Nelson House of Ottawa Carleton

Nelson House is a non-profit shelter for women and children fleeing violence and abuse. Established in 1992, it is dedicated to providing all persons who identify as women and their children shelter, support and information so they can take steps towards ending violence in their lives.

We provide a home for women and their children until we find appropriate housing for them. During their stay, we provide them with all the necessities they might need.

In addition to shelter clients, we support women and children through our Transitional Support Program in the community. The shelter’s Transitional Support Program clients have access to counselling services and programs.

We also operate a crisis line, which answers more than 1000 calls annually. It responds to the needs of women in crisis by providing support and information on safety planning, access to community services, and advocating for women to find a safe place to stay.

The following list outlines the range of holistic services provided to both our shelter and Transitional Support Program clients:

• 24-hour safe shelter;
• 24-hour crisis assistance and helpline;
• Supportive counselling for moms and children;
• Women's Empowerment Programs and a holistic approach to self-care;
• Children and youth support programs;
• Safety planning;
• Financial, legal, immigration, medical and housing assistance;
• Meals, clothing and personal necessities;
• Assistance with emergency transportation;
• Referrals; 
• Skills exchange programs.