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volunteer

Welcome to OCH's Volunteer Engagement Program

Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) provides approximately 15,000 homes to 32,000 tenants, including seniors, parents, children, couples, singles and persons with special needs within many communities across the City of Ottawa housing a diverse population of varying languages, ethnicities and cultures. OCH is the largest social housing provider in Ottawa, and the second largest in Ontario. 

The Volunteer Engagement Program at OCH allows you and your team to become involved in our communities in a unique and rewarding way. We welcome volunteer groups of all sizes to help with maintenance and beautification projects. The goal of these projects is to help engage the communities by bringing people together to make a difference. 

While capital costs, such as roof repairs, elevator maintenance, and simply the upkeep of all our buildings, take priority, these volunteer projects are the little things that truly affect the lives of our tenants in a positive way, allowing them to feel the pride of place in their community. The undeniable feeling of joy that comes from seeing the smiles on others’ faces simply from lending a helping hand is invaluable. 

Volunteer page banner

What You Need to Know:

If you don't see a project that suits you, or your team contact us at volunteer@och.ca

  • All of our available projects are posted below 
  • Projects are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • If you are ready to book, or you have any questions, contact us at volunteer@och.ca, or by phone at 613-731-1182 ext 2218 to confirm a project date.
    Please note: we need 4-6 weeks lead time for most projects.
  • OCH will provide all of the equipment, materials and supplies for each project that are listed. 
    While a donation to cover the cost is appreciated, it is not required for most of the projects that are listed.
  • New projects are added all the time. If you don’t see a fit for your team, check back as the website is updated frequently!

Volunteer Projects

Find a project that you would like to be part off! Whether it’s your first time volunteering with Ottawa Community Housing or you did participate with us to previous projects, you are all welcome to join us. 

Building planter benches/garden boxes

This is a project that you will be able to leave seeing the difference that you made in the community's outdoor space.

Overgrowth removal

This project would include removing the overgrowth surrounding buildings. Volunteers helping with this beautification project will increase pride of place for those that live in the community.

Toiletries Drive

Blair Court launched their Squeaky Clean Toiletries Cupboard in 2019. The purpose of this program is to assist families by collecting and donating costly personal hygiene products.

Painting

This is a high impact project that will allow you to immediately see the value of the hours you have volunteered.

Landscaping/
fence repair

Exterior beautification projects improve the look of common areas and increase pride of place.

Build garden cages/
community gardens

Community gardens are shared spaces where people in a neigbourhood work together to improve the space and grow food. Many gardens in OCH communities also support local food assistance programs.

Community improvement

Make a real difference by helping to repair common area facilities such as basketball courts, or gazebos.

2022 Highlights

Hallways painted 30

# of volunteers 610

Volunteer hours 4,000

Tenants benefitted 8,000+

Garden boxes built 42

Tenants engaged to help with projects 80

Communities visited 76

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