Still in its high season, an emergency shelter in Timmins continues to operate amid COVID-19. Changes have been made in response to the pandemic, though.
Living Space co-ordinator Kaileigh Russell said they haven't seen a major increase in numbers with the novel coronavirus, noting it's still a time of high-use of service for them with the winter weather.
In response to COVID-19, she said the shelter is closing daily from 11 a.m. to noon, and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"And that’s to allow our staff to do a full deep clean and disinfecting of the shelter, main lobby and the transitional units upstairs," she said.
The occupancy for the drop in has been capped at 30 people, and visitation hours for the transitional housing units has been suspended.
She said handwashing or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is encouraged throughout the day, and required for meals.
For staff, Russell said they are being encouraged to self-monitor for symptoms.
"We’re encouraging all of our staff and volunteers to stay home if they’re not feeling well,” she said.
With services changing in the community, Living Space is working to fill the gap where there are cancelled meals.
Because of the cap on number of people in the space, they are also preparing pre-packaged items.
“We’re going to make sure that everyone does get food, it may not be sitting down in the shelter if we’re at that 30-people capacity, but we will be providing food to people who are coming in to access our meals even if we’re at capacity,” she said.
Tryng to fill that gap will put a little strain on the organization's kitchen.
“We are asking if anybody has stocked up on a little too much and has some spare either cans of soup or other items to donate that they can come into our front reception. It’s manned from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and all donations can be dropped off at the main reception area,” she said.
Non-perishable items she suggested are pasta, sauce, soups or any canned goods. They are always in need of milk, eggs and meat.
Russell also encourages donations of socks, underwear, clothing or hygiene products such as shampoo, soap, laundry soap, or toothbrushes.
With the pandemic ever-evolving, she said Living Space is in constant contact with the Porcupine Health Unit and health agencies, which is where they take direction from on changing policies, processes and access to the shelter.
“Right now they’re not indicating that we need to close,” she said.
If there are changes or impacts to services, they'll be shared on social media.
"We still remain committed to helping those who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. So we’re still helping people with housing plans and referrals, so if anybody is looking for support in the community they can definitely reach us on our 24/7 feedback line if they’re not comfortable coming in, which is 705-531-7233 ext. 0,” she said.
