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Be Part of BuIlding Hope
For most of us, there really is no place like home. But sometimes for some of us, things take a turn, and we find ourselves without a home and facing other overwhelming challenges. At Shepherds of Good Hope, we shelter, feed and support homeless people every day.
But a shelter is no substitute for a home. That’s why we’re building 216 Murray. This modern new building will provide supportive housing for Indigenous people, women and others who are chronically homeless and struggling with substance use and other disorders. Forty-eight people will come home to their own safe place with around the clock supportive care on six residential floors at 216 Murray.
The first two floors of 216 Murray includes a brand new, state of the art, Shepherds of Good Hope community kitchen, a large drop-in space and an outdoor area providing a sense of community for all.
About 216 Murray
Shepherds of Good Hope shelters, feeds and supports people experiencing homeless every day. But a shelter is no substitute for home. That’s why we’re building 216 Murray.
In early 2025, this modular built, sustainably green building, will open, providing safe, supportive homes for 48 people, including Indigenous women and others experiencing chronic homelessness.
People struggling with mental health, substance use, and other challenges will find a new, permanent home at 216 Murray, where they will receive 24/7 support from staff and meals served by dedicated volunteers.
The first two floors will house an all-new Shepherds of Good Hope community kitchen and a large drop-in space offering services and a sense of connection for people living in the community.
There is no place like home, because where there’s home, there’s hope.
- 216 Murray is a new, eight-storey multi-purpose supportive housing residence
- It will be home to 48 people currently experiencing homelessness and prioritize Indigenous women and others
- There will be a 7-day a week drop-in program
- Meals will be served in a new community kitchen
- Full, wrap-around supports will be provided to all residents 24/7/365
This is the first major capital campaign by the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation since food was first served by a group of volunteers, forty years ago in February 1983.
This is the time to be a part of building hope for those who experience chronic homelessness.
Shepherds of Good Hope’s programs and services are located on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory.
The peoples of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation have lived on this territory for millennia.
Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land.
Shepherds of Good Hope is deeply committed to the urgent work of justice and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
Homes for All. Community for All. Hope for All.
Meet our 216 Murray Campaign Co-Chairs, Chris and Mary Taggart
Mary and Chris Taggart have been named co-chairs of the capital campaign to support the delivery of 216 Murray and the services it provides.
“Supporting Shepherds of Good Hope gives our family an incredible opportunity to help their critical and compassionate work and their inspiring vision for this new building in the City of Ottawa,” says Mary Taggart, editor-in-chief of Ottawa at Home. Her husband, Chris Taggart, is the President of Tamarack Developments and Tartan Homes.
The Shepherds’ transitional shelter building at 256 King Edward, which delivers harm reduction and emergency services, has been renamed Taggart Parkes Family Community Hub in appreciation of the family foundation’s gift.
“We think it’s very important to provide housing for people that are in need in Ottawa. That’s part of the reason why we got involved with Shepherds of Good Hope.”
Hear from campaign Co-Chairs, Chris and Mary Taggart as they share why the believe “Where there’s home, there’s hope.”
Supportive Housing
216 Murray is the latest addition to Shepherds of Good Hope’s network of supportive living facilities. Over 99% of those who move from the shelter to Shepherds’ supportive living do not go back to the shelter.
Our supportive housing programs provide long-term homes with on-site, around-the-clock support for people of all genders, including seniors. We help support people with their physical and mental health, trauma, and substance use. We connect individuals with community and resources and help to build their independence.
All the people who live in the buildings we operate have been at risk of, or have experienced, homelessness. Supportive housing enables them to move from one level of support to another based on their current needs and lifestyles.
Shepherds of Good Hope currently operates five supportive housing residences, located throughout the city of Ottawa from Kanata to Rideau-Rockcliffe. 216 Murrary is the sixth residence, is now under development in Lowertown, and expected to open in early 2025.
Homelessness In Ottawa
129,482
Meals served in
community kitchen
(2023)
40
Nights is average
length of stay
in our shelter
198,336
Meals served in
Shepherds supportive
living residences
2,136
different people used
our shelter services
(2023)
48
New supportive living
units being built
at 216 Murray
Give someone a home. Support Shepherds of Good Hope.
A safe place to sleep, eat, live, and be part of a community. That’s what your support gives to people experiencing chronic homelessness in Ottawa. Your gift keeps on giving. 99% of people who move into Shepherds of Good Hope supportive housing do not go back to the shelter.
They are home. They are safe. Thanks to you.
Want to make a more significant contribution?
Email donate@sghottawa.com