Housing Help in Ottawa began in 1985 as a grassroots community development program of Dalhousie Health and Community Services, created in response to growing concerns about affordable housing and tenant instability in the city. Initially operating with limited funding and strong volunteer involvement, the program focused on helping low-income tenants understand their rights, avoid eviction, and find affordable housing in the private market. In 1992, it incorporated as an independent non-profit organization, becoming one of the early Housing Help centres in Ontario. Over time, it expanded its services to include housing search assistance, eviction prevention, landlord-tenant advocacy, and referrals to community supports. Today, Housing Help continues to provide free, confidential services aimed at preventing homelessness and promoting housing stability, working alongside municipal services and other community agencies, though it does not directly provide housing units or rental subsidies.