Dear Scarborough community members -
Widespread protests across the U.S. and around the world in recent weeks sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis have created an extraordinary movement for putting the spotlight on anti-Black racism. It has been community organizing, community voices and community actions that have pushed inequities such as anti-Black racism to the fore in public and political discourse.
Here in Ontario, it has been community voices that provided input for the creation of the Anti-Racism Directorate along with other efforts to draw attention to racism and discrimination including the need for race-based data and socioeconomic and health equity. Engaging and giving voice to lived experiences is essential for identifying and addressing inequities.
With the onset of COVID-19 and public health measures to flatten the curve, we know here in Scarborough that vulnerable and disadvantaged communities have had to deal with the burden of inequity. According to research, the COVID-19 lockdown has created a “highly unequal economic shock” which “has hit lower income people and families” more, with job losses disproportionately affecting people who rent and people working in the private sector. This means that racialized communities and immigrants are likely most negatively impacted. For Scarborough, this is significant, where over 73% of Scarborough residents belong to racialized communities or are ‘visible minorities,’ according to the 2016 profile and a significant portion of our population is made up of immigrants.
As we continue to cope with COVID-19 and look to recovery, it is critical that decision-makers engage communities that have been disadvantaged owing to systemic inequities including anti-Black racism to understand the lived realities of COVID-19 emergency measures. In turn, these community voices need to inform measures to target and address those lived inequities. Otherwise, we risk leaving people worse off and perpetuating systemic inequities which is not the Scarborough residents want.
-Anna Kim, Coordinator on behalf of SCAN
|
|
IN THIS COMMUNITY UPDATE:
|
|
Right to Ride Online Community Forum: May 27, 2020
On May 27, SCAN held an online community forum that included Shelagh Pizey-Allen from TTCriders, Jamaal Myers from Scarborough Transit Action and Austin Jafri, a longtime Scarborough resident and transit rider. The forum provided an an overview of changes to public transit owing to Covid-19, how these changes impact Scarborough transit riders with an equity lens and what actions we can take to address these issues.
View Right to Ride here. To receive the Right to Ride Action Toolkit, email scarboroughcivicaction@gmail.com.
|
|
SCAN STEWARDSHIP GROUP 2020-2022
SCAN is pleased to announce it's Stewardship Group for 2020-2022:
Resident members
- Alura Moores
- Brian Cheung
- Candice Leung
- Chelsea Braun
- Darren Tseng
- Jennifer Robinson
Agency members
- Agincourt Community Services Association (Trustee agency)
- East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club
- Malvern Family Resource Centre - Our Strong Neighbourhoods Department
- West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre
- Working Women Community Centre
|
|
SCAN COMMUNITY UPDATES
SCAN's Community Updates will be sent out biweekly until further notice. The next update will be sent on Monday, June 29, 2020. Please send information related to Scarborough communities, civic engagement initiatives and community supports to scarboroughcivicaction@gmail.com by no later than Sunday, June 28, 2020.
|
|
Scarborough Campaigns, Events, Etc
|
|
Scarborough Emergency Response Coalition (SERC) Open Letter
About: The Scarborough Emergency Response Coalition (SERC), is made up of a group of community organizations, neighbourhood associations, businesses, and community advocates from across Scarborough and works to put the spotlight on the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 and lockdown measures on Scarborough community members and to make recommendations that would help to support Scarborough communities including vulnerable residents, community organizations and small businesses during the lockdown and as we move into recovery.
Action: Read the open letter here.
Contact: To sign the open letter, contact sarwar.choudhury@gmail.com.
|
|
Affordable Rental Housing Campaigns & Related Initiatives
|
|
ACORN Canada Stop Rent Debt Campaign
About: Debt is growing for tenants across the country. 37% of Renters lost their jobs, and low wage workers have been the hardest hit. While the rent debt is mounting for thousands of tenants, the federal government remains silent.
Action: Sign the online petition that calls on the Federal Government to step in urgently to STOP the Rent Debt by providing Urgent Renter Assistance through the following time-limited measures:
a) Urgent Renter Assistance through a CERB rental top up (to cover rental costs)
b) New Renter Benefit for people who don't qualify for CERB
Contact: Call ACORN Canada office: 416-461-5322 or email canadaacorn@acorncanada.org
|
|
Toronto ACORN Campaign to Support Real Rent Control
About: Because Doug Ford got rid of rent control in 2018, new rental housing buildings have no rent control. The city is giving away public land or providing tax breaks to developers to build mixed "affordable" housing sites. We have a major opportunity to require rent control on these sites - this would be the ONLY chance for ANY rent control in all of Toronto.
Action: Sign an online petition calling for:
- Rent control with a maximum increase capped at the provincial guideline
- Create strong rules that blocks unfair Above-Guideline-Increases
- Protect long term tenants through vacancy control (rents stay same when tenants move out)
- Expand rent control to 'Open Door' sites that get tax breaks from the city
- Prioritize the right to housing over developer's right to profit
Contact: Call Toronto ACORN office: 416-461-9233 or email: torontofo@acorncanada.org
|
|
Stop the Eviction Bill
About: Our right to a safe and stable home, especially during this pandemic, is under attack by Doug Ford. On Wednesday May 27 the Ford government passed the second reading of Bill 184, which makes it easier and faster to evict tenants. Bill 184 will speed evictions, limit tenants' rights to defend themselves and allow landlords to demand payments of arrears for up to a year after vacating the unit.
Tenants experiencing income loss due to the pandemic were hoping for rent relief. Instead, under this bill, if a tenant is unable to fulfill repayment agreements once the emergency order is lifted, landlords would not have to go back to the tribunal for an eviction hearing. Rather, the tribunal could issue a quick eviction order without a hearing.
No one should have to choose between putting food on the table or paying rent, especially during a global pandemic.
Action: Sign the petition calling on Premier Doug Ford, and Housing Minister Steve Clark to stop Bill 184.
Contact: For more information, visit YSW Tenant Union's website.
|
|
Renters need urgent support in the face of the COVID-19 crisis
About: Due to the COVID-19 crisis, people are facing layoffs and work closures, along with public health directives to stay home, and practice physical distancing. As a result, only 75% of rental households in Canada were able to pay their full rent in April, and 15% of households were unable to pay rent at all. Experts believe this number will grow in May and June.
Action: Send a letter calling on Premier Ford, Steve Clark (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing), and Christine Elliot (Minister of Health) to enact legislation to waive the payment of rent for all tenants in Ontario during the pandemic.
Contact: For more information, visit FMTA's website.
|
|
Scarborough Civic Action Network (SCAN) Affordable Housing Awareness Campaign
About: SCAN aims to highlight the human impact and lived experience of the growing affordable housing problem facing tenants in Scarborough in order to push for policy change and to put a human face on the issue of affordable housing particularly in light of the COVID-19 emergency.
Action: Please contact SCAN if you are interested in sharing your story so we can create more public awareness about the impacts of the affordable housing crisis facing tenants in Scarborough. All information will be kept private.
Contact: Email scarboroughcivicaction@gmail.com.
|
|
Fight for $15 and Fairness calls for Health Emergency Labour Protections (H.E.L.P.)
About: Fight for $15 and Fairness is calling on the provincial and federal governments to provide Health Emergency Labour Protections (H.E.L.P.) measures to:
- Bring in 21 paid emergency leave days for all workers
- Create an immediate emergency fund for workers who can't get EI or paid leave
- Ensure enhanced access to EI
- Make sure no worker is left behind
Action: Sign the petition calling on governments to create real protections for workers to mitigate the risk of contagion and avoid financial devastation.
Contact: For more information, visit the $15 and Fairness website.
|
|
Affordable Transit Fares & Related Initiatives
|
|
Petition to Support Emergency Funding to #KeepTransitMoving!
About: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of every person depends on safe, accessible public transit. Frontline workers in essential services, from health care to grocery stores, are relying on transit to get to work. But transit systems are running out of money because they depend on fares for most of their operating funding. #KeepTransitMoving calls for a transit stimulus plan that includes:
-
Emergency funding now, so that transit agencies can continue to operate enough service for transit workers and riders to practice physical distancing and purchase adequate PPE and cleaning supplies.
-
Permanent federal and provincial transit operations funding.
-
Public ownership of transit, so that infrastructure investment is cost-effective and benefits the public, not private firms.
Action: Sign the petition calling on our federal government to provide emergency and permanent funding for public transit operations.
Contact: For more information, click here.
|
|
Petition to Support Bus Lanes
About: The TTC Board is voting soon on whether to install FIVE bus-only lanes before this September. This will make transit faster and safer for bus riders during Covid-19 and beyond. Send a message to the TTC Board and Mayor Tory to make sure bus-only lanes are approved!
Action: Sign the petition calling on the TTC Board and Mayor Tory to install five bus-only lanes.
Contact: For more information, email info@ttcriders.ca or call 416-309-9026.
|
|
TTC Board Meeting: June 17, 2020 (10:00 am)
See meeting agenda here and watch online at https://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialTTCchannel.
Requests to speak must be registered by noon of the business day preceding meeting day by submitting an email to gso@ttc.ca. A final deputation list will be distributed at the meeting. Presenters will participate by audio only and will be required to provide a telephone number on which they can be reached at the appropriate time. Presenters may submit a written deputation in advance of the meeting which will be circulated to TTC Commissioners and staff.
|
|
Call for emergency and permanent transit operating funding
About: Open Letter for Emergency & Permanent Transit Funding
Public transit remains a lifeline for many Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be essential to the country’s economic recovery. Essential service workers continue to rely on public transit to get to work, while others depend on transit to access basic needs such as medical care and food. Nevertheless, as the majority of Canadians are confined at home and ridership has declined by up to 90% for some, transit agencies can no longer rely on fare revenues to maintain operations and cover expenses. If we continue down this road, public transit agencies will be in dire straits and incapable of maintaining adequate levels of service to provide the basic right to move.
Action: Sign the open letter calling on our federal government to provide emergency and permanent funding for public transit.
Contact: For more information, click here.
|
|
Petition Calling for Refund of March TTC Metropass Holders due to Covid-19
About: Petition to Call for Refund of March TTC Pass
Many residents, specifically students, seniors, and post-secondary students were not able to use their March Monthly Metropass due to the Covid-19 virus pandemic. With the shutdown of workplaces, schools, businesses and public services, residents had to remain at home to comply with the state of emergency declared by Premier Ford since March 17. Most residents were not able to use their passes for at least half of the month. Pass holders need a refund or an extension of the March Metropasses.
Action: Sign the petition calling for a refund of half the cost of a March Metropass to all Metropass holders.
Contact: For more information, contact scarboroughtransitaction@gmail.com.
|
|
Online Events, Training & Tools
|
|
City of Toronto COVID-19: Recovery & Rebuild Survey
Share your views on how Toronto can recover and rebuild by taking an online survey by June 30. To complete this survey in another language, please call 311.
|
|
Scarborough Business Association Cyber Breakfast Conference: June 17, 2020 (9:15-10:00 am)
Scarborough-Guildwood MPP Mitzie Hunter will speak about Scarborough Stakeholders: Economic Recovery and Next Steps. Register here.
|
|
TTC Board Meeting: June 17, 2020 (10:00 am)
See meeting agenda here and watch online at https://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialTTCchannel.
Requests to speak must be registered by noon of the business day preceding meeting day by submitting an email to gso@ttc.ca. A final deputation list will be distributed at the meeting. Presenters will participate by audio only and will be required to provide a telephone number on which they can be reached at the appropriate time. Presenters may submit a written deputation in advance of the meeting which will be circulated to TTC Commissioners and staff.
|
|
Workers Rights During COVID 19 and Return to Work for frontline staff and community members: June 17, 2020 (2:30 pm)
Organized by Scarborough Community Legal Services and West Scarborough Community Legal Services. Register here. For more information, contact wscargen1@lao.on.ca.
|
|
Defunding the Police - A discussion on reprioritizing city investments as we build a just Toronto: June 17, 2020 (7:30 pm)
Progress Toronto and the Urban Alliance on Race Relations co-host a conversation with Black Lives Matter Toronto co-founder and Vice Chair of the Black Legal Action Centre Sandy Hudson (bio), lawyer, professor, author, advocate and Chair in Indigenous Governance at Ryerson University Dr. Pamela Palmater (bio), writer and community organizer with Education Not Incarceration Phillip Dwight Morgan (bio), and Executive Director of Black Creek Community Health Centre Cheryl Prescod (bio). The conversation will be moderated by Toronto Star Digital Producer Angelyn Francis (bio). Before the panel begins, Co-Founder of No More Silence Audrey Huntley (bio), will also be joining us to share a few words.
Learn why people around the world are calling to defund the police and to learn more about what defunding the police and alternative models for both public safety and community investments would mean for Toronto.
Register here.
|
|
Scarborough Community Council Meeting: June 19, 2020 (9:30 am)
See meeting agenda here and watch online at www.youtube.com/TorontoCityCouncilLive
The public may submit written comments or register to speak to the Committee on any item on the agenda. Written comments may be submitted by writing to scc@toronto.ca To speak to the Community Council, please register by email to scc@toronto.ca or by phone at 416-396-7287. Registered speakers will be provided with instructions on connecting to the meeting.
|
|
OPEN LETTER from Community Organizations Urging Action to Address Rising Gun Violence in Toronto
An open letter from nearly 50 community agencies and grassroots organizations urges the Mayor and City Council to take action on gun violence and to create sustainable and long-term solutions to gun violence that are connected to the City’s pandemic recovery efforts. For more information, contact JRezaee@ywcatoronto.org.
|
|
Online Reporting Tool to Fight COVID Racism
Since January, 2020, we have seen a rise of racism in Canada, targeting mostly but not exclusively Chinese Canadians and Asian Canadians. Fear and hatred have led some Canadians to blame Chinese Canadians for bringing the virus to Canada. The pandemic provides an excuse for those who have long harboured racist ideology towards Chinese Canadians in particular and Asian Canadians in general to act out their belief.
Use the online tool, www.covidracism.ca, to report incidents of racism and related intolerance towards people of Asian descent, as well as other People of Colour and Indigenous Peoples.
The result of the reporting tool will be analysed and released in the months ahead, and will form part of our recommendations for policy change to address the underlying structural and systemic racism in the long run.
|
|
Federal Government
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan includes the following support for:
Individuals and families
- Temporary wage top-up for low-income essential workers
- Increasing the Canada Child Benefit
- Special Goods and Services Tax credit payment
- Extra time to file income tax returns
- Mortgage support
- Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Indigenous peoples
- Addressing immediate needs in Indigenous communities
- Supporting Indigenous communities public health needs and preparedness
- Making personal hygiene products and nutritious food more affordable
Seniors
- Federal Old Age Security (OAS) benefit recipients will receive an extra $300; individuals older than 65 receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) will be given another $200
- Reduced minimum withdrawals for Registered Retirement Income Funds
- Supporting the delivery of items and personal outreach
- Providing immediate and essential services to seniors
Students and recent graduates
- Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)
- Suspending repayment and interest on student and apprentice loans
- Temporary changes to Canada Summer Jobs program
Businesses
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
- Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
For more details, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
|
|
Ontario Government
On May 14, 2020, the Ontario government announced details of Stage One of A Framework to Reopen Our Province, which begins on May 19, 2020. This stage will last approximately 2-4 weeks to allow for monitoring of any impacts or potential resurgence of cases of Covid-19.
Ontario government's actions to deal with COVID-19 to date have included:
- Measures to make the cost of prescription drugs more affordable for Ontario Drug Benefit Program users
- Covid-19 Emergency Assistance
- Additional funding for Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program recipients
- Ontario-funded emergency shelters for women and children can offer support during Covid-19
- Temporary changes to residential rental processes including an eviction freeze
- Help for electricity bills
- Doubled GAINS payments for seniors
For more details, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-support-people
|
|
City of Toronto
Mayor John Tory announced the start of Toronto’s Recovery and Rebuild Strategy. Read announcement here.
At the April 30 Special City Council meeting, Toronto city council met virtually and unanimously voted to extend Mayor John Tory’s State of Emergency declaration in the city of Toronto until the COVID-19 municipal emergency has ended. See details here.
City of Toronto actions to deal with COVID-19 include:
- Financial Supports for Renters. See details here.
- Economic Support & Recovery for Businesses. See details here.
Status of Covid-19 Cases in Toronto here.
For more details, visit: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/
|
|
Ward 20 Scarborough Southwest
City Councillor https://councillorcrawford.ca/
Member of Provincial Parliament https://www.dolybegum.ca/
Member of Parliament https://bblair.liberal.ca/
Ward 21 Scarborough Centre
City Councillor http://www.councillorthompson.com/
Member of Provincial Parliament https://www.mppmitas.ca/
Member of Parliament https://szahid.liberal.ca/
Ward 22 Scarborough Agincourt
City Councillor http://www.karygiannis.net/
Member of Provincial Parliament https://www.arisbabikianmpp.ca/
https://jyip.liberal.ca/news-nouvelles/2019-novel-coronavirus/
Ward 23 Scarborough North
City Councillor https://www.cynthialai.com/
Member of Provincial Parliament https://www.raymondcho.ca/
Member of Parliament https://schen.liberal.ca/
Ward 24 Scarborough Guildwood
City Councillor https://www.paulainslie.com/index.html#COVID
Member of Provincial Parliament https://mitziehunter.onmpp.ca/
Member of Parliament https://jmckay.liberal.ca/
Ward 25 Scarborough Rouge Park
City Councillor https://www.jennifermckelvie.ca/covid-home
Member of Provincial Parliament https://www.vijaythanigasalam.ca/
Member of Parliament https://www.facebook.com/garyforsrp/
|
|
211
Contact: Call 211; 1-877-330-3213 (toll free); 1-888-340-1001 (TTY)
Website: www.211oncovid19.ca
211 connects people to the right information and services, strengthens Canada’s health and human services, and helps Canadians to become more engaged with their communities. Provides info about supports during COVID-19.
|
|
5n2 Kitchens
Location: 2050 Ellesmere Road, Unit 7B, Scarborough, ON M1H 3A9
Contact: 416-551-0910
Website: http://5n2kitchen.com/
5n2 Kitchens was co-founded in 2013 by Seema and Roopan David to address a need in the community. During this outbreak of Covid-19 5n2 Kitchens will be offering a free meal delivery service to neighbours who are struggling to make it through this crisis. 5n2 Kitchens can deliver to neighbours within 10-15 Km of its location. To access this service, please fill out online form by 4:00 PM the day prior to delivery.
|
|
Access Point on Danforth
Location: 3079 Danforth Avenue
Contact: 416-693-8677
Website: https://accessalliance.ca/c4cc/
Clinic is open to registered clients by appointment. Hot takeout meals served to clients.
|
|
Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA)
Location: 1911 Kennedy Road, Unit 105 (Dorset Park Community Hub)
Contact: 416-292-6912
Website: https://www.agincourtcommunityservices.com/
The Food Bank will continue to operate on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 12:30-4:00 pm. Walk-in only; no appointments. Prepackaged boxes of food will be distributed at the front door. No exchanges, requests or returns. To volunteer for ACSA's Covid-19 Food Security Initiative, sign up here.
Location: 4155 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 100 (ACSA North Drop-In)
Contact: 416-321-6912
Monday to Saturday, 9:30am-12:00pm each day. Take-out meals only at the door. No inside services (bagged breakfast and lunch provided at the same time).
Location: 202 Markham Road (ACSA South Drop-In)
Contact: 416-321-6912
CLOSED. Ad hoc mobile meal deliveries will be made to support the local community at Markham and Eglinton as available. Food Bank services suspended until further notice
Other departments:
- All Newcomer and Settlement Services are fully operational using an online platform. Call 416-292-6912, ext. 3.
- All case management staff continue to work either remotely from home or in the office maintaining connection with vulnerable clients.
- Child and Family: providing online resources to their families. They will be providing online session for families such as reading time.
|
|
Christ Church Scarborough Village
Location: 155 Markham Road
Contact: ptrondson@gmail.com
Website: https://www.christchurchscarborough.com/
Food bank operates on Thursday, 9:30-10:30 am for registered clients. First time clients need to bring statement of income. Donations such as canned items are welcome.
|
|
COVID19 CANADA BENEFITS SUMMARY
Location: Access document online here
Dr. Jennifer Robson, Associate Professor of Political Management, Carleton University has created a plain-language summary of COVID-19 benefits across Canada which is updated regularly.
|
|
Daily Bread Emergency Food Pantry: Tuxedo Court
Location: 50 Tuxedo Court (outside main lobby entrance)
Contact: 647-762-4670
Daily Bread emergency food pantry at 50 Tuxedo Court weekly on Thursdays, 1:30-3:00 pm. Run by Canadian South Asian Growth and Support Services (CSAGSS) and supported by Toronto Community Housing Corporation, Daily Bread Food Bank and Woburn Local Planning Table and Woburn Jr Families.
Pre-registration is required at www.dailybread.link2feed.ca or 647-762-4670.
|
|
East Metro Youth Services (EMYS)
Location: 1200 Markham Road (closed until further notice)
Contact: 416-438-3697; emys@emys.on.ca
Website: http://emys.on.ca/
Teams in the agency are offering services by telephone and email for youth and/or families needing support. Learn more about EMYS COVID-19 Service Disruption.
|
|
East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club (ESBGC)
Contact: 416-428-5898 or kknight@esbgc.ca
Website: https://esbgc.net/
ESBGC is offering Emergency Services which include drop-off service of educational tools and resources, family meal kits, daily prepared meals, and hygiene products to families in the area. To register for services, contact Kacy Knight.
|
|
The East Scarborough Storefront
Location: 4040 Lawrence Avenue East (building closed until end of June 2020)
Contact: 416-208-9889 (phones answered 9-5, Monday to Friday)
Website: https://thestorefront.org/covid-19-updates/
Need help navigating supports during COVID19? The Storefront is still here for you! Call our main line 416-208-9889 from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and one of our Community Resource Specialists can help connect you with the resources, services, and information you need. Check out our website for more pandemic updates and to subscribe to our community newsletter for weekly local resource roundups.
|
|
FMTA COVID-19 Resources for Renters
Contact: 416-921-9494
Website: www.torontotenants.org/covid_19_resources_for_renters
The Federation of Metro Tenants' Association (FMTA) has a list of resources for tenants during the COVID-19 crisis including campaigns to help renters and information for renters who cannot pay their rent.
|
|
Hand Up for Kids
Contact: Online
Website: https://handuptoronto.org/
Hand Up for Kids is an initiative created in response to the COVID–19 impacts on the Toronto area, particularly towards alleviating food insecurity. This initiative aims to provide healthy meals to low income households with children and vulnerable youths that are in need. If you are a low income family with children, click here to request breakfast care packages.
|
|
KGO Updates
Location: Online
Contact: Subscribe here
Learn about what is happening in KGO and East Scarborough and the impact of COVID-19. Newsletters provide information relevant to keeping communities in KGO and East Scarborough informed, connected, and uplifted.
|
|
Malvern Eats
Location: Malvern Presbyterian Church (temporarily)
Contact: 416-284-2632
Malvern Eats is preparing lunch and delivering to Malvern community members in need on Wednesdays. Call by Tuesday 6:00 pm to arrange a lunch delivery. Lunch includes halal meat or a vegetarian option.
|
|
Malvern Food Bank
Location: 20 Sewells Road
Contact: fayemoffett@rogers.com
Operates Thursday, 1:00–3:00 pm. Drop by and pick up food supplies. Donations accepted including hand sanitizer, wipes, new/unused shopping bags, and financial contributions.
|
|
Muslim Welfare Centre Food Bank - Scarborough
Location: 100 McLevin Avenue, Unit #7
Contact: 416-754-8116
Open Monday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm by appointment only.
|
|
Neighbourhood Pods for Mutual Aid Resource Page
Neighbourhood pods for mutual aid are a way for communities to provide support to each other during times of need. Mutual aid could include food, cooking, shopping, picking up prescriptions, petcare, conversation/companionship, etc. Help identify gaps and prioritize coverage to help ensure that our most vulnerable community members impacted by reduced services have support networks and solidarity during these difficult times.
Learn how to set up a neighbourhood pod or map your neighbourhood pod so people can find you by clicking here.
For more information, contact Toronto Neighbourhood Centres or Shape My City.
|
|
Red Cross, City of Toronto and other partners: Food Delivery for Seniors
Contact: 1-833-204-9952 for eligibility and registration information
The City is working with the Red Cross and other partners to provide food hamper delivery to seniors and others in need who are unable to leave their homes. This is in response to the March 30 Province of Ontario recommendation that everyone over the age of 70 should self-isolate as part of the COVID-19 emergency measures.
With support from United Way of Greater Toronto, this service is made available for qualifying seniors and others that are in self-isolation who do not have alternative access to food (through family, friends, availability of food delivery services) and are currently not receiving such assistance from another community food program.
The City is asking multi-residential buildings, such as condos and apartments, to allow grocery and food deliveries inside buildings to permit those who are self-isolating or COVID-19 positive to remain inside their units.
|
|
Salvation Army Scarborough Food Banks
Location: 2021 Lawrence Avenue East (at Warden)
Contact: 416-759-1721
Food bank is open Wednesday (10:00am-3:00pm), Thursday (10:30am-12:30pm), Friday (10:00am-12:00pm). We serve those living in postal codes M1K, M1M, M1P, M1R, and M1N (east of Birchmount). No appointment necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Location: 3080 Birchmount Road (between Finch and McNicoll)
Contact: 416-497-7520
Food Bank is open Tuesday (10:00am-12:00pm; 1:00-3:00 pm), Wednesday (1:00-3:00 pm), Thursday (10:00am-12:00pm; 1:00-3:00 pm). By appointment only.
|
|
Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities
Location: 2660 Eglinton Avenue East; 629 Markham Road, Unit #2
Contact: 416-642-9445
Website: https://www.schcontario.ca/
Medical appointments by phone and referral.
Location: 4100 Lawrence Avenue East
Contact: 416-847-4147
Website: https://www.schcontario.ca/
Food bank is open Wednesday (12:30-3:30pm), Thursday (2:00-4:30pm), Friday (10:30am-1:00pm). Pre-made boxes and bags will be handed out.
|
|
Scarborough Community Legal Services
Location: 695 Markham Road, Suite 9
Contact: 416-438-7182
Website: https://www.scarboroughcommunitylegal.ca/
In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, the office has suspended all in-person client meetings. Scarborough residents living east of Midland Avenue who are seeking legal assistance from our clinic are encouraged to contact us at 416-438-7182. Our clinic is here to help those in Scarborough that need employment law advice as a result the ongoing layoffs, shutdowns, or even workplace health and safety concerns due to COVID.
|
|
Scarborough Food Security Initiative
Location: Southwest Scarborough
Contact: 647-846-0300 or ScarbCares@gmail.com
Website: https://scarboroughfoodsecurityinitiative.com/
A grassroots, volunteer emergency food box relief effort in southwest Scarborough. Please complete online forms below where possible to minimize administrative work.
Click here to sign up to receive a food box.
Click here to sign up to volunteer. A wide range of volunteers are needed including those who can help with organizational support.
Click here to donate.
Two new pop up food banks at 3330 Danforth Avenue (Wed., 11am-1pm) and 2229 Kingston Road (Thurs., 2-4pm).
|
|
Scarborough Mutual Aid
Location: Scarborough
Contact: scarboroughmutualaid@gmail.com
Website: https://linktr.ee/ScarboroughMutualAid
Scarborough Mutual Aid (SMA) is an online mutual aid resource available to residents of Scarborough. Established in response to the rising needs of Scarborough communities during covid-19, this resource is available for any person or persons residing in Scarborough to safely and confidentially submit requests for support.
Requests for support may be material, emotional and financial in nature. Volunteers will then aim to meet the needs of the support requested using all available methods. All health and safety precautions will be taken.
This online mutual aid resource further provides opportunities for any persons, organizations and businesses to offer acts of care. Any act of care can be exchanged, including but not limited to: funds, meal provisions, virtual classes, and emotional support.
|
|
Social Planning Toronto COVIDhelpTO Website
Website: https://orghelpto.ca/covid/
Social Planning Toronto released the CovidHelpTO website to help front-line workers navigate the financial and housing support programs announced over the past couple of months.
The pace of change has been overwhelming, and there’s been a lot of confusion around the details of these programs. CovidHelpTO was designed to help you answer your clients’ most basic questions around financial and housing supports — such as eligibility requirements for the CERB, what help is available for people having trouble paying their rent, support for those who’ve recently exhausted EI benefits, and more.
Content is available in 15 languages.
|
|
Soso World Ministries
Location: Southwest Scarborough
Contact: 647-448-7676; garth@sosoworldministries.com
Website: https://www.sosoworldministries.com/#home-section
Provides support for low income residents and those in need by helping to supplement their weekly food needs. As an official partner of Toronto Community Housing, Soso mainly serves TCHC residents currently in 15 communities in Scarborough, several times a week. As of June 15, Soso will be opening a full-service food bank at 400 McCowan Road along with the following food bank services:
- Mondays and Wednesdays: Food distribution program: 11: 30 am – 1:30 pm at 682 Warden Avenue
- Thursday: Clothing Bank: 12 – 2 pm (Once a month) at 40 Firvalley Court
- Saturday: Food Distribution Program: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at 10 Glen Everest Road
|
|
Toronto Food Asset Map
Location: Across Toronto
An interactive food map that includes supermarkets, food banks, free/low cost meals, home delivered meals and more. The map includes addresses and hours of operation and updates have been made to include services changes since COVID19.
|
|
Toronto Public Library Pop Up Food Banks
Locations: Select libraries. Scarborough libraries include Agincourt, Cedarbrae, Kennedy/Eglinton and Steeles.
Toronto Public Library (TPL) has partnered with the North York Harvest Food Bank, Daily Bread Food Bank and Second Harvest to set up food bank distribution from library branches across the city to provide alternate service locations for existing food banks that are now closed. Since the implementation of measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 transmission, there has been a dramatic decrease in access to food banks, with over a third closing in recent weeks. TPL’s efforts are in support of the City’s broader work on food security for Toronto’s vulnerable residents. For more information, click here.
|
|
Warden Woods Community Centre
Location: 74 Firvalley Court
Contact: 416-694-1138
Website: https://wardenwoods.com/en/
Meals on Wheels program for registered individuals and the Homeless Drop-In program are running.
|
|
West Scarborough Community Legal Services
Location: 201-2425 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough M1K 5G8
Contact: 416 285-4460 or wscargen1@lao.on.ca
Website: https://www.westscarboroughlegal.ca/
Services by telephone & email only - 416 285-4460 or wscargen1@lao.on.ca. Free legal services for low income residents who live on the east side of Midland Ave. to west side of Victoria Park Ave. and from the south side of Steeles Ave. to Lake Ontario. We provide a range of legal assistance in these areas of law: social assistance, housing (tenants only), employment, immigration and Canada Pension Plan disability.
Online education videos available at Public Legal Information. Learn about:
- COVID-19: Housing Protection for Tenants
- COVID-19: New Canada Emergency Response Benefit
- COVID-19: EI Sick Benefits and changes
|
|
Woburn Scarborough Community Group
Contact: woburncommunityresidents@gmail.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/896288164154754/?ref=share
The Woburn Scarborough Community Group is administered by the Woburn Local Planning Table (LPT). The LPT is a resident-led and resident-run group. It is intended for the residents of Woburn, and those who support and help residents of Woburn, to network and to share information and ideas about the community.
|
|
|
|
