Become a Volunteer

The Mehari Centre’s mission is to promote and improve the well-being of Eritreans living in Ottawa through programs and services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and based on evidence and community input. The Centre aims to provide Eritreans with a safe and welcoming environment that helps them connect with each other and the greater community.

• Wefera (ወፈራ) – working together toward a common good.
• Justice (ፍትሒ) – ensuring Eritreans in Ottawa have access to culturally appropriate programs, services, and successful integration into Canadian society.
• Gender Equality (ማዕርነት) – acknowledging the unique challenges and power imbalances faced by women and empowering and promoting the leadership of women.
• Healing (ፈውሲ) – using a strength-based approach to create an environment for healing, restoration, and reconciliation.

• Eldership (ሽማግለ / ሸምግልና) – resolving differences and promoting wellness by engaging community elders, who are recognized through their wisdom, harmony, and actions.

• Solidarity (ምትሕብባር) – working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders across sectors and in solidarity with other marginalized communities to achieve a collective impact.

• Harmony (ስኒት) – celebrating the diversity within the Eritrean community and working together for the strength and well-being of Eritreans in Ottawa.

The Mehari Centre is located at 1547 Merivale Road, Unit 200, Nepean, Ontario

The Mehari Centre offers bi-weekly drop-in settlement services and workshops. To find the specific dates and times, you can check the “Bi-Weekly Calendar” section of their website. The times for several events on their calendar are from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The Centre also offers bi-weekly drop-in information and referral services

• Bi-weekly workshops on topics like financial literacy, the Canadian education system, job search strategies, social and health services, laws and customs, employment rights and responsibilities, and tenant rights and responsibilities.

• Drop-in services offering one-on-one assistance in Tigrigna, including documentation support for permanent residency applications.

• Tax clinics to help permanent residents with modest incomes and simple tax situations prepare their income tax and benefit returns.

• Mental health resources and information on topics like crisis counseling and gambling addiction.

• A Women’s Circle (coming soon) to offer a safe space for women to connect and empower each other.
• Wellness resources. 

• Volunteering: The Centre relies on volunteers to deliver their programs and services.

• Donating: You can make a financial contribution to help the Centre meet its goals and fund its mission.

• Participating in the needs assessment study: The Centre is conducting a study to identify the service needs of Ottawa’s Eritrean community. You can contact them to participate.

• Joining the Board of Directors: The Mehari Centre is actively recruiting new board members