With its continuing efforts to be better connected with others in the downtown core, several years ago CCSAC launched a Speaker Series by inviting occasional guest speakers to join our monthly Zoom meetings. Over the years, we have welcomed a wide variety of guests working to improve the quality of life for people living in central Ottawa. The series has been invaluable in educating our church representatives while building important links to others working to improve central Ottawa.

The Voice of 22 Central Ottawa Churches

On behalf of its 22 member churches, CCSAC will write to various levels of government on occasions where it is felt that the voice of the downtown churches can make a difference. In addition, CCSAC participates in studies or discussion tables focused on poverty mitigation or social justice issues affecting central Ottawa.

National Consultations on Poverty Reduction

Members of the CCSAC board and Food Centre Management Committee joined representatives from volunteer organizations, academics, community leaders and people with lived experience of low income from across Canada in virtual meetings to discuss ways to achieve further success in reducing poverty in Canada. The consultations were initiated by the National Advisory Council on Poverty (the Council) and culminated in the release of its Report on Poverty in 2023.

A Voice For the City’s Vulnerable

CCSAC continues to urge the City of Ottawa to make adequate provision for vulnerable populations living in the central part of the city. In particular, we have noted the lack of accessible hygiene facilities and the need for respite and cooling centres during heat waves and warm accommodation during severe cold spells.

Downtown Food Centres Lose Municipal Funding

In 2021, CCSAC’s Centretown Community Food Centre (CCFC), and the Dalhousie Food Cupboard both lost their longtime City grants, meaning that the two food centres serving the downtown core of Ottawa do not receive any government funding. Although both food centres fundraise from their respective communities, the municipal funding had been key in the past because of its predictability. The loss of this stable financial backing has hindered both organizations’ abilities to work towards our shared goal of alleviating food insecurity in our city. CCSAC and CCFC chairs have met with City councillors and officials several times over the years to explore opportunities for new funding, particularly as food costs go up and food insecurity increases.

Access to Transit Important for Those on Limited Incomes

CCSAC has signed on as one of the 80+ organizations supporting the provision of permanent free transit in Ottawa for recipients of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Payments. Although members of both groups qualify for reduced fares, they must still pay a disproportionate amount of their limited monthly income to use the public transit that is necessary to enable medical appointments, food shopping and employment.

ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY

CCSAC participates in the Centretown Neighbourhood Community Development Planning Table that brings together organizations providing services to the vulnerable population of the downtown core. For further information, contact: Centretown Community Health Centre (www. https://www.centretownchc.org/)

CCSAC recently served on the Ottawa Poverty Reduction Strategy Community Roundtable, providing advice to the City of Ottawa on a new poverty reduction strategy released in late 2024.

FRESH PRODUCE PROJECT SUPPORTS THE COMMUNITY FOOD CENTRE

Several gardening groups, including Ottawa East Community Gardeners make regular deliveries of beautiful fresh produce to the Centretown Community Food Centre during the summer months. These offer CCFC clients a nutritious addition to their diet. CCSAC thanks these dedicated gardeners!