Providing for up to 62 women every day is no small feat. It takes an immense amount of time and energy from our staff and volunteers, along with resources from our selfless donors.
Below, you’ll find our most recent list of priority needs that enable us to make Ottawa a better place for women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. We update it regularly, so feel free to check in and see what we need most urgently! You can also donate priority items through Cornerstone's virtual registry.
View/download here
These are items we very much need in order for Cornerstone residents to live in comfort, dignity, and safety.
New toiletries, feminine hygiene products, hair brushes
New underwear, bras, socks, nighties, pajamas and slippers
These are items we use very often at each of our residences. They might seem small, but they do so much to foster independence, promote healing, and bring joy to Cornerstone tenants.
Bus tickets
Long-distance calling cards
Craft Supplies, such as watercolor paper, construction paper, multi-use paper, acrylic paint, white glue, sharpie markers, clay
$5 or $10 Gift cards for grocery stores, pharmacies, Tim Horton s, Giant Tiger, Subway etc.
Recreational items such as puzzles and craft items, knitting needles, yarn
You can help a woman transitioning out of the shelter and moving into her own apartment by contributing to a Starter Kit. Each kit contains the basics that a woman needs when setting up a new home. These kits transform four walls and a roof into a cozy and peaceful home. It’s especially important that all items in a Starter Kit be unused – for women who have endured so much, new houseware means a great deal.
A Starter Kit usually includes:
Kitchen Supplies: Pots and pans, frying pans, dish soap, and pot scrubbers
Bedding: Duvets and sheets
Cleaning supplies: Mop, broom, dust pan, and toilet brush
Hygiene products: Toilet paper and hand soap
First aid: Band aid and antibiotic cream
Donations of food help us to stretch our budget and provide more women with the support they need. We accept the following items:
Tea
Sugar
Flour
Salt and pepper
Pasta
Tomato Sauce
Canned Goods
Peanut Butter
Rice
Bread
Dairy Products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
Meats