The pandemic brought many hardships and challenges for us all, but it most heavily impacted vulnerable and at-risk members of the community who no longer had a place to go during the day.
While programs closed or remained inconsistent, there was an increased need for supports across the city. The City created temporary respite centres early on as a place where unsheltered residents, or those precariously housed, could go during the day for support. These respite centres changed the way services were provided to community members.
What is the Catherine Street Community Service Hub?
The Catherine Street Community Service Hub is an accessible space built on the lessons learned and service gaps that were identified during the pandemic. Supported through collaboration of City services and community partners, the Hub offers a one-stop space to access social services and wrap-around supports in one location.
Residents can walk-in or schedule an appointment for a variety of services and system navigation support at the Hub, including financial and social assistance, housing support and referrals, employment services and community and health services referrals. Most recently, the Centretown Community Food Centre opened its doors within the Hub, offering Centretown residents who need critical food security support. There is also free access to washrooms, charging stations, public computers, Wi-Fi, telephones and a safe place to rest onsite.
Since opening, the Hub has served more than 11,000 residents of Ottawa, and on average 60 people per day.
To learn more about the Hub’s programs and supports, visit ottawa.ca/socialservices.
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.