Wellness Supports in the Region

Students can use the ‘Find Food’ app to identify community food programs that are close to them.

This organization has developed a confidential, professionally administered form to support people who are directly affected by COVID-19. Individuals in the following categories are eligible to receive food/hygiene kits: people in isolation because they are sick or have family members that are sick, people in quarantine (within 14 days of travel), immunocompromised individuals, single parent homes and low-income households (case by case).

During the pandemic, it can be difficult for residents to get access to food and groceries, especially those living on low income or lost income. Just Food Ottawa—a local non-profit organization—has launched a new website, Good Food Ottawa, that provides information and resources for residents struggling during the pandemic.

If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks. Workers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents – including international students – may be eligible to receive this Benefit if they meet the other eligibility requirements. To verify eligibility, please visit the Canada Emergency Response Benefit page.

Settlement and integration services are being provided remotely by settlement workers, and legal advice on immigration matters can be provided by volunteer lawyers a few times a week. Individuals can call 613-725-5671, ext. 316 or email info@ociso.org to be connected with an intake worker who will direct them to the services or information needed.

A COVID-19 message is available on the OCISO website.

CCI Ottawa is maintaining a webpage called “Links for Newcomers to Help You Deal with the Impact of COVID-19”, which includes resources related to food, employment, social distancing, government services and more.

Staff are working from home to provide services. Clients can access services by calling the reception desk at 613-232-9634 and the receptionist will direct their call to appropriate staff.

A COVID-19 message is available on the CCI Ottawa website.

The United Muslim Organizations of Ottawa-Gatineau (UMOOG), supported by Muslim Family Services of Ottawa (MFSO), can provide grocery and prescription pick up, supplies or free professional phone/web counselling for isolated or vulnerable people of any faith, culture or community who are impacted by COVID-19. Individuals are asked to complete a confidential, professionally administered form.

MFSO can be contacted via email at info@mfso.ca if individuals require support or referrals to services.

A COVID-19 message is available on the MFSO website.

Students can access crisis counselling by calling 613-729-3145.

Staff are available to support clients remotely through telephone or email. For services, please call 613-729-3145 or email infomail@immigrantwomenservices.com.

A COVID-19 message is available on the Immigrant Women Services Ottawa website.

The office is closed, however, clients can be in touch by telephone, email or an on-line platform from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. The general email is occsc@occsc.org or individuals can call 613-235-4875.

A COVID-19 message is available on the OCCSC website.

Employment services are being offered remotely using e-mail, telephone and online delivery service. The Career Access for Newcomers (CAN) program does cater to international students who are in need of support for their job search. Students who wish to register with World Skills are asked to write to ws@ottawa-worldskills.org to schedule a virtual appointment with an employment counsellor.

A COVID-19 message is available on the World Skills website.

A variety of services are available. Clients are advised to call ahead at 613-238-8210 as changes to services may occur. Current services and phone numbers for specific services will be available on the Somerset Community West Health Centre website.

Ottawa-wide services:

• Consumption and Treatment Services (modified hours), and Needle Exchange & Safer Inhalation (harm reduction supplies will continue to be available through outreach and van services. Students can contact the NESI Van at 613-761-0003)

Catchment-specific services:

• Urgent Primary Care (by appointment only), Social Services Walk-In (via telephone)
• Single session counselling is now available in English and Mandarin. Practical supports are available for the Vietnamese, Chinese and Cambodian communities via telephone.

The Centre’s operations have shifted to provide only essential services, effective immediately.

Services include medical appointments, same-day medical clinic, consumption and treatment services, Junction (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.), Opioid Agonist Treatment, Back on Track program.

With the exception of the Junction, Centre-wide hours for all other essential services will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

A COVID-19 message is available on the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre website and a services information update (from Monday, March 30, 2020) is available on the Immediate Service Changes page.

Pinecrest-Queensway CHC is now closed except for those programs deemed to be essential services, however, they have created a list of known supports  and services in the community (PDF,886 KB). The Richmond Road and Strandherd Drive sites are closed Tuesdays and Thursdays, with only essential services on site Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All other services are being modified and delivered through alternative means.

Primary Care medical clinic appointments are being provided by telephone.

Employment services will be provided to both job seekers and employers. Services are being offered in a virtual capacity through telephone, email, texting and video conferencing. Job seekers and employers can reach out for service through phone at 613-288-3880 or by email at info@pqchc.com

A COVID-19 message is available on the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre website.

There has been a temporary reduction of hours to 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entrance to Carlington CHC will be restricted to people with confirmed appointments and to those in need of emergency support with personal crisis, food security or harm reduction equipment.  Please call 613-722-4000 before coming to the Centre.

The office will remain open for counselling, food cupboard access and to provide harm reduction supplies and information.

A COVID-19 message is available on the Carlington Community Health Centre website and current services information (PDF, 590 KB) is also available.

Centretown Community Health Centre is open to offer some essential services.

Services include: the Primary Care phone lines (613-233-4697), walk-in (call ahead to 613-233-4697), chiropodist appointments (only for urgent issues), counselling appointments (to book, call 613-233-4443, ext. 2109) and harm reduction supplies. Practical assistance and social service walk-ins are closed, but for telephone support please call 613-233-4443 and ask to speak to a Community Support Worker.

A COVID-19 message and services details are available on the Centretown Community Health Centre website.

The Ottawa Distress Centre phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Centre offers distress and crisis lines for individuals in Ottawa and the surrounding region. The crisis line is 613-722-6914 (inside Ottawa) and 1-866-996-0991 (outside Ottawa). For more information on their services, please visit the Distress Centre website.

Crisis Services Canada phone lines 1-833-456-4566 are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They also offer chat support daily from 4 p.m. to midnight.

Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre phone line 613-562-2333 provides support 7 days a week. Accompaniment can be arranged through the Crisis Line to hospital and police.

Good2Talk is a free, confidential service for post-secondary students in Ontario, available 24/7. By calling 1-866-925-5454 or texting GOOD2TALKON to 686868, post-secondary students in Ontario can receive professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being.

Big White Wall is an anonymous, safe peer-to-peer mental health community that is accessible online, members can share their feelings and concerns with each other while a team of clinicians are available to provide additional support.