Toronto Shelter Network Weekly COVID 19 Member Meeting

Toronto Shelter Network Weekly COVID 19 Member Meeting May 6, 2020

Staffing Strategies for the Sector • Over 100 applicants have been screened for appropriateness, and there are 80 additional applications submitted through Charity Village. • 6 agencies have confirmed that they would like receive applications of screened candidates who meet their qualifications for relief staffing. • 3 agencies have been sent resumes to review and one already reported that they will interview all of the candidates received. • TSN continues to reach out to agencies to discuss staffing needs. Feel free to contact Gabriela whenever relief staff needs arise.

Shelter/Drop-in Workforce Strategy • • • We have met twice this past week with TDIN staff and directors of key Toronto drop-ins A new staff member at TDIN will be working on workforce recruitment, and we have decided to collaborate on outreach to spread the word about staffing need Candidates who have applied through our Charity Village posting will be sent to shelters first, but we will send candidates to TDIN who

Personal Protective Equipment • The Kerr Foundation/Knixx, in partnership with TAEH, is continuing its PPE donations. Can use the same form to re-order supplies. Please connect with Lindsay if you don’t have the form. • SSHA continues to advocate for more PPE.

Health Related Concerns • The coordinator rollout of onsite testing is a major concern of the TSN. We want to ensure that there is an equitable system in place and there is strong communication from Toronto Public Health and the City. • TPH and SSHA have worked together to develop a priority list for onsite testing. The sites receiving testing first are those with at least one case of COVID-19. • Hospitals will be supporting onsite testing and will be following direction from TPH • Concern of folks involved in onsite testing is where to put those that test positive. Currently only have about 200 rooms for recovery, and are looking at making a second recovery space at the Bond Hotel in partnership with St. Mike’s

Health Related Concerns

Service Levels in the Sector • • Hotel Programs There is potential to close down your program and relocate into a hotel to support physical distancing and balance staffing concerns. If you are interested in doing this, please reach out to Lindsay.

Communication

Advocacy for the Sector • TSN is working with TAEH on broader advocacy issues related to COVID and homelessness work. • One issue that we will begin focussing on is Rent Geared to Income Supplements for shelter clients that have been moved to hotels. • Are there particular issues that you want to see presented to provincial or federal levels of government?

The Floor is Open • Do you have additional questions for the TSN or members on the call? • Has your agency developed some COVID-19 best practices that you can share with the group? • Are you struggling with something at your agency that you would like feedback on?

Thank you! Thank you for your input and tireless work.