For nearly 50 years, Ottawa Salus has helped people living with mental health and substance use health challenges move forward with a stable home and the support to keep it.
This year, there is much to celebrate: On Oct. 21, Soirée Salus, presented by TD, will mark its 10th anniversary at the John G. Diefenbaker Building. Its theme, “Light the Way,” reflects both the progress our community has made and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Ten years of community support
Over the past decade, Soirée Salus has brought together leaders, partners, donors and advocates who share a belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live with stability, dignity and connection. Their support has enabled Salus to expand its housing and services, respond to changing community needs and help more people overcome barriers to greater stability, well-being and independence.
This milestone arrives during an especially significant year for Salus. In May, it opened Capilano, welcoming residents into 54 new supportive homes designed to help older adults living with complex mental health challenges age with stability, connection and dignity.
It also reopened our Athlone transitional housing program as part of the province’s Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub program, providing housing and individualized support for people transitioning out of homelessness and living with substance use health challenges.
These developments represent more than new buildings or programs. They reflect what becomes possible when governments, community organizations, donors and neighbours work together around a shared goal.
Recognizing progress across our sector
There is also growing momentum across Ottawa’s housing and homelessness sector. The connection between housing, health and well-being is better understood than ever, and supportive housing is increasingly recognized as an essential part of a strong and responsive community.
New partnerships, investments and ideas are helping move this work forward. While there is still much more to do, that progress deserves to be recognized. So do the people behind it: the staff who show up each day, the partners who bring their expertise, the donors who invest in what is possible and the community members who believe in this work.
This year’s Soirée will also recognize Dr. Vera Etches and Dr. Tim Aubry, two leaders whose work has made an enduring contribution to health, housing and well-being in Ottawa. Their leadership reflects the collaboration, evidence and commitment to people that will be essential as our sector continues to move forward.
Join us and light the way
Soirée Salus takes place Oct. 21 at Victoria Hall in the John G. Diefenbaker Building. Guests are invited to join us for an evening of celebration, connection and shared purpose, and to help create more opportunities for people in Ottawa to experience the stability of home.
Reserve your ticket for Soirée Salus today. Together, we can honour how far we have come and light the way toward what comes next.
