Ottawa committee looking to see shelter standards improve for youth, LGBTQ2S, Indigenous clients

The City of Ottawa's emergency shelters and transitional housing programs are soon expected to improve their operation and service delivery standards. 

The City’s Community and Protective Services Committee approved updated emergency shelter standards and new standards for transitional housing programs, Thursday, February 18.
 
The new standards outline minimum guidelines for governance, operations and service delivery, reflecting best and current practices and policies, including measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

The city says they also set the expectation that service delivery is based on accepting and respecting the inherent dignity, diversity, experiences and abilities of all people. They also mandate changes that will improve service for clients with disabilities, independent youth, children, LGBTQ2S clients, and Indigenous clients.
 
A motion was approved at the committee level, to refer a two-year work plan as part of the city's Housing and Homelessness Plan, to a special joint meeting of the Finance and Economic Development Committee and the Community and Protective Services Committee on Tuesday, March 2.