YMCA of the National Capital Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YMCA is hosting a housing open house to welcome its new residents to Centretown and give tours of residences, also announcing it is staying at its Argyle building 


March 5, 2025 (Ottawa) — Every person deserves a safe and affordable place to live where they can get the support they need. The 2024 Point-in-Time Count found that almost 3,000 homeless people live in Ottawa, up from 2,600 in 2021. Nearly half of the homeless people surveyed said they needed supported housing, and one-third expressed a need for mental health support.  

The YMCA’s Shenkman Residence on Argyle, connected to the main YMCA facility, provides housing for approximately 250 individual youth and adults at risk of homelessness. It provides transitional and supportive housing to people in transition from homelessness, newcomers to Canada, and those living with physical, mental and/or substance use health challenges.

The residence previously provided housing to families who have since moved to a city-run family shelter in the west end and are well supported. Those housing spots have been replaced with the Y’s new Transitional Housing Program for Newcomer Individuals, which is nearly full. More than 150 residents moved in between October 2024 and February 2025 — in addition to the 80 residents in the Supportive Housing Programs and 17 in the Second Stage Housing for Youth program. 

The YMCA’s residents have access to a range of wraparound services, including life skills training (e.g. managing finances), the Y’s employment and training services, health and fitness, and language assessment and referral for newcomers.  

After considering other options, the YMCA is pleased to share that it will stay in the YMCA Taggart building on Argyle for at least five years. The YMCA owns the building and, through its own internal and external consultation and assessment, has decided that this is not the time to sell commercial property. The YMCA's central location on Argyle provides essential supports and services, recreation to Centretown residents, and housing for approximately 250 people. As part of the YMCA’s new 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, increasing impact and access in the downtown core remains a priority. The Y is in discussions with funders for grants to upgrade some areas of the building. 

“Solving the housing crisis will take a prolonged and coordinated effort among all sectors and levels of government,” said Trevor McAlmont, President and CEO of the YMCA National Capital Region. “We call on all levels of government to respond to the ongoing housing emergency with investment across the continuum of non-profit housing, including supportive housing, transitional housing for newcomers and youth, and permanently affordable non-profit housing.” 

The Y offers four types of supportive housing in its Shenkman Residence on Argyle. 

  • The Transitional Housing Program provides safe, temporary homes for more than 150 individuals aged 18+ who are at risk of homelessness or living in unstable or unsafe housing. When they are ready, the Y supports them to move from the Argyle building to permanent housing. 
     
  • The youth housing program (also called The Second Stage Housing Program for Youth) provides supportive housing for 17 youth aged 16-24 who are unable to live at home, homeless, or at risk of being homeless. These youth need assistance building life skills as they move toward independence.  When they are ready, the Y supports them to move from the Argyle building to permanent housing. 
     
  • The Supportive Housing Program is for approximately 40 individuals aged 18+ who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and need support to move on to permanent housing. This is for those living with mental health and substance use issues. When they are ready, the Y supports them to move from the Argyle building to permanent housing.  
     
  • Monthly Supportive Housing rooms are for approximately 30 longer-term tenants, including individuals in transition from being unhoused, those fleeing unsafe or unstable housing, newcomers to Canada, and individuals coping with issues related to physical, mental and/or substance use health. This program is not taking new applicants at this time. 

Spokespeople available for interview 

  • Trevor McAlmont (he/him), President and CEO, YMCA National Capital Region (English) 

About the YMCA of the National Capital Region 
Founded in 1867, the YMCA of the National Capital Region is a registered charity dedicated to building healthy communities. The organization is committed to nurturing the potential of children, teens and young adults, promoting healthy living and supporting vulnerable people within the community. The Y serves thousands of people across the Ottawa region each year. Focusing on inclusiveness and accessibility means people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are served through all stages of life. To learn more, visit ymcaottawa.ca. 

Media contact 
Heather Badenoch, Village PR, 613-859-8232, heather@villagepr.ca