A Human Needs Task Force has been struck as part of the City’s Emergency Management Plan and emergency response to COVID-19, ensuring we are responsive to the emerging needs of the community. Information is also located online and resources will continue to be updated.
The task force is currently focused on service coordination for immediate, medium and long-term response associated with five emerging needs:
- Food Resources
- Transportation
- Outreach to isolated seniors
- Volunteer coordination
- Housing Services
The task force is currently working on:
- Food Resources
- Food Resources see Ottawa.ca
- Champlain Community Support Network (CCSN)
- FAMSAC Food Cupboard provides emergency food assistance to the communities of Bayshore, Bells Corners, Crystal Beach, Craig Henry, Manordale, and Trend Village
- Information about how to access the food bank is regularly updated on ottawafoodbank.ca or 613-745-7001.
- The Good Companions’ Senior Centres Without Walls program will deliver groceries and Meals on Wheels. Services can be accessed by contacting Good Companions website or by telephone at 613-236-0428.
- Grocery and Perscription Delivery Olde Forge – Tel: 613-829-9777
- FoodLink directory is a comprehensive listing of food and nutrition programs and services in Ottawa that aim to increase access to healthy food.
- Good Food At Your Doorstep Box helps deliver fresh veggies and fruits to households that may be struggling with low-income.
- Ottawa Good Food Box supports Ottawa households who currently have limited financial and physical access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. This new initiative will provide a weekly home delivery service to low-income and vulnerable community members during the COVID-19 health crisis.
- Fact Sheet on Food Resources.
- Ottawa Public Health has Guidelines for Food Banks, Donation Centres and Volunteers
- Ottawa Public Health has Guidance for Food Premises Offering Food Delivery and Takeout Services
- Call 211 Ontario for Food Access, Ontario Government Programs, Financial Relief, and Mental Health Resources.
- Urgent Transportation to appointments
- The Good Companions’ Senior Centres Without Walls program is ramping up to provide transportation to emergency services, medical appointments and shopping. Services can be accessed by contacting Good Companions website or by telephone at 613-236-0428.
- Champlain Community Support Network (CCSN)
- Olde Forge – Tel: 613-829-9777
- Isolated seniors
- The Good Companions is closed. Staff have been redirected to essential programs.
- Seniors Centre Without Walls (SCWW): 613-236-0428
- Rural Ottawa Support Services A Friendly Voice wellness calls to rural seniors connecting them to local services and programs
- Better Strength, Better Balance programon Roger’s TV
- Ottawa Community Housing wellness checks: 613-731-1182
- Ottawa Inner City Health: supports to homeless
- Isolation Assessment Centre: Routhier Community Centre: Contact 3-1-1 for assessment for homeless singles
- Olde Forge – Tel: 613-829-9777
- Champlain Community Support Network (CCSN)
- Red Cross Wellness Visits
- Volunteer management to support community efforts during a pandemic
- Volunteer opportunities
- Ottawa Public Health has Guidelines for Food Banks, Donation Centres and Volunteers
- Housing services | City of Ottawa
Community social services
- Call 2-1-1 Community and Social Services Help Line – referrals to local community, social, government and health services.
Human Needs Task Force contact information
- English: HNTF@ottawa.ca
- French: GTBH@Ottawa.ca
- Phone number: 613-580-2424 ext. 26753
Please ask anyone facing difficulty to call 3-1-1. The City of Ottawa has many supports in place for residents in need and are expanding our capacity to meet local needs.
Please call 2-1-1 for more information on the community, social, government and health services and programs available in Ottawa.
