Our Story

About Us

Salus was founded in 1977 by a group of concerned parents, social workers, and doctors in the Ottawa area. The name, a Latin word meaning “health and wellness,” reflects our commitment to supporting people living with severe and persistent mental illness. 

During the 1950s and 1960s, advances in psychiatric medication led to shorter hospital stays and the closure of many provincial mental hospitals in a process known as deinstitutionalization. While this shift allowed many people to return to community living, it also left many individuals without the housing and supports they needed. 

Salus was created to address this gap by providing supportive housing and community-based services. 

What began with clients sharing housing and resources has grown into a well-established community organization supporting hundreds of people across Ottawa. 

The Salus Story

Today, Salus:

  • 1,000

    Supports more than 1,000 adults each year

  • Owns nine apartment buildings, one single-family home, and two shared living homes

  • Provides services including 
case management, community development, recreation, rehabilitation, and 
occupational therapy

  • 100

    Employs over 100 staff members

  • Operates two residential rehabilitation programs

  • Offers services in both English and French, including supports accessible to Deaf clients through staff trained in ASL and LSQ

History

We’ve always vigorously pursued our goal of improving the well-being of people living with mental illness in our community.

With nearly 50 years of experience, we’ve learned that comprehensive and integrated mental health and housing services promote an improved quality of life for individuals and enhance their participation within the community.

Timeline

  • 1977

    Ottawa Salus Corporation is founded.

  • 1979–1984

    Salus opens its first Shared Living Homes.

  • 1988

    The Fisher Avenue Rehabilitation Home opens, introducing recreation and rehabilitation services.

  • 1993–1995

    Salus expands support services to individuals living outside Salus housing and establishes a central Head Office.

  • Late 1990s–
Early 2000s

    Salus expands supportive housing by purchasing and developing several apartment buildings across Ottawa.

  • 2007

    The Grove Transitional Rehabilitation Program (GTRP) opens, supporting individuals involved in the forensic mental health system.

  • 2016

    Karen’s Place opens on Clementine Avenue, adding 42 supportive housing units.

  • 2025

    Athlone Building Re- Opens

    Salus launches Athlone, a new transitional housing program supporting people experiencing homelessness and complex mental health and substance use challenges through an innovative health and housing partnership.

  • 2026

    Capilano Opens

    Salus opens Capilano, a 54-unit Aging in Place community that provides affordable housing and on-site supports, helping older adults live independently while remaining connected to their community.

Our

Mission

To create opportunities for adults with mental health, substance use, and behavioural addiction challenges to live independently through access to housing and integrated community support services.

Our

Values

Wellbeing

We foster a culture that supports wellness and self-care for both staff and clients, promoting recovery, resilience, and overall health.

Embracing Diversity

We create a culture of respect, empowerment, and trust that values diverse backgrounds, experiences, and journeys.

Quality Improvement

We continuously improve our programs and services to better meet the needs of the people we support.

Collaboration

We bring people and teams together to share ideas, gather feedback, and create meaningful impact.

Accountability

We honour our commitments to the community and take responsibility for our decisions, actions, and results.