New transitional housing units in Ottawa to help 170 unsheltered families

The city has turned a former retirement home in Ottawa’s west end into a transitional housing building set to help unhoused families.

Ottawa leased a four-storey building at 1 Corkstown Road and turned it into the Corkstown Transitional Housing Program. It opened its doors on Monday and has 170 available units.

The transitional housing program is just a step towards long-term housing, not a final destination, said the city.

“Transitional housing goes beyond merely providing a safe place to stay,” wrote the city in a media release. “It incorporates a residential component coupled with a range of onsite supports designed to address the diverse needs of families.”

In addition to providing shelter, the building will make support services available to residents. These includes interpretation services, job-seeking and training programs and help with immigration.

The program will also offer education, access to financial assistance and connections with community agencies.

“These services aim to equip families with the tools they need to break the cycle of homelessness and transition to long-term housing,” added the city.

City staff will be on site 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to help residents.

Residents are neighbours, not nuisances

The city added that the most important thing the community can do is welcome the families on-site as new neighbours. Residents who want to help should donate to a charity of their choice.

On-site donations will not be accepted for health and safety reasons, said the city.

According to the city, 840 families have been moved to long-term housing from the start of 2022 to August 2023 by the city and about 330 families are experiencing homelessness in Ottawa.

“The program represents a safe, physical space for families to stay while they take important steps to find permanent housing, as well as providing the supports they need for long-term success.”