Restoring Hope

08/03/2026

07/30/2026

Today is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

Human trafficking is not a distant issue. It happens in our communities, and young people experiencing homelessness are among those at the highest risk of being exploited.

When someone has nowhere safe to sleep, no stable support system, and few options, traffickers often take advantage of those vulnerabilities by offering false promises of safety, belonging, or financial security.

At Restoring Hope Ministries, we believe every young person deserves a safe place to stay, people who genuinely care, and the opportunity to build a future free from exploitation.

As we recognize this day, we invite you to stand with vulnerable youth in our community.

Pray for those who are trapped in exploitation, for those working to protect and support survivors, and for the young people who are searching for safety and hope.

“Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 (CSB)

Together, we can help create a community where every young person is seen, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Learn more about our work or support vulnerable youth by visiting restoringhope.ca.

07/11/2026

Earlier this year, we increased our hours of service and are now open seven nights a week, providing consistent support for youth ages 16–24 experiencing homelessness or crisis.

By giving $10 a month, you help ensure our shelter doors remain open every night - offering a safe place, meals, essential supplies, housing support, and caring staff when it matters most.

Learn more: restoringhope.ca/10forhope

07/08/2026

Since the closure of Safe consumption sites in Ontario there has been a large increase in calls to paramedics for overdoses. Please do not be afraid to check on people you see on the ground who may look like they are sleeping. Take a moment to check and see if they are breathing and if not call 911 immediately. I encourage everyone to get a free naloxone kit to carry with them. It can save people’s lives.

07/02/2026

Yesterday we opened up a few hours early because we were worried about the youth being outside in the storm. Just imagine how difficult it would be if you were homeless during this weather. Especially on Canada Day when the Mall, library, and stores are closed. The kids were soaked and very tired. Fortunately we had the means to give them shelter from the storm. Thank you to the community of supporters who make this possible.

06/25/2026

Jericho Road, Capital City Mission, and Restoring Hope had a fabulous time on Sam Laprade's An Hour to Give on tv Rogers Ottawa.

The conversation gives a highlight to each our organizations while focusing on the topic of breaking down silos, developing healthy relationships between organizations, and building a better community for the people we serve.

Stay tuned for the segments, we can't wait to share them with you!

We can't thank Sam and the Rogers team enough for this opportunity to highlight the important work we all do. ⭐

For more information on our three organizations, head over to bettertogetherottawa.ca ➡️

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day to all of the Dads who are loving their kids unconditionally and helping to provide a healthy and supportive home for them to grow up. You are making a difference!

06/12/2026

A few years ago when I was working an overnight shift there was a loud knock at the door around 3:00am. When the staff answered the door a young man was yelling that we needed to help his friend who had overdosed outside of the church. I grabbed a few narcan kits and left to find the girl while the other staff called the paramedics. When I found her I recognized her as someone who had stayed with us regularly. She was unconscious and not breathing while also showing signs of oxygen deprivation. I used the narcan on her and then preceded to start CPR. Just as the paramedics arrived she opened her eyes and started breathing again. Then the paramedics took her to the hospital for care. A few weeks later we helped her to find housing and then we didn’t see her after that. Last year she sent the staff an email thanking us for all that we had done for her and she wanted to let us know that she was now sober, working and also going to school. We were fortunate to be able to help in that moment that she overdosed. Over the years we have unfortunately attended many funerals of youth who died of an overdose alone in an apartment or on the street. We have seen how important safe consumption sites are to saving people’s lives and also building relationships with those same people and encouraging them to seek the help they need. We do not believe that any life saving efforts for people struggling with addiction can be labeled as a waste of resources or enabling bad behaviour. 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that Godly love, among other things, keeps no record of wrongs and that it continues to believe and hope for the best. RHM strongly disagrees with the decision of the Province to close all Safe consumption sites in Ottawa starting June 13. We pray that all of us will learn to love all of our neighbours unconditionally and to work towards making sure everyone receives love and dignity.

06/10/2026

Our shelter recently expanded from 5 to 7 nights a week.

By giving $10 monthly to Restoring Hope, you can partner with us in ensuring that youth have a safe space to sleep every night of the week, all year long.

Join us at restoringhope.ca/10forhope 💛