The 2023 VOscars Volunteer Awards

Our Mission

OMRA Shelter Corporation is a not-for-profit, totally volunteer run organization that provides monthly rent subsidies from 3 months – 4 years to newcomers to Canada. The OMRA subsidies are for refugees who are permanent residents or asylum seekers and who have been in Canada less than two years.

OMRA began in 2001 when a newcomer mother and 5 children were unable to find a rental unit. OMRA bought a townhouse for that family. In the following years, OMRA purchased 3 more units and until 2016, we provided homes for larger families at subsidized rates. In 2017, we changed the OMRA model and began to support smaller families in private landlord-owned properties. This meant that OMRA went from providing monthly rent subsidies for 4 families to supporting approximately 35 families/year.

Why We Do It

Safe, affordable housing is one of the most important factors for the integration of the newcomer into Canadian society. However, exorbitant housing costs cause financial hardship and the threat of homelessness prevents security and stability for people who have already fled danger.  Federal and provincial social assistance, on which newcomers rely while they learn English or French and get established, cover only a fraction of housing costs.  The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Ottawa in January 2022 was $1800, but the shelter allowance for a family of three was only $700.

Our Program

The OMRA clients choose the area of the city and the apartment they want, but the rent must be one that will still be affordable after the OMRA subsidy ends.  The purpose of the rent subsidy is to give the newcomer a longer period of time to adjust to life in Canada, to learn English and to find employment.

OMRA has developed two further services which complement the rent subsidy program. These are managed by our volunteer board and the actual work is done by about 25 other volunteers.

One is the OMRA basic furniture supplies program whereby each client is given a start-up kitchen, bedroom and bathroom supply package when moving into the apartment.  Volunteers collect, deliver and set up furniture in the new apartment.

The second service provides settlement support to families through OMRA’s volunteer mentoring and tutoring program. Volunteers visit clients once, twice and sometimes three times a week to teach English and to help with any settlement questions the clients have.

In 2023, the subsidy budget is $150,000 and OMRA will to be able to offer subsidies to about 35 small families. Because larger families receive adequate allowance through the Child Tax Benefit Programs, OMRA limits its support to singles, childless couples, and families with one or two children.

OMRA fundraises through donations and the monthly sale of grocery cards. Supporters of the grocery-card program include seven faith-based organizations, as well as several groups of friends, co-workers, and clubs. To participate in the grocery card fundraiser, contact [email protected]

To learn more about OMRA and the people we serve, visit our website  https://omraottawa.org