John Howard Society of Ottawa

Youth Housing

A Different Street Housing Program

A Different Street (ADS) Supportive Housing program provides affordable accommodation and support to homeless or unstably housed young men, ages 16 to 21 upon entry to the program, who are justice-involved or at risk of being so.

ADS provides male identifying youth an opportunity to access safe accommodations and utilize on-site supports to assist with their life goals. Through these on-site supports, youth are assisted in actively addressing their specific personal, social, vocational, and health-related needs. As well, they are supported in developing the resources, including skills and attitudes, necessary for a successful transition to adulthood.

All units at ADS are self-contained bachelor units.

Services provided:

  • Comprehensive assessment
  • Collaborative case planning
  • Individual counselling and support

  • Practical assistance
  • Monitoring of court conditions
  • Referral to other community resources


Youth can apply to ADS through the central housing registry or contact below for more information.

Contact: Taylor McCormick, Residential Coordinator – tmccormick@jhsottawa.ca

Windrose Supportive Housing Program

Windrose (WR) Supportive Housing provides affordable accommodation and support to homeless or unstably housed female youth (cis-gender, non-binary and transgender), ages 16 to 24, single or parenting, ages 16 to 24, who are justice-involved or at risk of being so.

WR provides its resdients an opportunity to access safe accommodations and utilize on-site supports to assist with their life goals. Through these on-site supports, residents are assisted in actively addressing their specific personal, social, vocational, and health-related needs. As well, they are supported in developing the resources, including skills and attitudes, necessary for a successful transition to adulthood.

All units at WR are one-bedroom units.

Services provided:

  • Comprehensive assessment
  • Supports and services from a gender-informed perspective to meet demonstrated needs in four major life areas: career, family, community and self
  • Collaborative case planning
  • Individual counselling and support

  • Practical assistance
  • Monitor and support of court conditions (if relevant)
  • Referral and support to other community resources


Youth can apply to WR through the central housing registry or contact below for more information.

*Youth must be ages 16-21 at time of referral.*

Contact: Gizela Iraheta, Residential Coordinator – giraheta@jhsottawa.ca