City of Stratford Social Services Department helps coordinate COVID-19 support for vulnerable citizens

Stratford – The City of Stratford Social Services department and many community partners have taken action to support the health and safety of vulnerable people affected by COVID-19 in the communities of Stratford, Perth County, and St. Marys.

That includes efforts to address both the immediate and long-term impacts of the pandemic.

Help Do Local Good

A partnership between the City of Stratford and the United Way Perth-Huron, this initiative involves a new website (www.helpdolocalgood.ca) that brings together those who have been impacted by COVID-19 with those who can help. An associated Facebook group called Huron-Perth Covid 19 Resource Group – Help is Close to Home also reinforces that goal.

COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund

This fund, set up by the United Way Perth-Huron and administered by the Social Services department, helps local organizations increase program capacity, expand the reach of existing programs, and shift the way they provide support to individuals and families in need.

Homelessness Emergency Operations Group (HEOG)

Co-chaired by the City’s Manager of Ontario Works and Manager of Housing, HEOG includes membership from local shelter operators, transitional housing providers, police services, mental health services and public health. The group meets twice a week to co-ordinate responses related to the needs of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. That includes:

• adapting emergency accommodations to ensure individuals experiencing homelessness are (and remain) sheltered

• creating isolation spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness who are confirmed to have COVID-19 or who are under investigation

• modifying services like outreach and housing stability supports, while continuing to focus on finding permanent housing for individuals experiencing homelessness (i.e. housing searches, viewings, lease signings)

A Community Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee has also been struck to carry out long-term planning related to COVID-19. This group is tasked with developing a local plan for community safety and well-being that includes evidence-based strategies and programs to address local priorities. Membership includes representatives from the health, police and protective services, social services, education, children and youth services and municipal government. It will identify the long-term social impacts of the pandemic, and direct the planning required to support the community in its recovery.

“The City of Stratford Social Services department is helping to bring community partners together to support our most vulnerable citizens, not only during this emergency, but also as we look ahead to our recovery from it,” said Mayor Dan Mathieson.

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For more information, please contact:

Kim McElroy, Director of Social Services

519-271-3773, ext. 200