FAQ

IHO offers safe, short-term emergency shelter to people aged 16 years or older, who identify as women, with or without dependents, who are fleeing abuse. Wherever possible, all dependents (e.g., children, grandmother, etc.) affected by the abuse and residing in the home are welcome to accompany you to IHO. If you are in need of a safe place to stay, please contact our 24/7 crisis line at 613-234-5181 or residential@intervalhouseottawa.org.

IHO is dedicated to serving any woman-identified person who has been abused, including lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered women.

Absolutely. We will work with you to determine how we can support with your child's individual needs.

Not exactly. Each family has a private room that is shared with their dependents. There are multiple, single use bathrooms at IHO that are available to all residents.

There is no charge to stay at IHO. We also provide food and other basic needs, such as laundry soap and a welcome basket of toiletries.

No. You are welcome to stay at IHO during the day.

Your length of stay will be determined by your individual needs. IHO staff will work with you on how to best meet your needs.

Yes! IHO is currently the only shelter in Ottawa and the surroundng area that accepts cats, dogs, and other small animals into residence with their family members.

Yes. IHO has a chef who prepares a communal dinner for residents during the week. You are responsible for preparing all other meals and snacks for yourself and your family. However, you are not required to purchase food; the shelter has a fully stocked kitchen.

IHO does its best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Residents may advise staff of special needs regarding food (i.e., vegetarian, vegan, halal meat, kosher foods, etc.).

Yes. IHO is equipped to welcome women with mobility issues who have the ability to independently look after themselves and their children at all times. Women with children with mobility issues are welcome when the woman is able to independently care for her children.

Every effort will be made to keep your children in their normal routine, including attending school. However, for various reasons such as school boundaries, safety, transportation, etc. it is not always possible for your children to remain in their current school. For these reasons, you may need to transfer your children to a school within IHO's school boundary. Out Child & Youth Counsellors can help you with this process.