A protest of more than 100 people at Ottawa City Hall on Wednesday objected to funding cuts that will result in the closure of a drop-in centre for the homeless.
The Ottawa Native Friendship Centre, located at 510 Rideau St., provides hot meals, shelter and laundry facilities to the homeless in the city.
The shelter announced that it be will be forced to close at the end of March due to cuts in government funding.
Carrie Diabo, the co-ordinator at the drop-in centre, spoke to protesters and lamented the closure.
“It is a safe home away from home where they can reclaim their culture and their identity,” said Diabo. “They learn to support each other, have a meal when they are starving and receive services to assist in regaining their independence.”