Past, Present & Future
Past: Our Beginning
In the early 1970s, a group of dedicated women were determined to open a house for women fleeing abuse, so they could have a place to be safe and build a life free from violence. After years of tireless work, in July of 1976, Interval House of Ottawa (IHO) opened its doors in a small home with four beds. It was Ottawa's first shelter for women fleeing abuse.
Since that time, IHO has grown to accommodate 10 women and their dependents in accessible, comfortable, private family bedrooms. In our first 40 years, we served more than 3200 women and 4000 dependents in our home, and countless more through our crisis line and Transitional & Housing Support Program.
Together, we have faced many challenges since 1976. These challenges have inspired us to change and grow in order to provide the best possible service to women fleeing violence. We pride ourselves on the effective partnerships we have established in this time, including, but limited to, the provincial Ministry of Community and Social Services, the City of Ottawa, Children's Aid Society, Andrew Fleck Child Care and the Ottawa Police Service.
Present: Fast Facts from 2020-2021
82 women resided at IHO
87 dependents resided at IHO
188 women in the community served by the Transitional & Housing Support Program
610 counselling hours in shelter
2, 042 calls to the crisis line
Future: Our Strategic Priorities (2018-2021)
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Increase focus on providing comprehensive support services
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Increase opportunities for people who identify as women and their dependents to connect with their communities and other services
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IHO will position itself as a leader in catering to specific populations in need
The Clients
The Cause
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Lead, advocate, and leverage increased attention to the issue of violence against women and children
Our Team
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Ensure an appropriate contingent (quality and quantity) of well trained and resourced staff to meet clients' evolving needs
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Address team dynamics with focus on greater communications and integrated service delivery
Our Viability
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Increase and diversify our revenue sources
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Foster a diverse and engaged Board of Directors