On the morning of February 13th, staff at 275 Elgin Street—affectionately known as The Well—were greeted with a blanket of snow, covering every entrance, door, and pathway. As the winter storm relentlessly continued, the team worked tirelessly with shovels in hand, clearing a path for the imminent arrival of visitors. At Centre 454 (454 King Edward Avenue), it was the same story – staff braved the heavy snowfall to clear the courtyard of St. Alban’s Church. Despite the challenging conditions, Belong Ottawa’s doors remained open, welcoming participants who managed to navigate their way through the newly fallen 20 centimeters of snow.
For many, inclement weather means minor adjustments to their routine: working from home, rescheduling meetings, or enjoying a slower day. But for some of Ottawa’s most vulnerable residents, a snowstorm does not afford such luxuries. For individuals experiencing homelessness, there is no retreat to the warmth of a living room, the flexibility to work remotely, or to work at all, and no living room. There is however the continual and unrelenting struggle to find a safe place for food, rest, and warmth.
The Belong Ottawa team knows this all too well. Our work must continue no matter the weather, because for people who rely on their services, every day is a fight for survival. Recent data from the Point-in-Time Count shows that there are 2,952 people experiencing homelessness in Ottawa, indicating that the need for consistent support has never been more urgent. Of the homeless population that visit Belong Ottawa, 50% are unsheltered, living in the harshest conditions imaginable.
The work Belong Ottawa does is a lifeline. It’s not just about providing a meal—it’s about offering a sense of stability and hope. On that snowy day, as the storm raged on, staff at both The Well and Centre 454 continued to serve comforting soups and stews to their guests. Beyond the sustenance, there was laughter, joy, and a sense of community, as visitors at The Well enjoyed their usual karaoke sessions, and visitors at Centre 454 enjoyed fresh popcorn and a movie.
Snow may close roads and delay meetings, but it can’t stop the work that organizations like Belong Ottawa do. For so many, the doors of our programs are not just places of service—they are a source of survival.