{"id":4495,"date":"2025-01-28T09:11:53","date_gmt":"2025-01-28T14:11:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ottawainnercityhealth.ca\/history\/"},"modified":"2026-03-25T08:28:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T12:28:44","slug":"histoire","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ottawainnercityhealth.ca\/fr\/histoire\/","title":{"rendered":"Histoire"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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La petite histoire d\u2019Ottawa Inner City Health<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Cliquez ci dessous pour d\u00e9couvrir le parcours de l\u2019organisation, de 1998 \u00e0 2023.<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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1998<\/div>
Phase de planification d\u2019OICH<\/div><\/div>
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Le projet Ottawa Inner City Health entre en phase de planification<\/div>

\u00c0 l\u2019\u00e9t\u00e9 1998, un groupe de responsables de programmes destin\u00e9s aux personnes en situation d\u2019itin\u00e9rance chronique s\u2019est r\u00e9uni pour \u00e9changer sur des pr\u00e9occupations communes. Les discussions portaient sur un sous groupe de la population pr\u00e9sentant des besoins complexes en mati\u00e8re de sant\u00e9 et qui, malgr\u00e9 un recours fr\u00e9quent aux services de sant\u00e9, ne recevait pas des soins adapt\u00e9s. Bien qu\u2019aucune solution claire ne se dessinait alors, un constat partag\u00e9 s\u2019est impos\u00e9 : en tant que communaut\u00e9, il \u00e9tait possible d\u2019offrir de meilleurs soins en approfondissant la compr\u00e9hension de cette population, en am\u00e9liorant la communication et en renfor\u00e7ant la collaboration. C\u2019est de cette r\u00e9flexion collective qu\u2019est n\u00e9 ce qui allait devenir Ottawa Inner City Health.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2001<\/div>
L\u2019hospice de la Mission d\u2019Ottawa<\/div><\/div>
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L\u2019hospice de la Mission d\u2019Ottawa<\/div>

\u00c0 cette \u00e9poque, les soins palliatifs suscitaient un int\u00e9r\u00eat croissant en raison de l\u2019augmentation du nombre de personnes vivant avec le VIH et l\u2019h\u00e9patite. Par ailleurs, de nombreuses personnes non log\u00e9es se voyaient refuser l\u2019acc\u00e8s aux services palliatifs. \u00c0 d\u00e9faut d\u2019une fin de vie \u00e0 l\u2019h\u00f4pital, les soins palliatifs de base, comme les soins \u00e0 domicile, n\u2019\u00e9taient pas accessibles. Il est alors devenu \u00e9vident qu\u2019il fallait non seulement am\u00e9liorer l\u2019acc\u00e8s aux soins, mais aussi transformer les pratiques et les perceptions afin de mieux accompagner la fin de vie des personnes sans logis. La Mission s\u2019est engag\u00e9e \u00e0 d\u00e9velopper une expertise en soins palliatifs au b\u00e9n\u00e9fice de la communaut\u00e9. Cette initiative a men\u00e9 \u00e0 une importante campagne de financement visant la construction d\u2019un hospice destin\u00e9 aux personnes sans logis.<\/p>

L\u2019hospice de la Mission d\u2019Ottawahe Ottawa Mission Hospice<\/strong><\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2001<\/div>
Unit\u00e9 de soins sp\u00e9ciaux pour hommes<\/div><\/div>
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Unit\u00e9 de soins sp\u00e9ciaux pour hommes<\/div>

Au del\u00e0 des soins palliatifs, il est rapidement apparu n\u00e9cessaire de disposer d\u2019un milieu plus s\u00fbr pour soigner des personnes sans logement, malades ou en transition apr\u00e8s une hospitalisation. Il avait \u00e9t\u00e9 observ\u00e9 que ces personnes demeuraient en moyenne quatre jours de plus \u00e0 l\u2019h\u00f4pital que les personnes disposant d\u2019un logement. Le centre Booth de l\u2019Arm\u00e9e du Salut a alors r\u00e9serv\u00e9 dix lits au sein du refuge afin d\u2019accueillir des personnes vuln\u00e9rables ayant besoin d\u2019un soutien accru. L\u2019ajout de services infirmiers, m\u00e9dicaux, de soins personnels et de soins \u00e0 domicile a suscit\u00e9 un r\u00e9el enthousiasme. C\u2019est dans ce contexte qu\u2019est n\u00e9 le programme de soins sp\u00e9ciaux, qui a b\u00e9n\u00e9fici\u00e9 d\u2019un important soutien des secteurs hospitaliers et des soins \u00e0 domicile, ceux ci y voyant une occasion de faciliter des sorties d\u2019h\u00f4pital en temps opportun et d\u2019assurer la continuit\u00e9 des soins \u00e0 domicile.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2001<\/div>
Managed Alcohol Program<\/div><\/div>
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Managed Alcohol Program<\/div>

At this time, chronically homeless individuals with concurrent alcohol use disorders were consistently identified as the most challenging to care for. Thus, the Shepherds of Good Hope aimed to develop a structured harm reduction program where controlled drinking would be permitted. A relationship was established with a similar program at the Seaton House Annex in Toronto, who provided support, advice and staff training. Development of the Managed Alcohol Program challenged the community to consider a new approach to substance use health care.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2005<\/div>
OICH gets incorporated<\/div><\/div>
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The Ottawa Inner City Health Project incorporates and becomes Ottawa Inner City Health, Inc<\/div>

In February 2005, Ottawa Inner City Health Project incorporated as a nonprofit organization becoming Ottawa Inner City Health, Inc. and a short time later was granted charitable status. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care committed to ongoing funding, and as of March 31, 2007 OICH, Inc became part of the Local Integrate Health Network. The founding Board of Directors engaged in a strategic planning process to guide future development of programs and services.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2007<\/div>
The Ottawa Mission Clinic<\/div><\/div>
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The Ottawa Mission Clinic<\/div>

Prior to 2005, primary health care was the one service people in shelters could access fairly easily, with nursing services provided by community health centers or Ottawa Public Health. However, as demand for primary care grew and the provincial government failed to invest, people experiencing homelessness struggled to access care outside the shelter system. In 2006, the Ottawa Mission Board, in celebration of its 100th anniversary, chose to fund a clinic for homeless individuals. This funding allowed Inner City Health to hire nurse practitioners and renovate the Hospice, creating space for a primary care clinic.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2008<\/div>
Women\u2019s Special Care Unit<\/div><\/div>
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Women\u2019s Special Care Unit<\/div>

Recognizing a significant gap in services, we identified an urgent need to provide specialized care for women. While a dedicated unit existed for men, there was no equivalent program addressing the unique challenges faced by women. It became clear that women's needs differed greatly, with a stronger emphasis on trauma, mental health, and substance use concerns, rather than physical health issues. An OICH Mental Health Nurse and a psychiatrist from the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group worked tirelessly to develop a trauma-informed care model specifically suited to our setting at the Shepherds of Good Hope.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2010<\/div>
The Oaks<\/div><\/div>
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The Oaks<\/div>

The idea for a new housing model arose from clients in the Managed Alcohol Program at Shepherds of Good Hope who no longer wanted to live in a shelter. Long-term residents were stable in terms of alcohol use, mental health, and physical health, but expressed frustration with the disruption and limitations of shelter life. Through discussions at their resident meetings, the idea for a new model of supportive housing began to take shape. Finding a location large enough to house 55 people, accommodate a Managed Alcohol Program, and fit into a welcoming neighborhood proved challenging. Eventually, Shepherds of Good Hope purchased a former apartment hotel, turning the vision for the Oaks program into reality.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2011<\/div>
Booth Residence<\/div><\/div>
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Booth Residence<\/div>

Another population not well served by mainstream services were senior women. The leadership team at Cornerstone (a women\u2019s-only shelter) were frustrated by the lack of housing options for elderly women with severe mental illness. They were deemed unsuitable for retirement homes and often denied home care services because of their behavior, leading them to remain in shelters, sometimes until the end of their lives. The Cornerstone vision of a mixed-age, women\u2019s-only supportive housing program was so different from existing models that it took years to secure funding and a location, but eventually Booth House opened its doors. Inner City Health\u2019s role in supporting the women focused on personal, medical, and mental health care.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2013<\/div>
The Peer Program pilot begins<\/div><\/div>
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The Peer Program pilot begins<\/div>

The peer program began as a six-week pilot in preparation for the TED program's launch. Given the unique complexities of OICH, we needed a custom-designed approach. Our six-week pilot program was built collaboratively with engagement from all partner organizations. It was essential to define how peers would interact with key agencies, including Ottawa Police and Ottawa Paramedics. The pilot's success led to its extension from six weeks to six months and ultimately to its establishment as a permanent program. At the time, we faced widespread misconceptions about peer workers. The peer program\u2019s success demonstrated that peers are capable, professional, and fundamental contributors to compassionate and effective care.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2014<\/div>
The TED program Opens<\/div><\/div>
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The TED program Opens<\/div>

The collaboration with partners like the Royal, paramedics, police, CMHA, Shepherds of Good Hope, and OICH made the TED program possible. This program was designed to divert individuals who are homeless from the emergency room. Initially, there was skepticism about the program\u2019s impact\u2014many believed clients would end up in the hospital regardless. However, the data told a different story: only 4% of cases required hospital visits. This level of diversion was far more significant than anyone anticipated. What truly set TED apart was the tailored support it provided. Clients received the help they actually needed, rather than the standardized care offered in a traditional emergency room.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2015<\/div>
Rita Thompson Residence<\/div><\/div>
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Rita Thompson Residence<\/div>

John Howard Society of Ottawa partnered with OICH in opening the Rita Thompson Residence. At the time, the project was considered so innovative that it garnered visitors worldwide wanting to learn from its success. Although most people who use drugs do not need the intensity of support and care that this model of housing provides, for those living with complex health needs and active substance use, it offers a high quality of life as well as reducing shelter, criminal justice and health care costs. Although at the beginning, the program only housed men, in time it shifted to include all genders, creating a more balanced and calmer living experience.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2017<\/div>
The Trailer<\/div><\/div>
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The Trailer<\/div>

In 2017, there was a significant shift in the unregulated drug supply, and we needed to deploy teams 24\/7 to respond to multiple overdoses in and around our shelter programs. We applied for a federal exemption to open a supervised consumption site. Our application was granted and we opened in a renovated construction trailer in November 2017. In September of 2020, we moved into a permanent space inside the basement of the Shepherd\u2019s of Good Hope.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2018<\/div>
Carruthers Residence<\/div><\/div>
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Carruthers Residence<\/div>

This site represents the next iteration of the John Howard Society and OICH\u2019s Enhanced Supportive Housing program, offering individuals safe accommodation and intensive on-site supports to help achieve life goals and improve overall health and well-being. The program aims to reduce the number of individuals in homeless shelters or living on the streets. Located in Mechanicsville, the 36-unit apartment building serves individuals who have been chronically homeless for an extended period. It provides semi-independent accommodation and intensive support to individuals of any gender aged 18 and up.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2020<\/div>
Richcraft Hope Residence<\/div><\/div>
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Richcraft Hope Residence<\/div>

Developed in partnership with Shepherds of Good Hope, this building was created in response to an urgent need for more supportive housing, specifically for clients in MAP and also, women. Many women had been staying in shelters for up to two years without access to appropriate housing options due to a severe lack of specialized accommodations. This program was built with the goal of providing housing solutions tailored to individuals requiring complex support, including mental health services, substance use support, and other individualized care. By prioritizing these needs, the program aims to break the cycle of shelter dependency and create pathways to long-term stability.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2020<\/div>
Telus van<\/div><\/div>
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Telus van<\/div><\/div><\/div>
2020<\/div>
Covid Isolation unit<\/div><\/div>
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Covid Isolation unit<\/div>

We knew that individuals who were homeless were a vulnerable group when the COVID pandemic hit and that there was a real risk of overwhelming the hospital system if we did not figure out a way to manage outbreaks in the community. At the beginning of the pandemic, the Covid Isolation Unit was opened rapidly to help support the overall Covid strategy for the Ottawa shelter systems. With the support of the city and The Ottawa Hospital, this program was opened in a City of Ottawa recreational centre building and turned into a shelter outbreak unit for clients who were pending and\/or tested positive for COVID-19. It was designed to incorporate as many harm reduction methods as possible. This unit shut down in early 2023.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>

2023<\/div>
Merivale Road Residence<\/div><\/div>
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Merivale Road Residence<\/div>

Merivale Road was another push for supportive housing for individuals who have complex mental health and substance use needs. Using lessons learned from other housing units, this unit was intended for moderate to high acuity individuals coming from shelter. It was a challenging building to open as many of the residents were new to OICH, which meant it took longer to build rapport, and engage in treatment planning health. This building has intensive support for substance use, mental health, and physical health needs.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> \n

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