The main purposes of Urban Christian Outreach are: to establish contact with those in the city of Ottawa who are struggling to survive spiritually, physically, or psychologically; and to mitigate the effects of urban isolation on the life of the individual.

We do this by pointing people towards a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ; and offering ongoing pastoral and practical care, including Christian education, street literacy and life-skills tutoring.

Staff engage in mobile outreach on the streets, and in the coffee shops, parks and other communal places of the city. We especially (but not exclusively) develop ongoing relationships with those whose fragilities make it difficult for them to function in group settings. We seek to be present to their need, even when there are no apparent solutions, thereby offering hope, respect and dignity to the individual.

Urban Christian Outreach works in co-operation with other agencies by referring clients to social, medical, shelter, educational, employment and Christian organizations that will further expand the individual's personal network within the community, and will serve his/her various needs.

The heart of the work is relational. However, from time to time Urban Christian Outreach may develop structured programs and projects that are in keeping with the central focus of enhancing the well-being of those who are experiencing urban isolation and deprivation. This will be done according to the needs of the clients and the qualifications of current staff.

The geographical area of outreach and projects is within a five-mile radius of Parliament Hill (Ontario only). Follow-up may take us into other areas of the city, for home, hospital and jail visits.

We engage in dialogue and speaking engagements with individuals and groups, to promote a wider understanding of existing needs, and to search out possible solutions.