Call Our 24/7 Crisis Line: 613-234-5181
Transitional Housing and Support Program
Sometimes shelter-living is not possible or desired. Our THSP is an outreach worker who can bring the shelter services to you in the community.
They can support with:
-
Development of transitional and safety plans
-
Support in applying for services like: income support; social housing; legal aid
-
Make referrals to different programs & services like counselling; mental health supports; parenting supports
-
Can help navigate the different systems involved when trying to stay safe, such as the legal system, immigration processes, police, medical appointments
Our THSP is also available to survivors who have moved out of our shelter and into the community again. A THSP worker can help connect you to resources and services in your new neighbourhood and can provide support for ongoing issues related to leaving an abusive relationship.
Programs & Services
Access Community Care with our Peer Support Program
One of the most powerful healing tools available to us is being able to connect with a community of people that understand what you have gone through.
Having a community of peers to connect with can reduce loneliness and the feelings of isolation that are present during a major life event like leaving an abusive environment. The peer support program runs as 10-week sessions with semi-structured topics facilitated by survivors who have engaged in specialized training.
Some of the topics covered include:
-
Building healthy relationships with communication & boundaries
-
Relationship green flags & red flags
-
Navigating legal aid and family law
-
Building a community of care
If you are interested in participating in our next Peer Support Program please contact us.
Counselling Services
When you arrive here at the shelter in crisis we understand that the first priority is to ensure your safety. Our staff are trained to support survivors in crisis and can tend to emotional and psychological needs as they come up.
On your first day or night with us we will sit with you to assess risk and determine what safety can look like for you. We will create a safety plan that considers your unique situation. We know that circumstances are always changing so this will be revisited throughout your stay with us.
From there, counselling is intended to support your short-term goals and we will help you figure out next steps, one step at a time.
In the cases where more specialized counselling or therapy is required, we can connect you to the services and support that you need.
Interval House Ottawa works from an intersectional, feminist and anti-oppressive approach to provide inclusive and trauma informed services for the community, including residential services for women and gender diverse folks who are impacted by violence.
Every person that has experienced abuse has different needs. There are no two scenarios that are alike which is why we take a flexible and compassionate approach to the care and services that we provide.
We are the Only Shelter in Ottawa that Offers Pet Housing
We understand that violence in the home endangers everyone, including pets. Abusers often use the threat of harming pets to control their victims, forcing many to delay escaping abusive relationships. IHO is the only shelter in Ottawa and surrounding areas that welcomes pets, ensuring that survivors don't have to leave their beloved companions behind. Our unique pet-friendly facilities support both the emotional and psychological health of our residents. Pets offer crucial emotional support, reducing loneliness, stress, and anxiety. Our dedicated pet housing includes separate areas for dogs, cats, and small mammals, complete with a living room, WiFi, TV and a large outdoor yard for exercise and play. By providing a safe haven for pets and survivors fleeing violence, IHO supports those families in healing together.
Can’t Talk, Only Text? Contact Unsafe at Home Ottawa
Unsafe at Home Ottawa (UAHO) is a vital, secure text and online chat service for women and gender diverse people experiencing and abuse or are concerned that someone they know is experiencing abuse. It was launched in response to the increase of domestic violence during COVID-19 lockdowns and we are so grateful to the partners that have supported us in launching and continuing this program. Personnel can provide support and resources, ensuring confidentiality and safety by using encrypted technology.
UAHO is a community-based initiative that is staffed by experienced, bilingual personnel. We are committed to treating women, femmes and members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities with compassion and respect for their dignity, privacy and diversity at all times. Our compassionate team provides crisis intervention, emotional support, and connects users with local services tailored to their needs. We understand the complexities of domestic violence and the barriers to seeking help, which is why our service is designed to be discreet and easily accessible. Whether you need advice, someone to talk to, or information on next steps, UAHO is here to support you every step of the way. We can provide interpretation for over 70 languages through our partnership with Immigrant Women Services Ottawa. We also maintain a list of shelter bed availability and we can connect you to gender-based violence (GBV) specific counsellors through our partnership with Counselling Connect.
24-Hour Crisis Line
If you, or someone you know, needs to talk to someone urgently about accessing safety and a space free from violence, contact our 24/7 Crisis Line: 613-234-5181
If you are in immediate danger - please call 9-1-1
Emergency Shelter
IHO provides emergency shelter for women, femmes, Two Spirit, non-binary and gender expansive people alongside their dependents and pets. In our home you will find support for both adults and children such as crisis intervention, short-term counselling, practical supports and 24 hour care. Click here for a virtual tour of one of our residences.
If you are looking for shelter space today please call us at 613-234-5181
Shelter Features
-
10 private family bedrooms
-
Comfortable living room
-
Large dining room and communal dinners
-
On-site laundry facilities
-
Private counselling room
-
Spiritual room
-
Large, fully fenced backyard with playground equipment
-
Children's playroom & counselling space
-
Separate pet housing area for dogs, cats and other small critters
Our Programs
Get Impact to Your Inbox
Hear ways that lives are being transformed, right here in Ottawa. When you sign up you'll receive about 1 email a month sharing stories and updates. You can unsubscribe or manage your preferences at any time.