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Resources for people in need

Food resources

The City of Ottawa is partnering with community agencies to connect residents to resources, services, programs, and support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fact Sheet on Food Resources contains food resources for home delivery, pick-up options and isolated seniors. Note that certain food banks and organizations serve specific areas of the city only. It is important to confirm that the food resource can serve that address.

Additionally, Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario I 2-1-1 provides a search function based on postal code for all food resources in the Ottawa area or call 2-1-1 for in person assistance in over 200+ languages.

​​​​​​​Contact information for Human Needs Task Force

HNTF@ottawa.ca | 613-580-2424 ext. 26753

Emergency pet food bank

The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) started an emergency pet food bank to support pet owners during COVID-19. Visit ottawahumane.ca to get an appointment. The Pet Pantry drive-thru is open Thursday afternoons from 1 pm to 4 pm at 245 West Hunt Club Road. Visit the OHS’s website for information about other community pet resources as part of their emergency plan.

Know who to call for help (9-1-1, 3-1-1 or 2-1-1)

Text + chat line – support for violence and abuse

Unsafe at Home Ottawa is a new text and chat support line for women who may be living through increased violence and abuse at home during COVID-19. Counsellors can provide emotional support, practical advice and referrals. Text 613-704-5535 or chat online at unsafeathomeottawa.ca. For more information, visit crimepreventionottawa.ca.

Mental Health

The COVID-19 situation can be stressful for many of us and there are many resources to support you.

Distress Centre Ottawa and Region
Call 613-238-3311 in English.

Tel-Aide Outaouais
Call 613-741-6433 in French.

Counselling Connect
Counselling Connect provides free access to a same-day or next-day phone or video counselling session. This service is for children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the nearby area.

Our Marathon of Hope - (English) [ PDF - 400 KB ]
A COVID-19 Self Help Guide for Taking Care of Ourselves, Our Families and Our Communities

Infant and Early Childhood Family Supports for Mental Health Factsheet [ PDF - 121 KB ]

The COVID-19 situation can be particularly difficult for older people with mobility issues, and those over 70 who are told to self-isolate. Here are resources and things we can do to stay mentally well during these difficult times.