What we do
Shepherds of Good Hope is one of the largest not-for-profit organizations dedicated to meeting the needs of those experiencing homelessness and precariously-housed people of all genders in the city of Ottawa. Our vision is to provide homes for all, community for all, hope for all. We foster hope and reduce harm in Ottawa by providing around-the-clock specialized services, programs, and partnerships. Many of the people who access Shepherds of Good Hope’s programs and services face challenges with mental health, substance use disorder, and trauma.
Shepherds of Good Hope operates six, soon to be seven, supportive housing residences in five locations across our city. We also operate a community soup kitchen and drop-in program, health and wellness services, police and paramedic diversion programming, and an emergency shelter for people of all genders. This past year we celebrated a major milestone, as we officially house more people in permanent supportive housing than we shelter each night! This is a first in Shepherds of Good Hope’s history.
Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation is dedicated to ethical fundraising and sustainable fiscal management. We support the work of Shepherds of Good Hope through donor-centred fundraising, ethical storytelling, and help to ensure sustainable financial management of the organization. The Foundation is responsible for all of Shepherds’ fundraising activities, including individual giving, events, grants, and community partnerships
How you can help
Give
By supporting Shepherds of Good Hope, you are transforming the lives of people of all genders who are experiencing homelessness, many of whom live with mental health challenges, substance use disorder, and trauma. Your investment in our community will help people experiencing homelessness and people who are at risk of homelessness by directly supporting much-needed programs and services that make a difference every day.
Programs like our internationally-renowned Managed Alcohol Program and Supervised Consumption and Treatment Service save lives in our community by reversing overdoses and helping people with substance use disorders find hope again. Our Transitional Emergency Shelter Program serves individuals who need specialized health care in a non-judgmental and caring environment.
This reduces hospital emergency room wait times, frees up first responder personnel’s time, and provides more tailored care for the individual. By supporting Shepherds of Good Hope, you are helping to make chronic homelessness a thing of the past as we build permanent supportive housing and move people out of shelters and into homes of their own. Without your support, none of these innovative programs would be possible. Please donate today!
Volunteer
Every day, Shepherds of Good Hope volunteers make positive contributions across our city, showing people experiencing homelessness and vulnerably-housed adults in our community that people care. Find the right spot for you. We offer volunteering opportunities across our city at supportive housing residences in Kanata, Carlington, Lowertown, and Rideau-Rockcliffe. We also offer volunteer opportunities in our community soup kitchen on Murray Street. You can explore our year-round and seasonal volunteering by going to our website to apply and learn more.
Events + fundraising
There are many ways to support Shepherds of Good Hope throughout the year via our community events!
Every spring, Ottawa community leaders gather for Shepherds of Good Hope’s, highly anticipated, signature event, Taste for Hope. Bringing together Ottawa’s top chefs, guests are treated to exquisite dishes that delighted tastebuds through this fun culinary experience. The food is paired with local offerings of craft beer, wine, and cocktails. The evening is topped off with a lively auction, including the opportunity to “fund-a-need.”
During the 2023 event participants rallied together to fund 80 new beds for our supportive housing facilities. The event is Shepherds’ largest fundraiser of the year, with all money raised going directly to support life-changing programs right here in our community. Stay tuned for 2024 Taste for Hope details – and find out what else we have going on by visiting www.sghottawa.com/events.
Want to host your own event and support those currently experiencing homelessness? Our team is here to help make it easy. Whether at home or in the office, we have the materials and tools you need to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of individuals today! Contact us at donate@sghottawa.ca to learn more.
Get in touch:
233 Murray St.
Ottawa, Ont.
K1N 5M9
sghottawa.com
donate@sghottawa.com
613-789-8210
Year founded: 1983
Twitter: @sghottawa
Facebook: /sghottawa
Instagram: @sghottawa
BOARD MEMBERS
Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation
- Mark Roundell, Chair
- Carrol Pitters
- David Rattray
- Jim Orban
- John Peters
- Kaveh Rikhtegar
- Lyndra Griffith
- Wendy Hope
Shepherds of Good Hope
- Dave Donaldson, Chair
- Ahmer Gulzar
- Catherine Danbrook
- Chantal Desmarais Barton
- Darryl Squires
- Donna Lougheed
- Julie Terrien
- Kassondra Walters
- Michael Laviolette
- Robin Sellar
- Steve Ball
- John Peters, Honorary Officer Emeritus
TOP FUNDING SOURCES
CITY OF OTTAWA: 46%
ONTARIO HEALTH EAST: 22%
RENT: 13%
COMMUNITY DONATIONS: 11%
OTTAWA INNER CITY HEALTH: 4%
OTHER: 5%
GEOGRAPHIC REGION OF FOCUS
Ottawa
