Our mission
The Lowertown Community Resource Center offers free social services and support to residents of its community, in all their diversity, in order to improve their quality of life.
25 YEARS EXPERIENCE OXPINS CHARITY CENTER
Who are we?
A centre offering free resources to Lowertown residents
Since 1970, the LCRC has been providing a range of social and community services to individuals and families living in Lowertown East and West.
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Our vision
A Center that residents know, where they recognize themselves and get involved.
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What we offer
OUR SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
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I am
looking for kids/youth programs
It is essential to provide opportunities for young people to thrive. That is why we offer a variety of activities and programs tailored to children & youth in the Lowertown, through sports, after-school programs, summer camp, or our drop-in.
I am
looking for food help
Our aim is to combat food insecurity by providing essential food items to those in need and opportunities to cook and share meals. With the commitment of volunteers, donors, and partners, we help thousands of people in our community.
I am
looking for support and counsel
Our social support workers are here to listen and offer support for questions and challenges related to housing, finances, food insecurity, physical and mental health, substance use, and much more.
I’d
like to Volunteer
Want to give back to your community? New to Canada? Need to complete volunteer or community service hours before graduating high school?
I am
I am a newcomer
Our social support services can be tailored to meet the needs of newcomers. We offer assistance in navigating social services in Ottawa and provide access to information systems on community resources relevant to newcomers.
I’d
like to get involved
Community engagement is the act of coming together, collaborating, and taking action to meet the needs of community members. The CRCBV supports individuals, groups, and local organizations, and helps create new projects for the future.
Upcoming events
Take part in our occasional activities
Throughout the year, the CRCBV organizes or helps organize events for local residents.
Testimonials
What Lowertown residents and volunteers say
Some of the residents and volunteers who have benefited from our programs or participated in our activities have shared their experiences with us
SEE ALL OF TESTIMONIALS
Hear from Ethiopia, a mother from the neighbourhood
"In 2015, I was in great need of support to care for my children. I had been ill and stayed at home with them for 6 years. I was looking for support and had visited seven different places without success...
Ariste and his family
Residents
My partner and I returned to Canada as students (at the University of Ottawa) with our young son and we live on rue Beausoleil. The Lower Town Community Resource Center was my first welcome space in the community.
Amanda's sharing
New arrivals
I moved to Ottawa in March 2018 as a single mother of two, and expecting a third, while living in the Lowertown emergency shelter.
A place to live for Cynthia
Resident
Imagine that you are raising four children aged 7 to 16 on your own and that you are forced to live in a small, two-bed motel room... and have been for ten months...
News and articles
Media, latest news,
Media, latest news,
and updates.
Looking for more information?
See frequently asked questions here
Our FAQ page answers frequently asked questions. It is designed to help you better understand our services, our programs and the steps to benefit from them, allowing you to obtain answers quickly.
Visit the page: frequently asked questionsWho can benefit from your programs and services?
Our programs and services are aimed primarily at residents of Ottawa's Lowertown. The territory we serve extends from the Ottawa River (north) to Rideau Street (south), and from the Rideau River (east) to the Rideau Canal (west).
What types of programs and activities do you offer for families and children?
For children, we offer, all free of charge, an after-school program, a youth drop-in, a summer camp, as well as a variety of sports, recreational and artistic activities, the distribution of back-to-school supplies and much more. We also offer a tax clinic, as well as support services for newcomers. We invite you to visit our Services & Programs page to learn more, or to contact us directly for specific information based on your needs.
How can I register for your workshops or community events?
Online registration is available here for youth activities. For all other activities and services, please contact us for registration details.
How can I become a volunteer or get involved in the community with the CRCBV?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering! To find out more, please visit our Volunteering page, or contact our volunteer coordinator, Catherine Mageau, at the following address cmageau@crcbv.ca
Become a volunteer
Join us in contributing to the well-being of the neighbourhood
Make a donation
Your generous contribution will help us improve the quality of life of Lowertown residents.
Get involved
Discover how to get involved through other community initiatives
40 Cobourg St., Ottawa, Ontario K1N8Z6
Monday to Friday
8:30AM – 4:30PM
Closed between noon and 1PM
Closed Saturday & Sunday
40 Cobourg St. Ottawa, Ontario K1N L8Z6
Tuesday: 1 PM – 5:45 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM, 1 PM – 3:45 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
145 Beausoleil Dr. K1N 8W3
Tuesday: 9 AM – 12 PM, 1 PM – 4 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM – 12 PM, 1 PM – 4 PM
Friday: 9 AM – 12 PM, 1 PM – 4 PM
Thursday: 9 AM – 12 PM
Close Saturday and Sunday
