By Stephen Bartolo
While many of us in the city are looking forward to the summertime sunshine, the warmer weather, and longer days, those of us at Shepherds of Good Hope’s men’s and women’s shelter programs are looking for innovative ways to support the increase of needs. Unfortunately, we see a decline in the number of volunteers and donations over the summer, while also seeing a rise in the number of individuals staying at our shelters and requiring access to services.
Many people don’t realize that our need for food and volunteers rises in the summer months as we try to feed, shelter and engage more people during this time period. Ottawa’s locals can usually escape the city for periods over the summer, and the tourists quickly fill up our streets. At the same time we also see an influx of people from other communities travelling to Ottawa at this time as they seek out services and opportunities that don’t exist in their small communities. Ottawa represents a beacon of hope, a fresh start for many, many people. Unfortunately, their plan might not work out for whatever reason and they may find themselves in the shelter system and at Shepherds of Good Hope.
During the summer the staff at our shelter programs in particular take many precautionary measures. Staff are monitoring weather-related health concerns such as heat stroke, completing frequent checks outside of our buildings and providing unlimited access to water. We never turn people away. Alongside over- capacity in our shelters and soup kitchen during these months, hydration is an essential concern for us.
A key role for our staff at the shelter is to find stable housing for everyone who comes through our doors. Sadly though, just as many new individuals are showing up as we’re transitioning others out, which make the summer months even more difficult.
Our team does an excellent job of building trust and rapport to successfully house the majority of our residents. In fact many of the people who have come into the shelter system have been rehoused into one of our five supportive-housing facilities.
While the shelter is in need of food donations, volunteers, access to unlimited water and over-capacity issues, our supportive-housing residents are full of life at this time of year. We see our residents blossom, whether that is getting engaged in life-skills activities such as gardening, or being engaged in local community events, the warm weather brings on a rejuvenating perspective. Housing provides the stability for individuals to cherish some of the more fulfilling things in life that people living on the street may not be afforded.
So while many of us enjoy the wonderful opportunities the summer sunshine holds in this beautiful city of ours, let’s please not forget about the many people that are unable to access these same basic opportunities. Shepherds of Good Hope cannot function without the generous support and donations of our volunteers and donors. If you would like to support our team during the summer months we’d greatly appreciate your contributions. There are many, many ways to help out. Please contact us at 613-789-8210 for more information. Thank you, and enjoy the sunshine!
Stephen Bartolo is Vice President of Shepherds of Good Hope