The Ottawa Mission is grappling with a record-breaking surge in homelessness and food insecurity. In its latest impact report, the shelter revealed the strain on its services, accommodating an influx of asylum seekers and a growing number of vulnerable individuals in the community. David McKnight, a client at the Ottawa Mission, said, "This place is a blessing.
And when they say it's a Hilton of these type of places, they're not wrong." Many, like McKnight, rely on the Mission for survival, finding shelter and support amid increasing economic hardship and mental health struggles. "There's a lot of people here with desperation.
There's a lot of hurt people here physically and mentally, a lot of mangled people who need incredible help. I will say this. Thank goodness this place is here," he added.
The Mission's impact report highlights the devastating effects of inflation, the lack of affordable housing, and the mental health crisis, as more people are forced to turn to shelters. CEO Peter Tilley says the sudden rise in asylum seekers has been unexpected, further straining resources. "Amongst everything else, the toxic drug supply, the lack of affordable housing that's driving people to come in the doors of a homeless shelter.
It was this influx of newcomers. We didn't expect that," Tilley said. By October 2023, asylum seekers made up 61 per cent of the Mission's shelter population, putting additional pressure on services like meals and housing assistance.
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