COVID-19 Resources
Given that we are currently in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, all residents of Ottawa will need to find ways to stay healthy during the pandemic. This page is meant to serve as informational regarding the many resources that currently exist with a special focus on community needs.
Questions about COVID-19 symptoms, where to get tested, and the vaccine?
Always refer to the Ottawa Public Health COVID-19 home page for the most up to date information.
Who is at risk?
The short answer is that COVID-19 can make anyone sick. Some Canadians are at risk of more severe disease or outcomes because of their age or if they have other medical conditions. Please refer to the Canadian COVID-19 website for more information.
People of any age with chronic medical conditions including: lung disease, heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, dementia and/or stroke.
People of any age who are immunocompromised, including those with an underlying medical condition (e.g., cancer) and/or taking medications that lower the immune system (e.g., chemotherapy)
People living with obesity (BMI of 40 or higher).
Older adults (increasing risk with each decade, especially over 60 years).
Community Supports
SUPPORTS SPECIFIC TO THE BLACK COMMUNITY
African Canadian Association deliver critical food supplies to seniors and people in need in Ottawa’s Black community. Go to their website and complete the online registration form. You may also register by email.
Email: COVID19@acaottawa.com
For a FREE cooked meal or care package complete request form on their website. Packages are delivered.
3. Somerset West Community Health Centre - Rosemount Branch
Offering FREE counselling for the African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) Community. The African, Caribbean and Black Walk-in Counselling Clinic has started to offer our services by telephone every Thursday from 12:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Please call 613-755-2277 and choose the option for ACB Walk-in.
4. PIVOT - Black Artist Resource Fund
Black artists and creatives need to apply before Feb 7, 2021 to receive up to $1,000 in support to adapt your artistic practice to the new realities of COVID-19.
Black Youth Helpline serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, positioned and resourced to promote access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families and schools.
6. BLAC (Black Legal Action Centre)
BLAC is a non-profit community legal clinic that provides free legal services for low or no income Black residents of Ontario.
7. BBPA (Black Business and Professional Association)
BBPA is offering free products, advice and tools for Black businesses impacted by COVID-19 with a number of resources including a 24-hr Support Line.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
ConnexOntario provides free and confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs, mental illness or gambling by connecting them with services in their area.
Wellness Together Canada was funded by the Government of Canada in response to the unprecedented rise in mental distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They provide resources and support for your mental health and wellness journey.
3. Mental Health and Addictions Services of Ottawa
All recovery meetings are online. Meetings are free and you do not need to sign up.
A hotline that provides 24/7 counselling support for youth Canada-wide
Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Text: CONNECT 686868
5. WES: Wellness & Emotional Support for Youth Online
Provides Ontario youth ages 13 to 24 with free, ongoing online counselling service, giving youth an opportunity to develop a long lasting relationship with their counselor.
FOOD & CARE PACKAGES
For a FREE grocery care package send an email or complete request form on their website
2. Equal Chance
For a FREE grocery care package send an email
Contact them via email / go on their website for more information on how to obtain FREE food assistance
4. United Muslim Organizations of Ottawa Gatineau
For a grocery care package/ hygiene kit complete request form on their website
Contact them to arrange a pre-selected frozen entrée bulk delivery. Program offered to residents of central Ottawa.
Sells $20 boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables to your doorstep. Orders placed online.
SUPPORT FOR THE ELDERLY
For a FREE care package complete request form on their website. Packages are delivered.
For a FREE cooked meal or care package complete request form on their website. Packages are delivered.
3. Champlain Community Support Network
Offering pharmacy & grocery deliveries; Meals on Wheels; Telephone Safety Checks; Transportation
All requests made online
4. Elder Abuse Response and Referral Service
For Information, Intake, Consultation and Referrals contact them by phone
Phone: 613-596-5626 ext. 230
5. Eastern Ontario Resource Center
Offering pharmacy & grocery deliveries; Telephone Safety Checks; Paid transportation services
For individuals residing in Blackburn Hamlet, Beacon Hill, Carlsbad Springs, Gloucester South, Orleans, Cumberland, Navan, Vars, and Sarsfield
Phone: 613-741-6025 ext: 300
SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES
For a FREE cooked meal or care package complete request form on their website. Packages are delivered.
2. Champlain Community Support Network
Offering pharmacy & grocery deliveries; Meals on Wheels; Telephone Safety Checks; Transportation
All requests made online
3. Eastern Ontario Resource Center
Offering pharmacy & grocery deliveries; Telephone Safety Checks; Paid transportation services
For individuals residing in Blackburn Hamlet, Beacon Hill, Carlsbad Springs, Gloucester South, Orleans, Cumberland, Navan, Vars, and Sarsfield
Phone: 613-741-6025 ext: 300
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
1. International Students Emergency Relief Fund
Support services for international students; contact them for help with housing, food and/or returning home
2. Bridging the Homework Gap
See list of resources addressing the challenges students may face due to lack of access to reliable internet
Email: bridging.homework.gap@gmail.com
SUPPORT FOR 2SLGBTQIA FOLKS
Offering free 30 minute care sessions with Lukayo
Email: lukayo@kindspace.ca / welcome@kindspace.ca
2. Glad Day Lit Emergency Fund
Emergency Survival Fund for LGBTQ2S artists, performers & tip-based workers
Online Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScc5X3d2JWZu4aeTu_Tc6A_FFdJ2PoxvcKvv8lpKrxUEQEzjQ/viewform
3. Glad Day Lit
Offering online LGBTQ+ programming
4. LGBT Youthline
LGBT Youth Line- Ontario based chat and text peer support service for 2SLGBTQ+ people 29 and under
Text: 647-694-4275
Email: askus@youthline.ca
Free text service sending daily support to trans people
Phone: 1-888-505-1010 (toll-free)
6. MAX Ottawa
A community based non-profit organization that provides health and wellness services and programs for guys into guys. Offering mental health resources
Email: joel@maxottawa.ca
7. Interligne
Telephone support for LGBTQ2S people who are 65+
SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS OF VIOLENCE
1. OCTEVAW (Ottawa Coalition to End Violence against Women)
Visit their Get Help page. Additionally, another list of available resources and services is available on their website.
SUPPORT FOR NEWCOMERS
Migrant Workers Alliance for Change (Toronto based)
Offering support and information for migrants
Email: info@migrantworkersalliance.org
Phone: 1-855-567-4722
SUPPORT FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
1. Grocery Fund for disabled Indigenous folx
Please contact organizer of fund for more information (more information needed)
Please reference this list of organizations serving Indigenous Communities during COVID 19
COMMUNITY / AREA SPECIFIC CARE GROUPS
1. Ottawa Covid-19 Community Care FB group
Post requests on FB group page for support from fellow community members
2. Nepean Covid-19 Neighbours Helping Neighbours
Offering pharmacy & pre-ordered grocery deliveries; walking dogs; basic essential pet services
All requests made online or by phone
Email: nepean.neighbours@gmail.com
3. Neighbours Helping Neighbours New Edinburgh/Manor Park
Email to inquire about support services available
Email: manorparkhelp@gmail.com
4. Barrhaven Corona Help Group
Providing helpful information to people in the community
5. Orleans Covid-19 Community Support
Post requests on FB group page for support from fellow community members
6. CareMongering-Ott: Ottawa Community Response to COVID19
Post requests on FB group page for support from fellow community members
7. East Ottawa COVID-19 Community Support
Providing helpful information to people in the community
Contact them/ go on their website for more information on receiving emergency food assistance (must reside in area/ proof of address required)
9. Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Center
Call to make an appointment for food box and grocery store coupons pick-up
Phone: 613-745-0073 ext. 206/207
10. Little Italy / Glebe Annex COVID-19 Community Response
Consult the spreadsheet for support from fellow community members
11. COVID-19 Mutual Aid Network (Craig Henry, Trend-Arlington, Knoxdale)
Post requests on FB group page for support from fellow community members
12. Kanata North Covid19 Community Support group
Post requests on FB group page for support from fellow community members
13. Hintonburg/Mechanicsville Community Support Network
Post requests on FB group page for support from fellow community members/ offering grocery delivery/ help with financial aid application/ phone check-ins
Phone: 613-319-4900
Email: hintonburg.community.care@gmail.com
14. Centertown Community Support Community
Phone: 613-518-3908
Email: support@centretowncitizens.ca
15. Ottawa Support
Provides a comprehensive list of resources available in Ottawa/ also provides information on how folks can start their own mutual aid, and engage to support collective organizing for policy change
16. United Way
View this list of local resources created by the United Way.
The above list is a truncated version of this printable document. Thank you to Anne Moreau, who deserves much praise for creating this resource and sharing it.