Ottawa Mission says funding isn’t keeping pace with needs

By Jason White

As the capital shivers under an icy blast of winter-like temperatures, The Ottawa Mission says homelessness is getting worse, and — even in good weather — its funding isn't keeping pace with the needs of the capital's homeless.

Wednesday night's bone chilling cold meant an over-capacity night at the Mission, with 20 people sleeping on mats on the floor of the chapel.

“And the other piece of the equation is that we had [up to] 17 people sleeping in the waiting area, outside of the chapel room — very uncomfortably — in chairs,” said Peter Tilley, Executive Director, The Ottawa Mission.

But the mission says even in good weather, the need for shelter and meals has been consistently rising. At the same time, the Mission's food and hydro costs are increasing faster than the funding the shelter receives from the city.

“We're not at a point now of considering our options, but certainly as we look to the future, we can't carry on on a trajectory like this,” said Tilley.

In addition to more money from the city, Tilley wants other levels of government to do more to provide permanent, affordable housing for people who are currently staying in beds in the shelter.

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