Message from Options Bytown

We are very touched to have been chosen as the organization Urbana’s proceeds will support this year. We are deeply indebted to Dharma Developments and thankful that so many individuals and businesses from our community have shown such strong support for this worthy event over the years.

At Options Bytown, we believe people have a better chance to succeed when they have a roof over their heads plus the support systems that offer the assistance they need. Supportive housing reduces reliance on costly emergency, health and social services and, more importantly, helps people to be strong and successful members of the community.

Options Bytown is a non-profit organization that provides supportive housing services in Ottawa, combining affordable housing with on-site counselling and training for people who need help to live independently. We help people who face social isolation and other complex challenges – individuals who may have very low incomes, a history of homelessness or special needs that may relate to mental illness, HIV/AIDS or substance use.

We operate two apartment complexes that house approximately 120 tenants: one in the Byward Market, built in 1989 and the other in Centretown, inaugurated in 1992. The impetus to establish Options Bytown began in 1987 when a coalition of concerned Ottawa residents and community groups joined forces to address the growing homelessness problem in response to the United Nations proclamation of the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless. It was established as a more desirable alternative to emergency shelter accommodation.

Options Bytown also operates a number of resource centres in Ottawa Community Housing complexes where a variety of support services are offered. Such services contribute to building strong communities and include prevention of eviction, crisis intervention, referrals to various community resources, social and recreational activities, computer training, health and nutrition counseling and more.

These combination of services give people a better chance to maintain stable housing and reaching their personal goals.