Shepherds of Good Hope is a 2-star charity with an above-average results reporting grade. The charity has reasonable overhead costs and is financially transparent; however, it has a Low demonstrated impact.

Founded in 1983, Shepherds of Good Hope (SGH) provides individuals in Ottawa with appropriate support to break the cycle of homelessness. SGH provides shelter, food, clothing, and support services to people struggling with mental health challenges, addiction, and trauma. SGH's major programs include transitional shelter services, supportive housing, and community support services. 

Supportive housing program - 42% of total program spending ($5.4m): This program allows people with physical and mental health challenges to live independently. In F2022, the charity opened its fifth supportive housing residence, which houses 42 people. In F2022, the charity provided permanent and stable housing for 234 people and served 187,434 meals in this program. SGH plans to open a new multi-purpose space in 2024, providing 48 supportive housing units, a new drop-in facility and a new community soup kitchen.

Community support services - 31% of total program spending ($3.9m): provide food and activities to shelter clients, supportive housing residents, and broader community members. In F2022, the charity served a total of 82,123 meals in its soup kitchen, with 225 meals served each day on average over three meal periods.

Transitional shelter program - 27% of total program spending ($3.5m):  This program helps people transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Programs include a traditional men’s shelter, a supervised consumption and treatment service for those struggling with addiction, and women’s and men’s transitional emergency shelters for people with complex needs. In F2022, SGH’s shelters provided nightly stays for 2,524 people, with an average length of stay of 22 nights. During the same year, 1,688 people were diverted to SGH’s shelters by emergency services.

Charity Intelligence consolidated Shepherds of Good Hope’s financial statements with Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation's financial statements for the following analysis.

In F2022, Shepherds of Good Hope had total donations and special events revenues of $5.1m. The charity also received $10.9m in government funding, representing 55% of total revenues. Administrative costs are 4% of revenues (excluding investment income), and fundraising costs are 19% of donations. This results in total overhead spending of 23%. For every dollar donated, 77 cents go to the cause, which is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

SGH has $6.0m in reserve funds, once $4.6m in short-term and long-term debt is accounted for. The charity could cover 44% or over five months of its annual program costs with its reserves.

Charity Intelligence sent an update of this report to Shepherds of Good Hope for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on June 22, 2023 by Krystie Nguyen.