A Safe Place to Heal; A Community to Thrive

How you can make a difference this holiday season

For many, the holiday season is filled with warmth, connection, and tradition—a time to be surrounded by family and friends. Yet, for those without stable housing, it can feel like a stark reminder of what’s missing.

Here in Ottawa, where winter’s can be harsh, finding shelter is not just a necessity; it’s lifesaving. Shepherds of Good Hope is here to help, but we can’t do it alone. This holiday season, we’re inviting you to bring hope and healing to those who need it most.

Consider the journey of Alvin, one of the many people whose life has changed with the support of Shepherds programs.

Originally from Kugluktuk, Nunavut, Alvin experienced significant trauma, including the devastating loss of his young daughter. Moving to Ottawa offered new opportunities but struggles with drinking eventually led him to lose his job and, soon after, his home. He found himself sleeping in a tent during the bitter winter until he connected with Shepherds of Good Hope’s emergency shelter.

Please consider making a gift today – your kindness can be someone’s path out of the cold this winter.

Today, Alvin has moved from the shelter into supportive housing, where he’s rebuilding his life with access to a community, a stable home, and a network of people who genuinely care. He’s now in a place that provides stability, structure, and a pathway forward. 

Alvin with Erin, Program Manager at Shepherds of Good Hope, standing together outside the supportive housing residence he calls home.

“Talking about what you’ve been through can lift a lot off your shoulders. My parents taught me to talk about what you’ve been through, so I started talking. I do the programs. I’ve been doing the treatment.” 

Alvin reflects, sharing how he’s learned to process his emotions, thanks to guidance from his adoptive parents and the team at Shepherds of Good Hope. 

This transformation is only possible through community support. When you give, you are not just providing a warm bed, or a hot meal – you are giving a safe place to heal, and a chance to thrive. Imagine being the reason someone has a place to call home this season. Donate today to give others like Alvin a path forward and hope for tomorrow. 

Every donation counts. A $5 gift provides a warm meal, $100 offers two people new bedding, and $1,000 can furnish a bed for a new home. This holiday, your generosity can make a difference for people like Alvin, offering them safety, support, and a sense of belonging. Please consider a donation to Shepherds of Good Hope, together we are creating a brighter, more inclusive community for all.