There is a petition going around in Sandy Hill recommending the defunding and relocating of Centre 454 which is currently at St. Alban's on King Edward Street. Centre 454 provides laundry, showers, hygiene supplies, telephone access, Wifi access, community navigation support and social activities such as bingo and karaoke, art and crafts. It is run by Belong Ottawa.

Centre 454 provides support to people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. Defunding/relocating that work won't solve the root cause of these problems in our community, and it would harm those who depend on their services.

We call on the City of Ottawa to do the following:

1. Invest more in supportive housing and tackle the root cause of homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. Clearly outline how many new supportive housing units will be built, when they will be accessible, and who they will service.
2. Clearly outline to residents in Sandy Hill how the city will respond to serious and valid safety concerns relating to Centre 454 WITHOUT removing necessary services from those who need them.
3. Work with Belong Ottawa and Centre 454 to determine how the city can better support Centre 454 in their work. Provide clear next steps that can be taken immediately to ease tension between Centre 454 clients and Sandy Hill residents.
4. Be transparent and provide clear evidence that Centre 454 clients are being helped and not harmed by their services. Perofrm a gender based analysis on the treatment of their clients and how the centre is a net positive.