Downtown Ottawa Coalition for a Safe Community

“Working together to address downtown social issues”

 

Created in July 2006, as a result of the homeless shelter facilities noting escalating safety concerns associated with addiction and related issues had reached a critical point, both on the streets, and in the shelters.  The initial meeting of the Coalition brought together a diverse group of affected stakeholders to begin the process of understanding the interconnectedness of the issues they faced.  Stakeholders included: social service providers, shelters, police, ward councillor, city housing, mental health, mayor’s office, residents and businesses .  This led to a better understanding of who does what, where, when, how and why in their community in order that they could identify gaps and discuss solutions.

 

After researching best practices, the Coalition focused their objectives on the following four key actions:

1. Public education on aggressive panhandling.

2. Advocacy for creation of supportive housing to help those most vulnerable to obtain and maintain housing.

3. Advocacy for creation of addiction treatment to provide those who want to accept help, the ability to receive it.

4. Creation of job skills development and employment programs for homeless and addicted individuals to help them gradually re-enter the workforce.

 

The Coalition continues to meet regularly to work toward their objectives and share their knowledge and information.

Coalition