On March 20, 2020, David Piccini, Member of Provincial Parliament for Northumberland-Peterborough South, announced that the Government of Ontario is supporting expanded response capacity for Transition House Emergency Shelter to support the most vulnerable in our community.
Due to COVID-19, shelters are unable to operate at full capacity while meeting public health guidelines. An agreement between Kawartha Pine Ride District School Boar (KPRDSB), Northumberland County and Transition House will enable the County’s only emergency homelessness shelter to continue to support and house the homeless during this unprecedented time. A temporary shelter, the first of its kind in Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic, will be located at Cobourg Collegiate Institute.
“It is important that our Government takes decisive action to protect citizens during this difficult time,” said MPP David Piccini. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our Government is being proactive in solving problems affecting our most vulnerable.”
Bringing to light a pressing local issue, MPP David Piccini convened community partners: Northumberland County; Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board; Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit; and Transition House Emergency Shelter, to develop a plan to keep residents of the shelter healthy and safe during COVID-19.
Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board quickly agreed to utilize infrastructure to support an additional facility for Transition House to house residents safely, maintain social distancing and meeting public health guidelines. In less than 48 hours, community partners came together to make this shelter a reality.
“We thank MPP Piccini for his leadership in bringing community partners together to develop this unique solution to a local challenge. We also thank the staff of Transition House, along with the KPR District School Board, the HKPR District Health Unit, the Cobourg Fire and Cobourg Police departments, and others for their collaboration in ensuring the ongoing provision of safe and effective shelter services for those experiencing homelessness in Northumberland. In this
time of uncertainty, residents can be assured that public organizations and community partners continue to work cooperatively together to address local needs, and ensure a robust response against the spread of COVID-19 in our community.” Bob Sanderson, Warden, Northumberland County
“These are unprecedented times that are requiring uncommon actions to support our communities. As an organization, we take great pride in being a responsive and caring community partner. When the need was presented to us by MPP Piccini and others, it was our pleasure to open our doors to Transition House. We will continue to do all that we can to help as we work through these difficult days.” Diane Lloyd, Chairperson, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board
“The health and safety of our clients and staff is Transition House’s number one priority. The temporary relocation of emergency shelter services to Cobourg Collegiate Institute will enable us to implement the recommended social distancing measures in our operations, and strengthen prevention against COVID-19 in the emergency shelter system. Thanks to a united effort by community partners to make this move possible, Transition House is positioned to maintain our current capacity in providing essential services for the most vulnerable members of our community.” Anne Newman, Executive Director, Transition House
On Monday, Ontario declared a provincial state of emergency and made an initial investment of over $300 million to support immediate measures to protect seniors, the most vulnerable and our front line health care professionals.
At this time of uncertainty, Northumberland-Peterborough South has come together to support one another, especially those most vulnerable.
QUICK FACTS
· The Government convened an emergency session of the Legislature on March 19 to pass legislation to protect the jobs of employees who self-isolate or quarantine, help keep store shelves stocked and give municipal councils the flexibility to continue operations while maintaining social distance.
· Ontario is investing over $304 million to enhance the province’s response to COVID-19 by providing the following:
o $100 million for increased capacity in hospitals to assist with the effective treatment of COVID-19 patients both in critical care and medicine beds.
o $50 million for more testing and screening through public health, including additional funding to support extraordinary costs incurred to monitor, detect and contain COVID-19 in the province. This includes contact tracing, increased laboratory testing capacity and home testing.
o $50 million to further protect frontline workers, first responders and patients by increasing the supply of personal protective equipment and other critical supplies and equipment to protect them.
o $25 million to support frontline workers working in COVID-19 assessment centres, including the creation of a new fund to provide respite care, child care services and other supports as they are needed.
o $50 million for long-term care homes to support 24/7 screening, additional staffing to support infection control and additional supplies.
o $20 million for residential facilities in developmental services, genderbased services and protective care for children and youth to support additional staffing, respite for caregivers impacted by school closures, personal protective equipment and supplies and transportation costs to minimize client exposure and to support social distancing, as well as additional cleaning costs.
o $5 million to protect seniors in retirement homes through increased infection control and active screening procedures.
o $4 million for Indigenous communities to support transportation costs for health care professionals and the distribution of critical supplies.
· The increased funding includes investments from Ontario’s previously-announced COVID-19 Contingency Fund, as well as funding provided by the federal government.
· There is no vaccine available to protect against the 2019 novel coronavirus, but there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses. To find out more, visit Ontario’s website.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
