How moving a Sandy Hill drop-in centre in mid-winter concerns those who need its supports

When Centre 454 relocates in January 2027, the service that helps individuals rebuild their lives will move away from a neighbourhood that depends on it.

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Every morning, after waking up at a shelter in downtown Ottawa, he takes a short walk to Centre 454 in Sandy Hill for breakfast.

After breakfast, he might use the centre’s laundry service or the clothing vouchers it has given him to get something new.

Barnett also knows 454 will give him lunch every day and top him off with whatever toiletries he needs.

“At the shelter, you have to be out by a certain time, during the daytime,” Barnett said, adding that, in contrast, 454 was an “anchor, where you can stick around all day if you want. It’s like a mini home base.”

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But Barnett isn’t sure his routine will persist after 454 relocates in January 2027.

Source: Read the original article on ottawacitizen.com