The Coalition of Community Health and Resource Centres of Ottawa (CHRC) is a network of multi-service, community-based health and resource centres, which recognizes the importance of responding to the diversity of needs within local communities and pays particular attention to those members of the community who are most vulnerable and at risk.
As organizations, we are engaged in larger issues of community health promotion and advocacy, and as part of this work, 12 of the 13 Community Health and Resource Centres have published the Rethinking Community Safety report.
Rethinking Community Safety
Community Health and Resources Centres have been an important part of the social infrastructure of the Greater Ottawa area since the late ‘60s. The Centres have a lengthy history of successful association, alliance and collaboration, initially as a municipal program, and since 1990, as a Coalition. The Coalition supports a unique capacity to plan, advocate, coordinate and deliver services in Ottawa, while continuing to build local community capacity and strengthen the autonomy of its member centres.
Why the Coalition is important?
‘The strength of each community health and resource centre is derived from understanding local priorities and mobilizing resources that will make a difference in the wellbeing of individuals and neighbourhoods. Together, acting through the Coalition, we seek solutions to common issues, share resources, plan and coordinate service delivery to avoid duplication and sustain efficiencies, and advocate for healthy communities.’
The Coalition acts as a catalyst to …
- Advocate and facilitate social action
- Develop the capacities of the local communities to address local issues and priorities
- Plan, design, coordinate and provide Francophone and Anglophone health and social services in response to diverse populations
Our role in your community …
The Coalition is committed to community members playing an essential role in planning, development and evaluation of services through local community governance, and strong community engagements mechanisms. We seek to promote integrated and accessible service models, based on community governance, whilst developing the capacity of individuals, families, communities and organizations to achieve their goals.