“As we understand it, the increase in homelessness is primarily due to job loss, inability to stay with family and friends due to the pandemic, and the breakdown of partnerships during the pandemic,” according to Sarah Davis, Cornerstone’s Executive Director.

Now, Cornerstone has been asked to leave the university building a month earlier than expected and at the same time has learned much-needed renovations at the O’Connor site (undertaken because it was empty) will not be finished until December. Cornerstone, the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa and the City have been working to find a solution, and are now appealing for help. Short term, Cornerstone is looking to anyone who can fill the gap and make interim space available for the shelter; long-term, it wants to see all levels of government, community partners and the people of Ottawa to renew their commitment to creating a shelter system and affordable housing Ottawa so desperately needs.