A drop-in support centre is looking for “interim and permanent locations” for its next chapter as it prepares to close its space in Ottawa’s Sandy Hill neighbourhood early next year. Belong Ottawa operates Centre 454 on King Edward Avenue, offering a space with meals, showers, laundry and resources for anyone seeking community and compassionate support. Belong Ottawa is a community ministry of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. In a post on its website, Belong Ottawa says as “part of long-term planning,” the organization and the city have “concluded after January 2027, Centre 454 will relocate.” “Belong Ottawa is working closely with the city, partners, and supporters to ensure a safe, sustainable change. We are actively pursuing interim and permanent locations to allow Centre 454 to operate seamlessly and expand capacity to meet growing needs,” Belong Ottawa said. “While details of the transition are being developed, what remains certain is Centre 454’s mission and services will continue. Its commitment to those who rely on its services every day is as strong as ever. Please stand with us as Centre 454 enters its next chapter.” The post doesn’t say why the decision was made to relocate Centre 454. “This is more than a move. It is a pivotal moment to strengthen an organization that has supported Ottawa for decades and to reaffirm our shared commitment to our fellow citizens in need,” the organization said. Ottawa’s director of housing and homelessness says the city is “working closely” with Belong Ottawa to review location options. “As the needs of program participants and the surrounding community continue to evolve, Belong Ottawa, in collaboration with the City of Ottawa, are reviewing opportunities to move the operations of Centre 454 to a more suitable location in the community,” Kale Brown said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa. “As planning continues, our focus remains on maintaining service continuity and supporting community well-being. We are committed to working collaboratively with Belong Ottawa and other community partners to help ensure day programs, like Centre 454, remain a welcoming community resource.” Belong Ottawa is located near the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, where the supervised consumption site recently closed. “Since 1954, Centre 454 has been a critical part of Ottawa’s social safety net — supporting adults experiencing homelessness, poverty, mental health challenges, substance use-related harms, and social isolation,” Belong Ottawa said. “Every day, it provides meals, laundry, showers, respite, housing connections and income supports in a safe, welcoming space that prevents emergencies before they happen. This work reduces strain on hospitals, shelters, paramedics, and police while offering stability and hope to those who need it most.” The organization says it’s asking the City of Ottawa to “extend the transition timeline” to relocate Centre 454 following the recent closure of the supervised consumption site. “Recent closures of nearby consumption and treatment service sites have increased pressure on Ottawa’s health and social service system,” Belong Ottawa said. “Belong Ottawa has asked the City to extend the transition timeline to safeguard continuity, participant safety, and neighbourhood well‑being amid evolving conditions.” In January, Centre 454 said there were 616 neighbourhood connections, including 576 for crisis supports. Last October, Belong Ottawa said there were 629 neighbourhood connections at Centre 454, including 579 connections for crisis supports and 44 community referrals. With files from CTV News Ottawa’s William Eltherington
