Quick Facts
How we make a difference
Homelessness Affects Us All
The homeless population consists of men, women, and children of different ages, ethnic family and economic backgrounds, sexual orientation, religions, work experience, and education.
Homelessness & Hunger are Serious Issues in Ottawa
- 7,156 different men, women, youth, and families with children sought emergency shelter in Ottawa in 2010.
- Approximately 10,502 households are on the waiting list for social housing – representing a 5-7 year wait.
- 43,000 people receive assistance through Food Bank programs each month – 40% of these are children.
Support for the Homeless is Not Enough
- Ontario Works benefits for a single person increased to $585 per month in 2009.
- At the same time, average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment increased to $853 per month.
- In 2008, the minimum housing wage to rent a one-bedroom apartment was $16.40/hour.
- The Ontario minimum wage was increased to $9.50 in 2009.
- There is a significant gap between what people earn and the kind of housing they can afford – putting minimum wage earners at significant risk of homelessness.
Centre 454’s Response
- Centre 454 is one of eight Day Programs offering services for people living in poverty and who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
- The Centre is open 5 days per week during the warm weather months (April to October) and 7 days a week during the colder months (November to March).
- In 2010, on average, 235 different people visited the Centre each day.
- We serve 1,200 cups of coffee daily along with tea, juice and nutritious snacks.
- One-on-one supportive counselling is provided by two staff for 24 hours per week
- The Centre serves up to 600 people at our annual Christmas party.
Alliance to End Homelessness – Report Card on Homelessness in Ottawa
2010 Report Card on Homelessness
2009 Report Card on Homelessness
2008 Report Card on Homelessness
2007 Report Card on Homelessness
2006 Report Card on Homelessness
2005 Report Card on Homelessness