Where to Find Free and Affordable Essentials in Ottawa

Clothing, Food, Furniture & More for Newcomers and Low-Income Families

Starting over in a new country or rebuilding after hardship is never easy. In Ottawa, many individuals and families face silent struggles — furnishing empty apartments, keeping warm in winter, or finding their next meal. But you don’t have to do it alone.

Whether you’re a newcomer, a single parent, a refugee, or someone going through a difficult financial season, this guide connects you to real, trusted resources across Ottawa where you can access free or low-cost essentials with dignity.

1. The Refuge Basket

Support Areas: Clothing • Household Items • Food • Housing support information

Overview:
The Refuge Basket is a fast-rising not-for-profit in Ottawa with a mission to support newcomers and low-income earners by redistributing quality donated items that make a home — from gently used clothing and kitchen items to starter kits, baby bundles, and non-perishable food.

They work with individuals and organizations to collect, clean, and deliver essential items with love and dignity. They also run Corporate & Individual Kindness Drives and organize community distribution events to ensure no one is left behind.

What You Can Get:

Free donated clothing (men, women, children)

Baby gear and starter bundles

Non-perishable food packs

Household items: kitchenware, small appliances, dishes, linens

Furniture support via referrals/partnerships

Community referrals for housing, wellness, and employment

How to Access:

Follow on Instagram or Facebook for pickup days and location updates

Register through their online interest form

Email: hello@therefugebasket.com

Website: www.therefugebasket.com

 2. Matthew House Ottawa – Furniture Bank

Support Areas: Furniture • Housewares • Home Setup

Helps individuals and families in need turn empty apartments into homes by providing free furniture and household goods. Works with over 50 community partners for referrals.

Website: matthewhouseottawa.org

3. Helping With Furniture (HWF)

Support Areas: Furniture • Bikes • Laptops • Housewares

A volunteer-led organization offering weekly deliveries of furniture and essentials to newcomers, women fleeing abuse, and people transitioning out of homelessness.

Website: hwfottawa.org

4. House to Home Ottawa

Support Areas: Furniture • Move-in Support

Furnishes full homes for newly arrived refugees and low-income families. Often works with resettlement agencies and community volunteers.

Website: h2hottawa.com

5. Caldwell Family Centre – Clothing & Food Program

Support Areas: Free Clothing • Affordable Boutique • Food Hampers

Provides free clothing through referrals and deeply discounted items through its Hidden Gems Boutique, along with daily meals and healthy food hampers for families in need.

Website: caldwellfamilycentre.ca

6. Shepherds of Good Hope – Meals & Clothing

Support Areas: Hot Meals • Sandwiches • Emergency Clothing

Serves over 600 meals daily, distributes hygiene kits, and provides warm clothing for people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.

Website: shepherdsofgoodhope.com

7. Ottawa Food Bank & Community Food Programs

Support Areas: Emergency Food • Partner Distributions

The central food supplier for over 100 local agencies across Ottawa. Their website allows you to find a nearby food cupboard or community kitchen.

Website: ottawafoodbank.ca

8. The Ottawa Mission – Clothing & Essentials

Support Areas: Men’s Clothing • Shelter Services • Showers & Meals

Provides essential clothing, hygiene kits, hot meals, and housing support to those facing homelessness. Open 365 days a year.

Website: ottawamission.com

9. Centre 507 – Drop-In Support

Support Areas: Food • Clothing • Showers • Laundry • Referrals

Drop-in centre for adults offering hot meals, snacks, donated clothing, and access to hygiene facilities.

Website: centre507.org

10. Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre

Support Areas: Emergency Assistance • Food • Clothing • Shelter

Offers urgent support for individuals in crisis, including food hampers, clothing, household items, and help with housing placement.

Website: ottawaboothcentre.org

Why This Matters

Survival with dignity: These organizations aren’t handing out scraps — they’re building dignity.

Real, local impact: Thousands of families have rebuilt their lives through these programs.

Community over charity: You’re not a burden — you’re a part of a new community ready to support you.

Starting over is hard, but you’re not alone. From The Refuge Basket’s community outreach to the furniture, food, and clothing banks across the city, help is closer than you think.

Keep your hope alive. Ask for help. And when you’re back on your feet — pass it on.