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Families First
Priorité aux familles
Fresh Start + New Beginnings
A referral-based Housing-First program, providing community-based support to families leaving the shelter system and moving into permanent housing.
About Families First
Families First has been supporting Ottawa families since 2011.
As part of Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre, we provide comprehensive case management and connect families to vital community resources.
Our specialized team includes Housing-First Case Managers, Child & Youth Liaisons, Domestic Violence Survivor Liaisons, Multicultural Liaisons, and Wellness & Resiliency specialists.
We serve families for up to nine months, ensuring stable housing and successful community integration.
99.3%
*
Housing Retention Rate
3,341
*
Families Helped
14
*
Years of Service
*data as of July 2025
How We Help
Our experienced case managers work one-on-one with families for up to nine months, providing personalized support and connections to community resources.
We meet families where they are and help them build the foundation for long-term housing stability. Whether you need help navigating housing applications, connecting your children to school programs, or accessing mental health services, our specialized team is here to guide you through every step of your journey.
We help with:
Resources
Help families find resources
Goal Planning
Work with the family to create a goal plan to meet their needs
Home Visits
Provide support in a comfortable location such as a family’s home
Community Connections
Connect families to services such as recreation, healthcare, employment and education.
Referrals
Provide referrals for practical supports such as furniture, food, clothing, etc.
Preferred Languages
Services are offered in the family’s language of choice
Who We Serve
If a family is in Ottawa and leaving the shelter, we provide support moving into their own homes.
We receive referrals from shelter caseworkers and provide support to families transitioning from shelters to permanent housing.
Program Length: Up to 9 months of comprehensive support
Serving: All 27800 km² of Ottawa
Served by: Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre
For More Information
Our specialized team is here to help you every step of the way.
📞: (613) 286-9278
✉️: familiesfirst@pqchc.com
📍: 1365 Richmond Rd., Ottawa
🕒: Monday—Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Community Resources
Find the support your family needs.
Browse by category below to access our database of Ottawa community resources. Each category contains verified information including contact details, eligibility requirements, and service descriptions.
Click the categories below to see the list of resources available:
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Social Housing Registry of OttawaWhat they do: Information and applications for subsidized housing in Ottawa. Handles RGI (Rent Geared to Income) and Affordable Housing applications. Address: 240 Catherine Street, Suite 206 (in-person services) Mailing Address: 2197 Riverside Drive, Suite 511, Ottawa ON, K1H 7X3 Phone: 613-526-2088 Website: ottawa.ca Eligibility: Must meet eligibility requirements for RGI or Affordable Housing programs Specialties: RGI Housing, Affordable Housing, Low Income Support
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Catholic Centre for Immigrants (CCI)What they do: Settlement support, language assistance, mental health services, advocacy, and employment services. Address: 219 Argyle Ave, Ottawa, ON K2P 1B8 Phone: 613-232-9634 Website: cciottawa.ca Languages: Multiple languages available
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Economic and Social Council of Ottawa-Carleton (CÉSOC)What they do: Support for low-income individuals, including social services, financial assistance, and housing support. Address: 815 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1K 3A7 Phone: 613-248-1343 Website: cesoc.ca Languages: French Eligibility: Low-income individuals Specialties: Low Income Support, Social Services, Housing
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Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO)What they do: Supports immigrant and refugee women with family services, legal assistance, and counseling. Address: 219 Argyle Ave, Ottawa, ON K2P 2H4 Phone: 613-729-3145 Website: immigrantwomenservices.com Languages: Multiple languages available Eligibility: Immigrant and refugee women Specialties: Women's Services, Legal Aid, Counseling
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Jewish Family Services of Ottawa (JFS)What they do: Counseling, family support services, employment services, and settlement assistance for newcomers. Address: 2255 Carling Ave, Suite 301, Ottawa, ON K2B 7Z5 Phone: 613-722-2225 Website: jfsottawa.com Languages: Multiple languages available Specialties: Counseling, Family Support, Employment
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Collège La CitéWhat they do: French-language education, career training, and language programs. Address: 801 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa, ON K1K 4Z4 Phone: 613-742-5200 Website: lacitec.on.ca Languages: French Specialties: French Education, Career Training, Language
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Lebanese and Arab Social Services Agency (LASSA)What they do: Social services and settlement services with focus on cultural integration and mental health support. Address: 2410 Holly Ln, Ottawa, ON K1V 7P1 Phone: 613-236-0003 Website: lassa.ca Languages: Arabic, English Eligibility: Arab community focus Specialties: Cultural Integration, Mental Health, Arab Community
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Ottawa Chinese Community Services Centre (OCCSC)What they do: Settlement services, language support, cultural programs, and settlement assistance. Address: 400 Cooper St #2000, Ottawa, ON K2P 2H8 Phone: 613-235-4875 Website: occsc.org Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese Eligibility: Chinese community focus Specialties: Chinese Community, Language Support, Cultural Programs
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Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO)What they do: Settlement services, refugee support, employment services, and youth programs. Address: 945 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X5 Phone: 613-725-0202 Website: ociso.org Languages: Multiple languages available Specialties: Refugee Support, Youth Programs, Employment
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World Skillsthey do: Job search support, career counseling, and skills development programs for new Canadians. Address: 237 Argyle Ave, Ottawa, ON K2P 1B8 Phone: 613-233-0453 Website: worldskills.ca Languages: Multiple languages available Specialties: Job Search, Career Counseling, Skills Development
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Somali Centre for Family Services (SCFS)What they do: Mental health services, family support, community programs, and youth services. Address: 1719 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 7Z4 Phone: 613-526-2075 Website: scfsc.ca Languages: Somali, English Eligibility: Somali community focus Specialties: Mental Health, Family Support, Somali Community
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YMCA/YWCA of the National Capital RegionWhat they do: Employment services, childcare, fitness programs, immigrant services, and youth programs. Address: 150 Isabella St, Suite 201, Ottawa, ON K1S 1V7 Phone: 613-788-5001 Website: ymcaottawa.ca Languages: Multiple languages available Specialties: Employment, Childcare, Youth Programs
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Community Legal Services of OttawaWhat they do: Free legal services for persons with low income, living in Ottawa. Legal advice, support for tenants, workers, and those facing discrimination. Multiple locations throughout Ottawa. Downtown Office Address: 1 Nicholas St., Suite 422, K1N 7B7 Phone: 613-241-7008 Website: communitylegal.ca South Office Address: 1355 Bank St., Suite 406, K1H 8K7 Phone: 613-733-0140 Website: communitylegal.ca West Office Address: 1301 Richmond Rd., K2B 7Y4 Phone: 613-596-1641 Website: communitylegal.ca
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Clinique juridique francophone d'Ottawa (East Ottawa)What they do: French-language legal services for East Ottawa residents. Address: 290 Dupuis St., K1L 1A2 Phone: 613-744-2892, ext. 1111 Website: cscvanier.com Languages: French Eligibility: East Ottawa residents Specialties: French Legal Services, East Ottawa
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Legal Aid Ontario (LAO)What they do: Free or low-cost legal representation for qualifying individuals. Immigration, refugee, family, and criminal law cases. Phone: 1-800-668-8258 (Toll-free) Website: legalaid.on.ca Eligibility: Must qualify based on income and legal issue Specialties: Immigration Law, Family Law, Criminal Law
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Ottawa Legal Advice ClinicWhat they do: Free legal advice clinics for low-income individuals and newcomers. Address: 1-2100 Walkley Rd, Ottawa, ON K1G 6E3 Phone: 613-722-0020 Website: ottawalegaladvice.ca Eligibility: Low-income individuals and newcomers Specialties: Low Income, Newcomers, Free Legal Advice
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Employment Ontario, City of OttawaWhat they do: City-run employment services and training programs. Phone: 613-580-2424 ext. 14372 Website: ottawa.ca/en/family-and-social-services/employment-ontario Email: EOottawa@ottawa.ca Specialties: Government Programs, Training
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Pinecrest Queensway Employment ServicesWhat they do: Employment services through PQCHC. Address: 2529 Carling Avenue, 2nd floor Phone: 613-288-3880 Website: pqchc.com/employment Specialties: Community-Based Employment Support
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YMCA Employment ServicesWhat they do: Personalized employment consultation to help identify your goals and guide you through your job search. Services are open to all and there is no fee to participate. Central Location Address: 150 Isabella Street, Suite 201 Phone: 613-788-5001 Website: ymcaottawa-eac.ca Email: eac.central@ymcaottawa.ca West Location Address: 1642 Merivale Road (Merivale Mall) 2nd floor Phone: 613-688-2150 Website: ymcaottawa-eac.ca Email: eac.west@ymcaottawa.ca
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Agilec Employment ServicesWhat they do: Job placement and career development services. Address: 1900 City Park Drive, Suite 100 Phone: 613-688-1072 Website: agilec.ca Specialties: Job Placement, Career Development
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CERC, Community Employment Resource CentreWhat they do: Community-based employment resource center. Address: 415 Hazeldean Road Phone: 613-828-2123 Website: cercottawa.ca Specialties: Community Resources, Job Search
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Vanier CSC, Employment ServicesWhat they do: Employment services in Vanier community. Address: 290, rue Dupuis Phone: 613-744-2892 Website: cscvanier.com Email: cscv@cscvanier.com Languages: French Specialties: Vanier Community, French Services
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La Cité – Employment Ontario Services, OrleansWhat they do: A not-for-profit community-based organization with over 25 years of providing high quality employment services to the Ottawa and Russell county communities Address: 240 Centrum BLVD, Unit 105 Phone: 613-741-9042 Website: ontario.ca/locations/employment-training/68974137-ottawa-240-centrum-blvd Email: whafsa@lacitec.on.ca Languages: French
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St. Lawrence College Employment ServicesWhat they do: College-based employment services. Address: 200 Elgin Street, Suite 903 Phone: 613-232-0022 ext. 1770 Website: employmentservice.sl.on.ca Email: ESO@sl.on.ca
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YSB, Youth Services Bureau Employment ServicesWhat they do: Youth-focused employment services, south location. South Address: 1355 Bank Street, Suite 703 Phone: 613-236-8244 Website: ysbes.ca West What they do: Youth-focused employment services, west location. Address: 301 Moodie Drive, Suite 203 Phone: 613-688-0440 Website: ysbes.ca
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Mental Health Crisis LineWhat they do: Bilingual crisis support for ages 16 and older. Phone: 613-722-6914 Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week Languages: English and French Eligibility: Ages 16 and older
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National Overdose Response Service (NORS)What they do: Virtual overdose prevention support service. Monitors callers for 15-30 minutes after use. Phone: 1-888-688-NORS (6677) Hours: 24/7
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988 Suicide PreventionWhat they do: National suicide prevention helpline for anyone thinking about suicide or worried about someone they know Phone: 988 (call or text) Website: 988.ca Hours: 24/7 Languages: English and French Eligibility: Anyone
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Tel-Aide OutaouaisWhat they do: French-language mental health telephone support. Address: Information not available Phone: 613-741-6433 (Ottawa) / 819-775-3223 (Gatineau) Website: Information not available Email: Information not available Hours: 24 hours a day Languages: French Eligibility: Information not available
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AccessMHAWhat they do: First step mental health assessment and connection service. Book first appointment online, then staff reach out to connect with community supports. Website: accessmha.ca
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Counselling ConnectWhat they do: 1-3 free remote counselling sessions, individual and family sessions, and support groups. Website: counsellingconnect.org Specialties: Remote Counselling, Individual, Family, Groups
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OCISO Counselling ProgramWhat they do: Specialized counselling for immigrants and refugees with migration and culture-related issues, including survivors of war torture, trauma, and political persecution. Website: ociso.org/counselling/
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Kind SpaceWhat they do: Community centre offering resources, events, social and educational programming for oppressed sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. Website: kindspace.ca Eligibility: 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals
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TransHealth OttawaWhat they do: Support for trans and gender diverse community members to navigate transition-related and general health services in the Champlain region. Website: transhealthottawa.org Eligibility: Trans and gender diverse community members
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Parent Lifeline (PLEO)What they do: Family peer support services including parent helpline, parent support groups, and one-on-one intensive support. Website: pleo.on.ca Eligibility: Parents and families
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Ottawa Food BankWe are committed to the ideal that no one in our region should ever have to struggle with hunger. With this in mind the Ottawa Food Bank collects and distributes food to community food programs, who then provide it to those in need.
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Kids Help PhoneWhat they do: Phone and web counselling for children ages 20 and under. Address: Information not available Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Website: kidshelpphone.ca Hours: 24/7 Eligibility: Children ages 20 and under
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Youth Services Bureau (YSB)What they do: Youth and family counselling, crisis support, walk-in counselling and online crisis chat service. Phone: 613-260-2360 (24/7 crisis line) Website: ysb.ca Hours: 24/7 crisis line Eligibility: Youth and families
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1Call1ClickWhat they do: Coordinated mental health care for children, youth and families, connecting to 20+ organizations. Address: Information not available Phone: 613-260-2360 Website: 1call1click.ca
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Crossroads Children's Mental HealthWhat they do: School-age children and family mental health supports including intensive in-home support, in-school supports, and therapy. Website: crossroadschildren.ca Eligibility: School-age children and families
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Parent Resource CentreWhat they do: Programs and services to help parents reduce stress, including in-home supports, play groups, and daily phone line for parenting challenges. Website: parentresource.ca Eligibility: Parents
“The program was good and helpful. I didn’t want my file to close as I wanted more than 9 months. But I am so appreciative of the 9 months I had. I reached all my goals. I got awesome support from my case worker. She was so nice to me and very friendly and very hard worker.“
"Our case manager was like a family member. It gave me a sense of belonging to a community and raised my self esteem."
“My case worker gave me lots of support and information about programs for myself and my son. This helped us feel connected and helped my son make friends. It was great that this was offered without any thing in return it is a very needed service for people like me.“
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