As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our daily lives, we wanted to reach out to assure you that the team at Habitat Greater Ottawa continues to be available to you should you have any questions or concerns.
Like many non-profits in the city, we are adjusting to the ongoing changes and are adapting to this evolving situation. Currently our staff is working reduced hours and our ReStores are actively moving to online (you can now shop our Online ReStore through the ReStore Facebook page). Our core team is working to keep operations going so that we are ready to accelerate our activities with renewed energy and commitment once health regulations are lifted.
The best way to connect with us while our office remains closed is by email at admin@habitatgo.com.
We would also like to share some additional resources available in the city to support you as the health crisis continues. We thank our community partners and City Councillors for compiling these resource lists. We encourage you to please share these resources with friends, family, neighbours, colleagues and/or loved ones who may also find this information helpful.
Health
For the most up to date information on COVID-19 in Ottawa, please visit Ottawa Public Health.
You can also take an online self-assessment COVID-19 test.
Please remember to continue to practice self-isolation and physical distancing.
Food
Many food stores offer pick-up and delivery services. Some have costs, and others don’t. Here are just a few examples of local grocery stores. Click on the stores below to find a location near you.
Financial Support
The City of Ottawa’s Essential Health and Social Supports (EHSS) program helps Ottawa residents who cannot afford to pay for items or services needed to maintain their housing and for health items that are not available through other programs.
The province of Ontario has announced a COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Program.
The federal government’s Canada Emergency Response Benefit provides $2000 per month to Canadians who lose income due to COVID-19.
Employment Insurance is available for those who have been recently laid off or have reduced hours.
The Canada Child Benefit has increased by $300 per child for the 2019-20 benefit year. Qualifying parents will receive the extra amount as part of their May payment.
The federal government has extended Income Tax Filing and Payment dates to June 1st and September 1st 2020.
Special payment under the GST credit provides special payment to low and modest income families.
The Minimum RRIF withdrawal has been reduced to help protect seniors’ retirement savings.
Canada Student Loans introduced a pause on repayments for six months.
The Province of Ontario is providing electricity relief to families through time of use pricing reductions during COVID-19. Pricing is applied automatically. No consumer action required.
Crisis Services
The Ottawa Distress Centre offers emotional support and encouragement, crisis management and intervention, suicide risk assessment and prevention, community resource/referral information. Please call 613-238-3311.
The Ottawa Crisis Line offers services are for people experiencing a situational crisis, psychosis or suicidal behaviour, severe depression or anxiety or suicidal behaviour. Please call 613-722-6914.
The Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa has a 24/7 Crisis Line & On-Line Chat for children and youth ages 18 and under who are experiencing a crisis, and for parents, guardians, caregivers, friends or service providers who are concerned about a young person in crisis. Please call 613-260-2360.
Mental Health Resources
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offers free skill-building programs designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach, and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.
Big White Wall offers support with a wide range of mental health and well-being issues – from anxiety, depression, isolation and stress, to relationship problems and lifestyle challenges.
The Kids Help Phone is available to children and youth 18 and under who need to talk to someone about their mental health can call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868, for 24/7 phone and text support.
Seniors Support
A Friendly Voice is a confidential telephone visiting line that seniors can access when they want to talk. Please call 613-692-9992 or toll-free 1-855-892-9992. NOTE – this service is not a distress/crisis line or a counselling line.
LGBT Wellbeing Check-in Program provides a telephone assurance program for LGBT adults with disabilities (18+) and older adults (55+). To access the program, contact Good Companions at 613-236-0428 or info@thegoodcompanions.ca
Seniors’ Centre Without Walls is a free interactive telephone-based program that connects seniors 55+, as well as adults 18+ with disabilities. No special equipment needed – just your average phone. Contact the Good Companions Centre at 613-236-0428 ext. 2101 or by email erevell@thegoodcompanions.ca.
We are all no doubt reflecting these days on the discomfort and anxiety that we feel as we quarantine in our homes. Maybe you are trying to balance family, work, or caring for loved ones from afar. We hope that you find this information help and are able to find some solace in friends and family whether near or far during this time.
Be kind to yourself and others. Together, we will get through this.
