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.

 

Urgent Needs

These are items we very much need in order for Cornerstone residents to live in comfort, dignity, and safety.

•  New or gently-used blankets, towels and facecloths

• New toiletries, feminine hygiene products, hair brushes

• New underwear, bras, socks, nighties, pajamas and slippers

 

Frequent Needs

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

 

Starter Kit Program

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

 

Food Donations

Donations of food help us to stretch our budget and provide more women with the support they need. We accept the following items:

• Coffee

• Tea

• Sugar

• Flour

• Salt and pepper

• Pasta

• Tomato Sauce

• Canned Goods

• Peanut Butter

• Rice

• Bread

• Dairy Products (milk, cheese, yogurt)

• Meats

• Fresh Produce