Small drop-in at Rideau and Cobourg offers more than just food

Andrea Connors

You may know us as “The Corner” or “The Drop-in.” You may be one of our community members who comes by for a hot cup of tea or coffee and a sandwich. You may already come and hangout in our coffee-shop-style location to play card games or talk with new and old friends. Or, perhaps you have simply passed by on foot, bus, or car and have noticed us at 521 Rideau Street.

Officially we are Capital City Mission, a small non-profit organization that has been serving the Lowertown and Sandy Hill community for 25 years. Over time we have served out of three different locations always staying, however, between the corners of Chapel/Rideau and Cobourg/Rideau. Creating community and offering support for this neighbourhood is at the heart of what we do.

Our goal throughout the years has been to provide a place for people to come, be with others, and know that they are part of a community. It is a place where new friends and acquaintances can be made. By providing free hot beverages and sandwiches Monday through Thursday, we also help support anyone who may benefit from a small meal they may otherwise not have. Over the years we have also been able to facilitate and host small art workshops, movie nights, spiritual support, education workshops, and support groups. We look forward to continuing some of these small group activities in the new year.

We currently operate with a small staff and a group of volunteers. Volunteers are a crucial part of being able to offer our services. Volunteers help with onsite sandwich making, front-of-house food and beverage service, and engaging in conversation and leisure at the drop-in.

As a non-profit organization, we are funded by the generosity of local businesses, individuals, families, and churches. We also co-host and take part in an annual nation-wide fundraiser called Coldest Night of the Year. As its website states, “this beloved peer-to-peer fundraising walk equips local charities with everything they need to raise significant funds in support of people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.” For this annual event we partner with another local organization called Jericho Road, a community of people who strive to move from addiction to connection. The Coldest Night of the Year Fundraising Walk will take place on February 28, 2026. We will be kicking things off at the Lowertown Community Centre, 40 Cobourg St. If you would like to take part in this fundraiser walk we invite you to email us and/or check out our fundraising page at https://cnoy.org/location/ottawalowertown.

Whether you are interested in our services, volunteering, or taking part in our annual fundraiser, please feel free to contact us at info@capitalcitymission.com or visit us in person during our drop-in hours, Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 521 Rideau St. You can also find us online at www.capitalcitymission.com and on Facebook and Instagram.