Steps Off The Street
Together, we are making a difference.
Inspiring Hope and Recovery through meaningful connections.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower individuals experiencing homelessness to transition from the streets into addiction recovery. We achieve this through direct support, providing essential resources and fostering a sense of community. Approximately 60% of our volunteers are in recovery themselves, sharing lived experience to bring hope and build peer connections.
We facilitate group peer to peer support meetings weekly with Ottawas’ most vulnerable. Providing direction and purpose for both those we serve and those who volunteer.
How we are helping
Homelessness casts a long shadow, leaving individuals vulnerable and without hope. But amidst the struggle, a beacon of light shines brightly. Our organization stands as a lifeline, providing not just essential resources, but a pathway to dignity, stability, and a brighter future for those in need.
Direct Relief
Providing immediate support through the distribution of essential resources such as nutritious meals, warm clothing, and hygiene products. This addresses the most urgent needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, ensuring their basic survival and well-being.
Community Building
Fostering a sense of belonging and connection by creating a welcoming and supportive environment. This involves interacting with individuals respectfully, offering a listening ear, and connecting them with other resources that can help them address their circumstances.
Collaborative Partnerships
Working closely with other organizations and community groups to create a comprehensive network of support. This includes collaborating with shelters, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to offer a more holistic and effective approach to addressing homelessness.
Sponsor a Wagon
For just $100/month, sponsor a wagon!
Support our food and clothing delivery program! Your contribution helps us transport essential supplies throughout Ottawa to those experiencing homelessness.
Sponsor now!
Email stepsoffstreet@gmail.com
to sponsor a wagon.
Volunteer
Join us in making a difference!
Volunteer to help the homeless in downtown Ottawa. Stay updated on our Facebook page for when we go out. Your support matters!
Volunteer Application Form >
Media Consent Form >
Witness our work and the lives we touch.
Our photo gallery captures the essence of our mission, showcasing the individuals we serve and the moments of connection that define our work. Through these images, you’ll see the faces of those we support, the dedication of our volunteers, and the tangible difference we make in the lives of the homeless in Ottawa. Explore the gallery and be inspired.
Meet the Founder: Gerald's Story
I have fought addiction issues most of my life. The last two and half years of active addiction were spent living and suffering on the street homeless. I have been sober since Jan 9, 2023. Founded S.O.S Steps Off the Street, Oct 2024. I know what it feels like to be homeless, suffering from addiction, and having nothing and no one.
S.O.S. started by me making sandwiches collecting clothes and going out to the street by myself. Eventually, people started to join me, and God has grown it into what it is today. It is the greatest feeling to help those in need and bring hope to those who want addiction recovery and guide them through that process.
To contact Gerald please email stepsoffstreet@gmail.com
Items We Need
Donations of non-perishable food, warm clothing, hygiene products, and blankets provide immediate relief to those experiencing homelessness. Every item, from socks to sleeping bags, offers dignity and comfort. By supporting our organization, you help us provide essential resources and a lifeline to those in need. Your contribution makes a tangible difference in building a more compassionate community.
Please email to stepsoffstreet@gmail.com to schedule a dropoff or pickup of items.
Shoes & Clothing:
Coats, jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, shoes, boots and socks are crucial, especially during colder months.
Hygiene Products:
Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products are vital for maintaining personal hygiene.
Blankets and Sleeping Bags:
These provide warmth and a safe place to rest.
First-Aid Supplies:
Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.
Food, Snacks, and Sandwiches:
Ready-to-eat options like sandwiches, fruit, granola bars, and other easy-to-carry snacks.
Bottled Water:
Access to clean drinking water is critical for health and well-being.