Counselling and What to Expect

What to Expect at Nelson House:

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• Safe, private location. Shelters and safe housing programs make everyone’s safety their priority. You will be asked to keep the location confidential.

• ​Counselling Services. Nelson House staff provide 24-hour crisis intervention and supportive counselling to women and children living within the shelter. Our counsellors work with clients to rebuild their lives by helping them set goals for the future and make plans to achieve those goals. We offer a variety of essential services including financial support, information and referrals to services such as police, housing, child care, medical services, and legal services.

• No fees. Nelson House's counselling and programs are free. you will also have access to interpretive services.

• Transportation. Shelters provide safe transportation to a shelter or safe housing program. Nelson House also offers residents bus tokens and transportation to appointments.

• Children’s and youth safety. As advocates, we understand that children and youth are also impacted by domestic violence. Our Children's Program Coordinator will work with you and your children offering support, referrals, trauma informed care and programming, resource information and parenting support.

• Respite child care and enriching children's programming space. Childcare may be provided during groups, special appointments and other activities upon sign up. Access to the programming room is available with parental supervision. Support will be provided to register your child in school or daycare.

• Twelve Week Toolkit Program. Specialized programing launched in 2023 to address some of the numerous impacts of trauma, strengthen social connections, and advance employment and educational opportunities.  

• Confidentiality. Your information will be private and will not be shared with other agencies unless you give your written permission. You will be asked to honor the privacy of other program participants by not discussing their names or situations with anyone else.

• Food, clothing, and toiletries. Nelson House will provide basic necessities for you and your family at no cost and will try to meet your requirements.

• Living arrangements. You will be provided a private room. You will share common areas - Kitchen, living room, dining area, T.V. room, etc.

• Communal living. Environment where you will be requested to participate in chores. 

• Laundry facilities. You will have access to laundry machines. 

• Visitors. Visitors are unfortunately not permitted in the shelter, you can, however, meet with friends and family elsewhere.

• Help finding a safe place for your pet while in shelter. Nelson House does not allow pets unless they are certified support animals. We will however work with you to secure a safe temporary home for your pet with SafePetOttawa and other community partners until you're living independently and able to have your pet returned to you.

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