Wednesday 5 March 2025
Taggart Family YMCA Hosts Housing Open House, Reaffirms Commitment to Centretown
On March 5, 2025, the YMCA of the National Capital Region opened its doors to the community, hosting a housing open house to welcome new residents and highlight its commitment to addressing the housing crisis in Ottawa. The event showcased the YMCA’s housing programs and its decision to remain in its Argyle Street building for at least five more years.
Attendees had the opportunity to hear from key speakers, including Trevor McAlmont (President and CEO, YMCA of the National Capital Region), Councillor Ariel Troster (Somerset Ward), David Ojedele (YMCA Transitional Housing Services Supervisor), and YMCA residents Joy Oare and Blaise Amuli.
As Ottawa continues to struggle with rising homelessness, the YMCA of the National Capital Region remains a vital resource. The 2024 Point-in-Time Count found that nearly 3,000 people in the city were experiencing homelessness, up from 2,600 in 2021. Almost half of the homeless people surveyed said they needed supported housing, and one-third expressed a need for mental health support.
Supporting the Most Vulnerable Through Housing
The Shenkman Residence, located within the Taggart Family YMCA, provides safe, stable housing for approximately 250 youth and adults at risk of homelessness. Between October 2024 and February 2025, more than 150 individuals moved into the new Transitional Housing Program for Newcomer Individuals, ensuring those new to Canada have a safe place to stay while they establish themselves.
“Having a home, a roof over my head, I’m able to focus more and strive harder to attain my goals and achievements here in Canada,” said YMCA resident Joy Oare in a heartwarming testimony.
The YMCA currently offers four housing programs:
- Transitional Housing Program: Provides safe, temporary homes for more than 150 individuals aged 18+ who are at risk of homelessness or living in unstable/unsafe housing, supporting their transition to permanent housing.
- Second Stage Housing Program for Youth: Provides supportive housing for 17 youth aged 16-24 who are unable to live at home, homeless, or at risk. This program helps them develop life skills for independent living, and supports their transition to permanent housing.
- Supportive Housing Program: Assists approximately 40 individuals aged 18+ who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and need support to move on to permanent housing. This is for those living with mental health and substance use health issues.
- Monthly Supportive Housing: Longer-term accommodation for approximately 30 tenants, including individuals in transition from being unhoused, those fleeing unsafe or unstable housing, newcomers to Canada, and individuals coping with issues related to physical, mental and/or substance use health. This program is not taking new applicants at this time.
Beyond housing, residents have access to wraparound support services, including life skills training, employment and training services, fitness and health programs, and language assessment services for newcomers.
YMCA Confirms Long-Term Commitment to Centretown
In addition to showcasing its housing programs, the YMCA announced that it will continue to operate in its Argyle Street location for at least five more years. The organization, which owns the building, considered other options but ultimately decided that remaining in Centretown was the best way to serve the community.
“Solving the housing crisis will take a prolonged and coordinated effort among all sectors and levels of government,” said Trevor McAlmont, President and CEO of the YMCA National Capital Region. “We call on all levels of government to respond to the ongoing housing emergency with investment across the continuum of non-profit housing, including supportive housing, transitional housing for newcomers and youth, and permanently affordable non-profit housing.”
The YMCA’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan prioritizes increasing impact and access in the downtown core. As part of this commitment, the organization is working with funders to secure grants for building upgrades to enhance the facilities and better serve residents.
About YMCA National Capital Region Founded in 1867, the YMCA of the National Capital Region is a registered charity dedicated to building healthy communities. The organization is committed to nurturing the potential of children, teens and young adults, promoting healthy living and supporting vulnerable people within the community. The Y serves thousands of people across the Ottawa region each year. Focusing on inclusiveness and accessibility means people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are served through all stages of life.
To learn more, visit ymcaottawa.ca.
