March 24, 2020
Dear Ward 24 Residents,
City of Toronto
taking action to protect individuals experiencing homelessness from COVID-19
The City of Toronto
has, over the past weeks, rapidly mobilized and implemented a plan in response
to the risk COVID-19 presents to clients of the city’s network of shelters,
respites, and drop-ins. Shelter, Support & Housing Administration (SSHA) is
working with community partners to further strengthen this city-wide response
and assure vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness that their health
and safety is a priority.
As of this morning,
there are two positive cases of COVID-19 in the shelter system. The
identification of a second case – with no connection to the first case reported
last week – is not unexpected. Both individuals are recovering in isolation.
SSHA is working with Toronto Public Health to identify people who may have come
in close contact with the individuals to actively monitor, test, and isolate
those who become symptomatic. There is no evidence of an outbreak in our
shelter system.
Physical distancing
is a priority. SSHA has opened nine new facilities with more than 350 spaces to
create further physical distancing for clients from shelters, 24-respites and
24-hour drop-ins. An additional facility is preparing to open with more space
ready to be activated as needed. In some cases, community and recreation
centres closed as part of the City’s suspension of non-essential services are
reopening to support distancing efforts. The City has also opened space at
hotel and motel sites and is exploring other opportunities so that we stay one
step ahead of a rapidly evolving situation
The City of Toronto
also has Canada’s first dedicated isolation site for people experiencing
homelessness who are awaiting COVID-19 test results. Referrals to the program
come directly from provincial COVID-19 testing centres. When fully-operational,
the facility will have 40 rooms for isolated households waiting for results.
SSHA is also working with the Province to prioritize test results for this
vulnerable group. There are further plans in partnership with the provincial
government and Inner City Health Associates to open a COVID-19 recovery site
for people experiencing homelessness who have tested positive doe the virus.
A new Rapid Housing
Access Initiative is helping to prioritize access to housing for existing
shelter clients in Toronto Community Housing. Fifteen households have been
matched with housing and will be moving in this week. An additional 50 units
have been identified for move-in in the coming weeks. Clients are being
referred through the Coordinated Access system and provided with supports to be
successful in achieving housing stability. Units are being prioritized for
particularly vulnerable individuals, including seniors.
Enhanced screening
by Central Intake is ongoing. Stronger infection, prevention and control (IPAC)
and cleaning measures continue at City and partner shelters. The City has
provided additional funding for this increase in preventative measures,
purchasing specialized cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment
(PPE), and helping to increase physical distancing (i.e. installation of
curtains). There is now a focus on implementing a PPE distribution plan to
ensure this critical equipment is available to clients and staff.
SSHA has also
issued broad direction today to over 200 social and affordable housing
providers responsible for over 33,000 units reinforcing that the housing
stability of residents is a top priority. Housing providers have been directed
to be flexible, exercise discretion, and to work with households whose
employment-related income is affected by the current emergency.
As in all
jurisdictions, the situation in our shelter system is evolving every day. The
City, through SSHA and the Emergency Operations Centre, is committed
communicating and working with our more than 200 community partners to provide
the best possible care to individuals experiencing homelessness in our city.
If you or someone
you know needs street outreach, call 311 or Central Intake at 416-338-4766.
The City’s website
is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City
services, social supports, and economic recovery measures.
Check https://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common
questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
If you have any further questions or concerns please call my
office AT 416-396-7222 OR by email at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca
All my Best,
Paul