ANNOUNCEMENT

OTTAWA, ON — Ottawa Innercity Ministries (OIM) is proud to announce the launch of Operation Safe Haven (OSH), a specialized initiative designed to address the complex needs of Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the nation’s capital. Funded by Veterans Affairs Canada, this program provides essential, individualized support to help Veterans in need.

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As part of OIM’s Innercity Veterans Outreach and Support (IVOS) program, OSH offers flexible emergency support on the streets and personalized support at OIM's office (391 Gladstone Ave). By providing a safe and dependable environment, OSH ensures Veterans can connect with trained staff, volunteers, and their peers to improve their overall quality of life.

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Operation Safe Haven is built on a foundation of trust and support, focusing on several key objectives:

• Provide a safe, comfortable, and dependable place for homeless and at-risk Veterans to connect and obtain the individualized help they may need to improve quality of life (mental and/or physical).

• Increase referrals of homeless/at-risk Veterans to the benefits and social services available to them.

• Contribute to the physical well-being of homeless and at-risk Veterans.

• Increase awareness among homeless/at-risk Veterans of the benefits and social services available to them.

• Increase awareness of Veteran services among Ottawa-area service providers, shelter staff, and key stakeholders.

• Reduce social isolation of homeless and at-risk Veterans.

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Operation Safe Haven is about providing a safe space where Veterans feel seen and supported. Through the support of Veterans Affairs Canada, Ottawa Innercity Ministries can provide the individualized help necessary to contribute to the physical and emotional well-being of those who served our country.

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Eligible Veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness can seek support by visiting the OIM office at 391 Gladstone Ave or by contacting the IVOS team at 613-302-4339 or ivos@ottawainnercityministries.ca.

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Quotes

“Every Veteran who has served our country deserves dignity, stability, and a safe community to belong to. This federal funding through Veterans Affairs Canada enables Operation Safe Haven to deliver direct, peer-led support that meets at-risk Veterans right where they are. By pairing our participants with volunteers who share a military background, we are not only addressing immediate physical and social needs, but we are restoring trust, reducing isolation, and helping Veterans rebuild their lives with honour.”

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Colonel (Retired) Gerry Potter, Executive Director, Ottawa Innercity Ministries

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“As a nation, supporting those who wore the uniform in their times of greatest need is both a collective responsibility and a deep privilege. This generous investment from the Federal Government ensures that Ottawa Innercity Ministries can continue expanding its reach to vulnerable Veterans across the capital. On behalf of the OIM Board, we are profoundly grateful for this support, which empowers our dedicated team and volunteers to provide a dependable sanctuary, essential care, and lasting hope for our Veterans.”

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Lieutenant-Commander (Retired) Doug Cooper, Board Chair, Ottawa Innercity Ministries