WORKSHOP SUPPORTING PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS THROUGH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND BEYOND
Michaela Beder (she/her), Inner City Health Associates
Chantel King- James (she/they), Case Manager, M-DOT Hotel
Margot Wilkins (she/her), Case Manager, M-DOT Hotel
Abstract
People experiencing homelessness have faced significant challenges for many years in Toronto, due to (but not limited to) insufficient housing, OW/ ODSP rates and inequities in the healthcare system. During the Covid 19 pandemic we saw systemic changes that improved people’s lives, but there is need for continued advocacy for ongoing sustainable change. This session will speak to and engage service providers / participants around the impacts of Covid 19 to individuals experiencing homelessness and some of the system changes that have occurred over the last two years. We will look at the transformation of the shelter system, the introduction of shelter hotels, the importance of partnerships in service delivery and ways that services have increased within the homeless sector to increase access and assist individuals in getting connected. We will explore ongoing ways that we as service providers can advocate for sustainable systemic change to create safe and healthy communities.
Leaning Objectives:
At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Identify the health and social needs of individuals experiencing homelessness
- Identify the impact of Covid 19 on individuals experiencing homelessness
- Discuss the importance of partnerships in delivering services
- Advocate for sustainable systemic change