road tomorrow on the Civic Holiday - Monday, August 3rd.

If you’re looking for a warm meal on Monday, please join us in The Ottawa Mission dining room at 35 Waller. 💙

07/30/2026

💙

This week, we're celebrating three incredible partners whose generosity is making a meaningful difference in our community:

🤝 Madawaska Lodge No.196 – thank you for your generous donation and kind words of encouragement. It was a pleasure to welcome your group to The Ottawa Mission for a tour and share more about the work we do. We're grateful for your support and your commitment to helping provide care, hope, and essential services to those who need them most.

🍦 Chiromax of Manotick – thank you for organizing an ice cream fundraiser to treat our clients to delicious Kawartha Dairy ice cream! Your thoughtful initiative helped our community enjoy a refreshing break during the summer heat, and it certainly brought plenty of smiles. ☀️💙

☕ Starbucks Foundation and our local Starbucks partners – thank you for selecting The Ottawa Mission as a recipient of a 2026 Neighbourhood Grant. We're especially grateful to the local Starbucks partners who nominated us. Your support helps us provide meals, job training and education programs, and essential services for neighbours across Ottawa.

Thank you all for helping us provide hope, dignity, and care to our neighbours. Together, we're . 💙✨