Welcome to
Stepstone House
Refugees and newcomers in Ottawa face overwhelming barriers to housing, employment, and social integration. Stepstone House provides safe housing, settlement support, and integration services to help them navigate these challenges. The result? Stronger, more connected communities where newcomers can build stable, independent lives.
Established in 2019, Stepstone House is a transitional shelter for refugee claimants and newcomers. Over the course of a year, Stepstone House is a short-term home to over 110 residents across 10 houses in Canada’s National Capital, Ottawa and nearby communities.
Our Approach
We take a holistic, community-centered approach to refugee resettlement by providing:
- Transitional Housing – A secure and welcoming space for up to six months, ensuring newcomers have a stable foundation as they begin their new lives.
- Settlement Support – Assistance with immigration paperwork, legal aid, medical appointments, job searches, and securing permanent housing.
- Integration Services – One-on-one guidance for language learning, credential evaluation, and social connection to help individuals feel at home in Ottawa.
By offering personalized and culturally responsive support, we empower our residents to navigate Canadian systems with confidence and build the skills needed to thrive independently.
Newcomers that connect with Stepstone House experience a smoother transition into Canadian society, avoiding the risks of homelessness and unemployment. Individuals gain the skills, resources, and confidence needed to integrate well.
The impact of Stepstone House is important as it means a more inclusive and resilient Ottawa, where refugees and newcomers are active, contributing members of the community, leading independent and fulfilling lives.