Ottawa

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Community Resources

Organizations and resources available to help newcomers integrate and settle in Ottawa, including cultural and settlement services.

Sections

1. FINANCE RESOURCES IN OTTAWA

Ottawa provides various financial resources to help residents and newcomers manage their finances, access benefits, and receive financial literacy support.

a. Financial Assistance Programs

  1. Ontario Works (OW)

    • Description: Ontario Works provides financial assistance to individuals and families in need to cover basic living expenses such as food, shelter, and clothing. It also offers employment support to help recipients find and maintain jobs.
    • Eligibility:
      • Must be a resident of Ontario.
      • Must demonstrate financial need (based on income and assets).
      • Must be willing to participate in employment-related activities (unless exempt).
    • Costs: Free to apply.
    • How to Apply:
      • Apply online through the Ontario Works website.
      • Call the City of Ottawa at 3-1-1 and ask for Social Services.
      • Visit a local Social Services office in Ottawa:
        • Main Office: 370 Catherine Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 5T5
    • Documents Needed:
      • Proof of identity (e.g., passport, PR card).
      • Proof of income and assets.
      • Rent or mortgage receipts.
      • Utility bills.
    • Contact: Call 3-1-1 or visit the City of Ottawa Social Services page.

  2. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

    • Description: A tax-free monthly payment provided by the federal government to help families with the cost of raising children under 18.
    • Eligibility:
      • Must live with a child under 18.
      • Must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
      • Must file an annual tax return.
    • Costs: Free to apply.
    • How to Apply:
      • Apply online through your CRA My Account.
      • Complete Form RC66 (Canada Child Benefits Application) and mail it to the Canada Revenue Agency.
    • Contact: Call the CRA at 1-800-387-1193 or visit the Canada Child Benefit page.

  3. Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

    • Description: Provides emergency financial assistance to low-income households struggling to pay their electricity or natural gas bills.
    • Eligibility:
      • Must be a customer of a utility company in Ontario.
      • Must demonstrate financial need.
    • Costs: Free to apply.
    • How to Apply:
      • Contact your utility provider (e.g., Hydro Ottawa) to inquire about LEAP.
      • Submit an application through a local social service agency.
    • Contact: Call Hydro Ottawa at 613-738-6400 or visit Hydro Ottawa's LEAP page.

b. Financial Literacy and Budgeting Support

  1. Causeway Work Centre โ€“ Financial Literacy Program

    • Description: Offers workshops and one-on-one support to help individuals learn about budgeting, saving, and managing debt.
    • Eligibility: Open to all Ottawa residents, with a focus on individuals facing barriers to employment.
    • Costs: Free.
    • How to Apply:
      • Contact the Causeway Work Centre directly to inquire about upcoming workshops.
    • Contact: Call 613-725-3494 or visit Causeway Work Centre.

  2. Credit Counselling Society

    • Description: Provides free credit counselling, debt management programs, and financial education workshops.
    • Eligibility: Open to all residents of Ottawa.
    • Costs: Free for counselling; fees may apply for debt management programs.
    • How to Apply:
      • Call or book an appointment online.
    • Contact: Call 1-888-527-8999 or visit Credit Counselling Society.

2. LOCAL SERVICES IN OTTAWA

Ottawa offers a variety of local services to support residents and newcomers, including settlement services, housing assistance, and community centers.

a. Settlement Services for Newcomers

  1. Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO)

    • Description: Provides settlement and integration services, including language training, employment support, and mental health services.
    • Eligibility: Open to immigrants and refugees in Ottawa.
    • Costs: Free.
    • How to Apply:
      • Visit the OCISO office or contact them to book an appointment.
    • Contact:
      • Address: 945 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X5
      • Phone: 613-725-5671
      • Website: OCISO

  2. Catholic Centre for Immigrants (CCI)

    • Description: Offers settlement services, housing support, and community connections for newcomers.
    • Eligibility: Open to immigrants and refugees in Ottawa.
    • Costs: Free.
    • How to Apply:
      • Contact CCI directly to access services.
    • Contact:
      • Address: 219 Argyle Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2P 2H4
      • Phone: 613-232-9634
      • Website: CCI Ottawa

b. Housing Assistance

  1. Ottawa Housing Services โ€“ Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Housing

    • Description: Provides affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families.
    • Eligibility:
      • Must meet income requirements.
      • Must be a resident of Ottawa.
    • Costs: Rent is based on 30% of household income.
    • How to Apply:
    • Contact:
      • Address: 2197 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON K1H 1A9
      • Phone: 613-526-2088

  2. Action Housing (Action-Logement)

    • Description: Provides housing search assistance, eviction prevention, and tenant rights education.
    • Eligibility: Open to all Ottawa residents, with a focus on low-income individuals.
    • Costs: Free.
    • How to Apply:
      • Contact Action Housing directly to book an appointment.
    • Contact:
      • Address: 261 Montreal Road, Suite 200, Ottawa, ON K1L 8C7
      • Phone: 613-562-8219
      • Website: Action Housing

c. Community Centers and Local Support

  1. Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre

    • Description: Offers a wide range of services, including health care, employment support, and community programs.
    • Eligibility: Open to all residents in the Pinecrest-Queensway area.
    • Costs: Free or low-cost, depending on the service.
    • How to Apply:
      • Visit the center or call to inquire about specific programs.
    • Contact:
      • Address: 1365 Richmond Road, Ottawa, ON K2B 6R7
      • Phone: 613-820-4922
      • Website: PQCHC

  2. Somerset West Community Health Centre

    • Description: Provides health care, social services, and community programs for residents in the Somerset West area.
    • Eligibility: Open to all residents in the Somerset West area.
    • Costs: Free or low-cost, depending on the service.
    • How to Apply:
      • Visit the center or call to inquire about specific programs.
    • Contact:
      • Address: 55 Eccles Street, Ottawa, ON K1R 6S3
      • Phone: 613-238-8210
      • Website: SWCHC

Final Tips

  • Language Support: Many organizations in Ottawa offer services in multiple languages. If you need interpretation, ask when contacting the organization.
  • Transportation: Ottawaโ€™s public transit system (OC Transpo) is reliable and can help you access these resources. Consider purchasing a Presto card for discounted fares.
  • Documentation: Always bring identification and proof of residency when accessing services.

If you need further assistance or have specific questions, feel free to ask!