Wildfire Smoke Endangers People Experiencing Homelessness – Shepherds of Good Hope Helps 

Smoke from wildfires across North America poses a serious health risk. For people experiencing homelessness, this risk is compounded due to extended outdoor exposure. 

Shepherds of Good Hope is acutely aware of the risks and takes steps to help people minimize the health risks. 

Health Impacts of Exposure to Wildfire Smoke 

• Respiratory distress – especially for those with pre-existing conditions 
• Increased risk of heart attack and stroke 
• Potential long-term effects of smoke inhalation 
• Increase visits to hospital emergency rooms 

How Shepherds Supports During Wildfire Smoke Events 

Housing and indoor spaces are crucial in supporting people experiencing homelessness during wildfire smoke events. To help people avoid prolonged exposure, Shepherds of Good Hope provides several solutions. 

• 16-hour per day drop in the air-conditioned community kitchen 
• 240-bed transitional shelter for adults of all genders 
• Three meals a day in the community kitchen 
• Provide disposable masks 
• Increased wellness checks for individuals outside the shelter and community kitchen 
• Health care in our Transitional Emergency Shelter Program (TESP) and our Target Engagement and Diversion (TED) program, managed and run by Nurses from Ottawa Inner City Health – helping to reduce the strain on emergency rooms 
• Water and cool drinks for people outside the shelter 

Shepherds of Good Hope works closely with partnering agencies to help reduce exposure to smoke. This collective effort encourages people to come inside during extreme smoke events.

If you see someone in need of help: 

• Call 2-1-1 for information about drop-in and cooling centres, community and health resource centres, food banks and community food programs. 
• Call 3-1-1 to get referred to an available shelter, or to get assistance for someone who needs transportation to get out of the heat. The City’s 3-1-1 Line is available to respond to calls 24 hours a day. 
• Call 8-1-1 Health Connect Ontario for non-emergency medical advice. 
• Call 9-1-1 for medical emergency assistance.