I’m an Ottawa-based event coordinator building Unseen Ottawa into a nonprofit, with the Community Empowerment Toolbox (CET) as our flagship. CET exists to support people living rough in Ottawa with practical tools, skills, and quick-win opportunities that make daily life safer and the next step more reachable.

Our mission:

Equip neighbours facing barriers (unhoused, under-employed, newcomers, youth) with tools, skills, and micro-resources so they can stabilize, participate, and thrive.

What CET does:

• Street Stewards – Trained volunteers who walk regular routes as friendly points of contact: quick check-ins, wayfinding, light clean-ups, and fast referrals to services. It’s community care, consistently delivered.
• Survival Backpacks – Season-ready packs with essentials for day-to-day dignity and safety (hydration, warmth, hygiene, basic first aid, and information cards), distributed through partners and pop-ups.
• Skill-share & Workshops – Pop-up classes co-led by professionals and lived-experience peers: job-readiness, event ops, digital basics, budgeting, and creative arts. Includes materials, snacks, and—when possible—small participation stipends.
• Community MicroWork Hub – Same-day, small-scope gig opportunities (setup/tear-down, plaza beautification, outreach, admin assists) paid by stipend or e-transfer. A quick on-ramp to income and references.

Becoming an NPO (the formal bits):

Unseen Ottawa is completing Ontario nonprofit incorporation and bylaws; a volunteer founding board and community advisory circle are being formed. Charitable status will follow once programs and reporting are established.

How event funds are used:

1. Launch the CET pilot programs above
2. Cover nonprofit start-up costs (incorporation, insurance, essential admin)
3. Build a Community Fund for rapid-response support

Accountability:

We will publish quarterly impact notes highlighting outputs and outcomes (how many people served, what changed, stories with consent), and we operate with board oversight and community feedback sessions. We keep financial details private but clearly report how funds advanced the mission.

How you can help:

Sponsor, donate, or volunteer (mentors, workshop leads, logistics, outreach). Founding Supporters receive public recognition, early program updates, and priority invitations to volunteer orientations and pilot days.

Let’s make events that feel good and do good - then convert that momentum into a durable community safety net.

Contact:

(E) admin@leannesharzer.com or hello@unseenottawa.com

(P) 613-850-1667