In an effort to streamline information, we have created this page and will continue to update it, daily if needed. If you have any updates you think we should add (we will use our discretion), please send them to info@rootstoharvest.org
How to help increase food access during state of emergency
Food For Seniors
With funding from Thunder Bay Community Foundation and United Way of Thunder Bay, and in partnership with the Good Food Box Thunder Bay, and The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board we will package and deliver 100 food bags/week. These deliveries will alternate between the north and south side of town weekly, focused on seniors living in subsidized housing.
On April 1st and 15th, packages will be going to:
They will arrive between 1-4 pm and will have $40 worth of fruit, vegetables and non-perishables. They are especially geared to seniors in coordination with a dietitian. They are free, and people don't have to have been previous Good Food Box members. There will be about 20 packages/location and we'll adjust as necessary if there are higher or lower needs at different places.
On April 8th and 22nd packages will go to:
The timing and contents will be the same.
We have funding at the moment to do this for 4 weeks (so, 2 times/location).
On April 1st and 15th, packages will be going to:
- Assef Court (South) - 925 Simpson St.
- McIvor Court (South) - 1100 Lincoln St.
- Paterson Court (South) – 148 N. May St.
- Manion Court (Northwood) - 130 Donald St W.
- Spence Court (Westfort) - 230 Amelia St. W
They will arrive between 1-4 pm and will have $40 worth of fruit, vegetables and non-perishables. They are especially geared to seniors in coordination with a dietitian. They are free, and people don't have to have been previous Good Food Box members. There will be about 20 packages/location and we'll adjust as necessary if there are higher or lower needs at different places.
On April 8th and 22nd packages will go to:
- Clark Towers (North) - 9 Regent St.
- Andras Court (North) - 122 Cumberland St S.
- Elizabeth Court (North) - 275 Madeline St
- Matthews Court (North) - 201 Ravenwood
- Wardrope Court (Current River) - 544 N. Court St.
The timing and contents will be the same.
We have funding at the moment to do this for 4 weeks (so, 2 times/location).
How will COVID-19 affect ODSP Claims?
From ODSP as of March 18th, 2020
Effective immediately and until further notice, we have implemented the following:
- There is no need for clients to worry about submitting their income reports at this time (unless they submit electronically)
- Special Diet Allowances, already in pay, will continue, even if set to expire - clients are not to worry about getting their signed forms in for now (unless they submit electronically)
- As well, we will not require forms and verification for Mandatory Special Necessities as we will issue these benefits and obtain what is needed later on (unless they submit electronically)
While our offices remain open, we are attempting to avoid having clients attend our offices, as much as possible, for everyone’s well-being.
We are hopeful that informing our clients of these measures will be helpful in achieving that objective, and would appreciate your efforts in sharing our message whenever that opportunity presents itself.
We will continue to keep you as informed as possible, as we go along. Should you have any questions about our current service delivery measures, please contact us.
Effective immediately and until further notice, we have implemented the following:
- There is no need for clients to worry about submitting their income reports at this time (unless they submit electronically)
- Special Diet Allowances, already in pay, will continue, even if set to expire - clients are not to worry about getting their signed forms in for now (unless they submit electronically)
- As well, we will not require forms and verification for Mandatory Special Necessities as we will issue these benefits and obtain what is needed later on (unless they submit electronically)
While our offices remain open, we are attempting to avoid having clients attend our offices, as much as possible, for everyone’s well-being.
We are hopeful that informing our clients of these measures will be helpful in achieving that objective, and would appreciate your efforts in sharing our message whenever that opportunity presents itself.
We will continue to keep you as informed as possible, as we go along. Should you have any questions about our current service delivery measures, please contact us.
Employment Insurance
The following CBC news article explains it clearly with links to the relevant sites and phone numbers:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/apply-emergency-benefits-1.5501977
No word yet when applications for the extra benefits will come out. We will post when we know.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/apply-emergency-benefits-1.5501977
No word yet when applications for the extra benefits will come out. We will post when we know.
Emergency Women's Shelters
All Violence Against Women Shelter’s in Ontario have received directives from Public Health to create and implement screening plans. Each shelter in Ontario offer a range of services responding to the unique needs of their communities, that will need to reflect a new and changing context over the coming weeks. Shelters will continue to receive the advice of Public Health of Canada, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services and Local Public Health Units as we work through these unprecedented times and do our best to keep women and their children safe in Ontario.
Shelters may require support from their community over the coming weeks through donations of essential items to assist in their day to day operations. Please visit sheltersafe.ca to find the contact information for the shelter in or nearest to your community to find out how you can support them.
If you’re seeking safety from a harmful situation, please reach out to your local Violence Against Women Shelter by visiting sheltersafe.ca or call 911 if you’re in immediate danger.
To talk with someone immediately about your safety needs and safety planning you can also contact confidential and anonymous provincial crisis lines.
1. Assaulted Women’s Helpline 1-866-863-0511
2. Talk4Healing 1-855-554 HEAL
3. Fem’aide 1-877-336-2433
In Thunder Bay, those shelters are:
Beendigen : 1-888-200-9997 or 807-346-4357
Faye Peterson House: 1-800-465-6971 or 807-345-0450
Shelters may require support from their community over the coming weeks through donations of essential items to assist in their day to day operations. Please visit sheltersafe.ca to find the contact information for the shelter in or nearest to your community to find out how you can support them.
If you’re seeking safety from a harmful situation, please reach out to your local Violence Against Women Shelter by visiting sheltersafe.ca or call 911 if you’re in immediate danger.
To talk with someone immediately about your safety needs and safety planning you can also contact confidential and anonymous provincial crisis lines.
1. Assaulted Women’s Helpline 1-866-863-0511
2. Talk4Healing 1-855-554 HEAL
3. Fem’aide 1-877-336-2433
In Thunder Bay, those shelters are:
Beendigen : 1-888-200-9997 or 807-346-4357
Faye Peterson House: 1-800-465-6971 or 807-345-0450