These past two months have been trying times for Ottawa, Canada, and the world. We understand the struggles you may be facing, whether that is paying rent, finding your next meal, or dealing with stress. We at CUSA want you to know we stand behind you and support you. These are unprecedented times but we will get through this together. Please find resources and updates on COVID-19 below:
News & Updates
Stay up to date with current and official information provided by Carleton University at the Carleton Newsroom.
Financial Support
Canada Emergency Response Benefit
Canada Emergency Student Benefit
Ontario Works
- If you are already receiving Social Assistance from the Ontario provincial government, you are eligible to access emergency benefits up to $100 for individuals and $200 for families. Please click here for more information.
Rent and Hydro Payments
- According to the provincial government, there has been a halt on all evictions until further notice. However, we urge that students please proceed with caution as there are other means a landlord can request rent and other expenses which will affect records such as credit ratings, etc.
- As for Hydro payments, the lowest rate of energy consumption has been applied to all bills.
Carleton Student Emergency Fund
- Carleton has expanded its Student Emergency Fund to assist students financially. The Student Emergency Fund is offered by Carleton to assist students with paying for essential costs that have arisen due to COVID-19. It is designed for students who are not eligible for government assistance and who need help covering essential costs, such as groceries, utilities, medication (not rent, travel, tuition, or debt). Please click here to apply.
Mental Wellness Support
Empower Me
- Empower Me is a 24/7 helpline that connects students with qualified counsellors and mental health professionals. It is culturally sensitive, gender-inclusive and faith inclusive in its mandate. To access the line, please call 1-844-741-6389 (toll-free) or visit the EmpowerMe website
Stay Positive Ravens Campaign
- CUSA launched a month-long wellness campaign providing tips and resources on the 8 pillars of wellness. For more information, please click here.
Health and Counselling Services
- Carleton Health and Counselling Services has moved to operating virtually. For more information on their services, please click here.
Safer Substance Use
- There has been an increased concern of substance use given the challenging practices of social distancing and social isolation. As a result The Department of Student Affairs has comprised a resource guide to help those who are or know of someone who is struggling with substance use.
Wellness Together Canada
- Wellness Together Canada is free online mental health and substance use tool developed specifically to recognize the significant impact that COVID-19 has had on physical and mental health. This portal includes access to coaching and community support, self-guided courses, wellness self-assessment and more. To access the portal, click here.
- Mental Health Crisis Line: 613-722-6914 or visit their website.
- Youth Services: 613-260-2360 or visit their website.
Community Health Centres
Most community health centres require clients to call ahead to confirm their offered services. However, there are still a few health centres who are still providing services. These are:
Somerset Community Health Centre
- Clients are advised to call ahead at 613-238-8210 as services are subject to change
- Consumption and Treatment Services (modified hours), and Needle Exchange & Safer Inhalation (harm reduction supplies will continue to be available through outreach and van services. Students can contact the NESI Van at 613-761-0003)
Sandy Hill Community Health Centre
- This centre is available to provide essential services such as medical appointments, same-day medical clinic, consumption and treatment services, Junction (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.), Opioid Agonist Treatment, Back on Track program.
- With the exception of the Junction, Centre-wide hours for all other essential services will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information, please visit their website.
Special Student Support
International Students
- The Federal government will remove the 20-hour workweek restrictions for International Students as long as their occupation is deemed as an essential service. For more information, please visit their website.
- For additional support for Carleton students who currently reside outside of Canada, please click here.
Indigenous Students
- Indigenous Students will be eligible for more financial assistance. More information on this will be provided in the official Canada Emergency Student Benefit bill.
Food Security Support
CUSA Food Centre
- The food centre offers food assistance to students or anyone in the Ottawa community. To request a food hamper, please email foodcentre@cusaonline.ca for further information.
United Muslim Organizations of Ottawa-Gatineau
- This organization has developed a confidential, professionally administered form to support people who are directly affected by COVID-19. Individuals in the following categories are eligible to receive food/hygiene kits: people in isolation because they are sick or have family members that are sick, people in quarantine (within 14 days of travel), immunocompromised individuals, single-parent homes and low-income households (case by case). Visit bit.ly/covid-aid for more information.
Good Food Ottawa
- Just Food Ottawa—a local non-profit organization—has launched a new website that provides information and resources for residents struggling during the pandemic.
Ottawa We Care
- Ottawa We Care was created to tend to the needs of those affected by COVID-19. They distribute care packages that include groceries and personal hygiene products. To contact them please visit their website.
Legal Support
Legal Support
- Pro Bono Ontario provides free legal assistance to low-income Ontarians for their everyday legal problems. This includes:
- Employment issues
- Housing issues
- Consumer debt and protection problems
- Corporate law for small businesses and non-profits
- Powers of Attorney &
- Civil litigation*
For more information please call 1-855-255-7256
Local Support
The City of Ottawa has issued a ‘Human Needs Task Force’ in order to provide assistance to issues such as:
o Outreach to isolated seniors
o Food security
o Transportation
o Volunteer coordination
o Housing and homeless needs
For contact information please email SCS_HNTF@ottawa.ca or call 613-580-2424 ext. 26753
General Information
Canadian Federation of Students
- The CFS has taken an active role in expanding the regulations for CESB. Most notably by focusing on the inclusion of International students and challenging the $1250/month. For more information on their progress, click here.
Other Provinces
COVID-19 Community Care Ottawa
- A Facebook group was created to deliver information, provide resources and support for those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. If you need support or are offering support, please click here.
General Supports and Services
- A list of known supports and services in the community, provided by Pinecrest-Queensway
- Various support information about school, food, health, income, jobs, housing and more during COVID-19 are available through the WeGotchu website.
- Various social supports and services are available through the St. Joe’s Women’s Centre website.
- A Complete Guide to Financial Help for Regular Ottawans, provided by Shawn Menard, City Councillor for Capital Ward
