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SCARBOROUGH CIVIC ACTION NETWORK
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Dear Scarborough community members -

Public transit plays a vital role in the lives of many Scarborough residents and communities. 

Prior to the Covid-19 public health emergency, residents throughout Scarborough consistently voiced the need for better public transit. Transit riders have routinely complained about long wait times for buses, long trips and commutes, unreliable schedules, crowded and stressful bus rides, and the need for more affordable transit.

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, SCAN has led the Right to Ride campaign, an initiative that has aimed to push for public transit that safely, effectively and affordably meets the needs of TTC ridership in Scarborough.

To that end, in July SCAN surveyed almost 200 residents across Scarborough about public transit to get community input to inform the Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild.

Some overall trends in terms of survey outcomes include:
  • Almost 75% of respondents reported stopping or reducing the use of public transit owing to fears of COVID-19.
  • 54% of respondents expressed fear of Covid-19 while taking public transit.
  • 85% of respondents reported regularly using the bus prior to Covid-19. This highlights the reality that for transit users in Scarborough, buses form not only the backbone but also a significant portion of the skeletal framework that makes up the public transit system in Scarborough.
  • For 65% of the respondents, public transit will be vital over the next 0-6 months to access employment and income-related resources and groceries and other essential items.
  • Over two-thirds of respondents call for more (1) more frequent bus service; (2) less crowding on buses; and (3) making transit more affordable.
  • Respondents resoundingly identified the need for more buses on busy routes to ensure physical distancing and reduce crowding as the top priority that they would like to see the City work on with the Provincial and Federal governments to support recovery and reopening.
  • See the report to TORR here.
Our politicians need to listen to the voices of Scarborough residents to ensure that Scarborough residents can equitably participate in the recovery and rebuild process in terms of needs and outcomes when it comes to public transit which plays a critical role in supporting vital parts of the socioeconomic well-being of Scarborough residents and the health of our economy and society here in Scarborough.

-Anna Kim, Coordinator on behalf of SCAN 

IN THIS COMMUNITY UPDATE: 

SCAN News

SCAN REPORT TO THE TORONTO OFFICE OF RECOVERY AND REBUILD: PUBLIC TRANSIT IN SCARBOROUGH

SCAN surveyed almost 200 residents across Scarborough about public transit to get community input to inform the Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild (TORR). See the report submitted to TORR here

SCAN CANADA SUMMER JOBS POSITION: Social Research Assistant and Community Engagement Liaison - Applications due August 4th

SCAN is seeking to hire 1 Social Research Assistant and Community Engagement Liaison to conduct a study of the civic engagement needs of community-based groups across Scarborough and to support membership recruitment. See full job posting here

SCAN COMMUNITY UPDATES

SCAN's Community Updates will be sent out monthly until further notice. The next update will be sent on Friday August 7, 2020. Please send information related to Scarborough communities, civic engagement initiatives and community supports to scarboroughcivicaction@gmail.com by no later than Thursday August 6, 2020.

Civic Action Initiatives, Updates & More

Affordable Rental Housing 


ACORN members are organizing an action on Tuesday, August 4th at 1 PM to fight back against COVID evictions, by rallying then marching to the Scarborough LTB to form a human chain.

Scarborough ACORN - NO COVID EVICTIONS!: August 4, 2020 (1:00-3:00 pm)


About: The eviction ban is being lifted and eviction hearings begin August 4th! Thousands of vulnerable tenants are at risk of losing their homes in the middle of a pandemic. Join ACORN members and allies for an action to demand 'No COVID Evictions'. Meet at Midland TTC Station and march to 2275 Midland Ave and shut down the LTB! Social distancing rules in effect, bring a mask, stand 6 feet apart. Hand sanitizer and masks will be available.

Contact: For more information, call Toronto ACORN office: 416-461-9233 or email: torontofo@acorncanada.org


Tenant Survey by FMTA Reveals Many Landlords Not Working with Tenants Who Cannot Pay Rent due to Covid-19


About: The Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations (FMTA)'s COVID Landlord Survey asked hundreds of Toronto residents questions like whether they've faced threats of eviction or how their landlord has reacted to potential non-payment of rent. Read more here

Affordable Transit & Related Initiatives


The Right to Ride Campaign aims to support public transit that safely, effectively and affordably meets the needs of ridership in Scarborough. 

Right to Ride Campaign Meeting: Wednesday August 5, 2020 (6:30 - 7:15 pm)


About: The Right to Ride campaign aims to ensure public transit safely, effectively and affordably meets the needs of ridership in Scarborough. Join this meeting to provide ideas and support for better public transit for all Scarborough riders. 

Contact: To attend the meeting, email scarboroughcivicaction@gmail.com

Other Civic Participation Opportunities


A discussion on COVID-19 and its impacts on racialized communities in Scarborough.

WHAT ABOUT SCARBOROUGH? FORUM ON RACIAL EQUITY IN RECOVERY IN SCARBOROUGH: Thursday August 20, 2020


The Urban Alliance on Race Relations in collaboration with SPT will hold a forum on racial equity in recovery in Scarborough. 

Racialized groups make up 67.4% of the population in Scarborough, and are largely responsible for the vibrant and diverse community that has been flourishing over the years. The widespread COVID-19 pandemic, however, has magnified already existing socioeconomic and health inequities impacting Scarborough residents, most of whom are Black, South Asian, Chinese, and Filipino. An equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic will require rebuilding racial justice into the centre of our recovery process.

This event seeks to form a dialogue around what racial justice means for Scarborough as the City reopens and rebuilds from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please register by August 18th on tinyurl.com/RacialJustice-COVID, and feel free to email UARR with any questions: info@urbanalliance.ca.

For more information, click here

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.

Community Supports


211


Contact: Call 211; 1-877-330-3213 (toll free); 1-888-340-1001 (TTY)
Websitewww.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
Websitehttp://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
Websitehttps://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
Websitehttps://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
Contactptrondson@gmail.com
Websitehttps://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.

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
Websitehttp://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
Websitehttps://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)
Websitehttps://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
Websitewww.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
Websitehttps://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


LocationOnline
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
Contactfayemoffett@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
Websitehttps://www.schcontario.ca/

Medical appointments by phone and referral. 


Location: 4100 Lawrence Avenue East
Contact: 416-847-4147
Websitehttps://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 
Websitehttps://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
Websitehttps://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 
Contactscarboroughmutualaid@gmail.com
Websitehttps://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


Websitehttps://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
Websitehttps://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. 

Warden Woods Community Centre


Location: 74 Firvalley Court
Contact: 416-694-1138
Websitehttps://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
Websitehttps://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


Contactwoburncommunityresidents@gmail.com
Websitehttps://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.

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ABOUT SCAN


SCAN is a non-partisan network that aims to build empowered communities in Scarborough through civic engagement to address inequities. SCAN’s work is about strengthening Scarborough communities through civic engagement that aspires to improve the quality of life and create a livable, prosperous Scarborough for all. SCAN aims to support a flourishing civic culture in Scarborough in which people are convening, connecting and enabling the civic actions of people inclusively and equitably.

Funded by the United Way and Maytree Foundation and trusteed by Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA), SCAN works by identifying civic priorities, creating a yearly action mandate and then taking steps to fulfill that mandate through capacity-building, information sharing and supporting campaigns.

Copyright © 2020 SCAN, All rights reserved.


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