Furniture Assistance Initiative helps residents recover from July 1 extreme weather event

The City of Ottawa is partnering with Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa and Matthew House Ottawa to implement the Extreme Weather Event Furniture Assistance Initiative - providing gently used donated furniture to households with the greatest need.

Since the July 1 extreme weather event, City staff and community partners have been working directly with affected residents to understand their needs and connect them with available supports. A new initiative will help extend that support to eligible households whose essential furniture was damaged or destroyed by flooding. 

The City of Ottawa is partnering with Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa and Matthew House Ottawa to implement an Extreme Weather Event Furniture Assistance Initiative. The initiative will provide gently used donated furniture to eligible households facing the greatest challenges on the road to recovery. 

The initiative was informed by thousands of conversations with residents since the extreme weather event occurred. 

Many families continue to face difficult decisions and unexpected costs as they work to rebuild. This initiative is an example of how the City, community organizations, volunteers and residents are coming together to help people get back on their feet and move forward.

Photo credit: Matthew House Ottawa

Due to the limited availability of donated furniture, assistance will be prioritized for eligible households with the greatest financial need, including residents whose essential household items – including beds, couches and other furnishings - were damaged or destroyed and who may face financial or other barriers to replacing them. 

The City will follow up with people identified through wellness visits and service requests who may benefit from this initiative. Residents who have not been contacted but require furniture assistance as a result of the July 1 extreme weather event are encouraged to call 3-1-1 to inquire about the initiative and have their needs assessed.  

The initiative reflects the collaborative effort underway across Ottawa to support flood-affected residents. Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa and Matthew House Ottawa are helping coordinate furniture donations and distribution, while City staff continue outreach efforts to identify residents who may benefit from additional support. 

The City extends its sincere appreciation to Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa, Matthew House Ottawa, volunteers, donors and community partners whose generosity is helping residents rebuild after the flooding. 

Additional support available

Since the onset of the emergency response, City staff and community partners, including St. John Ambulance and Sauvetage Bénévole Outaouais – Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue (SBO-OVSAR), have conducted more than 6,000 wellness visits and 500 follow-up calls to check on residents' well-being and connect them with the specific services and supports they need. 

Recovery support information, including available assistance programs and upcoming Recovery Information Sessions, is available on our website.

For more information on City programs and services, visit the City of Ottawa website, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X, Bluesky and Instagram.