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March 24, 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dear Ward 24 Residents,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCity of Toronto\ntaking action to protect individuals experiencing homelessness from COVID-19
\nThe City of Toronto\nhas, over the past weeks, rapidly mobilized and implemented a plan in response\nto the risk COVID-19 presents to clients of the city\u2019s network of shelters,\nrespites, and drop-ins. Shelter, Support & Housing Administration (SSHA) is\nworking with community partners to further strengthen this city-wide response\nand assure vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness that their health\nand safety is a priority. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nAs of this morning,\nthere are two positive cases of COVID-19 in the shelter system. The\nidentification of a second case \u2013 with no connection to the first case reported\nlast week \u2013 is not unexpected. Both individuals are recovering in isolation.\nSSHA is working with Toronto Public Health to identify people who may have come\nin close contact with the individuals to actively monitor, test, and isolate\nthose who become symptomatic. There is no evidence of an outbreak in our\nshelter system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nPhysical distancing\nis a priority. SSHA has opened nine new facilities with more than 350 spaces to\ncreate further physical distancing for clients from shelters, 24-respites and\n24-hour drop-ins. An additional facility is preparing to open with more space\nready to be activated as needed. In some cases, community and recreation\ncentres closed as part of the City\u2019s suspension of non-essential services are\nreopening to support distancing efforts. The City has also opened space at\nhotel and motel sites and is exploring other opportunities so that we stay one\nstep ahead of a rapidly evolving situation<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThe City of Toronto\nalso has Canada\u2019s first dedicated isolation site for people experiencing\nhomelessness who are awaiting COVID-19 test results. Referrals to the program\ncome directly from provincial COVID-19 testing centres. When fully-operational,\nthe facility will have 40 rooms for isolated households waiting for results.\nSSHA is also working with the Province to prioritize test results for this\nvulnerable group. There are further plans in partnership with the provincial\ngovernment and Inner City Health Associates to open a COVID-19 recovery site\nfor people experiencing homelessness who have tested positive doe the virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nA new Rapid Housing\nAccess Initiative is helping to prioritize access to housing for existing\nshelter clients in Toronto Community Housing. Fifteen households have been\nmatched with housing and will be moving in this week. An additional 50 units\nhave been identified for move-in in the coming weeks. Clients are being\nreferred through the Coordinated Access system and provided with supports to be\nsuccessful in achieving housing stability. Units are being prioritized for\nparticularly vulnerable individuals, including seniors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nEnhanced screening\nby Central Intake is ongoing. Stronger infection, prevention and control (IPAC)\nand cleaning measures continue at City and partner shelters. The City has\nprovided additional funding for this increase in preventative measures,\npurchasing specialized cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment\n(PPE), and helping to increase physical distancing (i.e. installation of\ncurtains). There is now a focus on implementing a PPE distribution plan to\nensure this critical equipment is available to clients and staff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSSHA has also\nissued broad direction today to over 200 social and affordable housing\nproviders responsible for over 33,000 units reinforcing that the housing\nstability of residents is a top priority. Housing providers have been directed\nto be flexible, exercise discretion, and to work with households whose\nemployment-related income is affected by the current emergency.
\nAs in all\njurisdictions, the situation in our shelter system is evolving every day. The\nCity, through SSHA and the Emergency Operations Centre, is committed\ncommunicating and working with our more than 200 community partners to provide\nthe best possible care to individuals experiencing homelessness in our city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nIf you or someone\nyou know needs street outreach, call 311 or Central Intake at 416-338-4766.
\nThe City\u2019s website\nis updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City\nservices, social supports, and economic recovery measures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check https:\/\/www.toronto.ca\/covid-19\/ for answers to common\nquestions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.
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\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have any further questions or concerns please call my\noffice AT 416-396-7222 OR by email at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca
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All my Best,
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\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paul<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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\u2019s network of shelters, respites, and drop-ins. Shelter, Support & … <\/p>\n