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Healthcare providers meet the challenges of COVID-19 - City of Kawartha Lakes 5. Rapid re-housing of 50 individuals facing homelessness Nicole Bryant, Shelter Manager for A Place Called Home (APCH) (http://www.lindsaymarkathon.com/) describes how teamwork moves mountains, "I'm really impressed with the City's ability to work with us and respond immediately. We were weeks ahead of any other municipality I've been in contact with as far as securing housing for those facing homelessness. We got everyone out of the shelter and into temporary housing that was best for everyone's safety and comfort. It's pretty difficult to self-isolate in a shared accommodation like a shelter." Bryant describes a similar sharing or blending of roles between APCH, the City's Human Services staff and the Health Unit. "We meet every other day to discuss what needs to be done. It's been amazing to be part of a team where everyone has been willing to pivot and adjust really quickly to changing circumstances." This teamwork has resulted in a safe place for more than 50 individuals from across Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County who wouldn't otherwise have been able to social distance or control their own safety. Since transportation is a challenge, they are also supported by in-home COVID-19 testing by Paramedics. Taking on new roles and thinking creatively to solve challenges A new challenge for A Place Called Home was providing food to those members of our community who normally ate at the shelter or depended on friends for meals. Before long, Charmin Wholesome Food Catering (http://charminswholesomefoods.ca/) helped with prepared frozen foods to ensure a hot daily meal. The next goal is to find secure homes for these individuals and families. Hope Lee, Housing Manager for the City of Kawartha Lakes, has a creative approach to incentivize landlords (/en/news/housing-services-seeks-help-from-landlords-during-covid-19-with-new- rapid-re-housing-program.aspx). Through the Social Services Relief Fund, landlords with apartments are guaranteed rent for 3 months' pre-paid rent, $500 to help prepare the unit, COVID-19 screening prior to move-in and landlord support through Affordable Housing Program Coordinator, who will regularly check-in to see how the tenancy is going. "We're seeing landlords coming forward, and I commend them for doing this. We're still most in need of bachelor and one-bedroom apartments. We're working to provide long-term housing for close to 100 people who are actively homeless in Kawartha Lakes and the County of Haliburton. The majority are single, and there are nearly 20 families and several seniors, youth and couples." Lee continues, "Existing partnerships have taken on a new role during the Healthcare providers meet the challenges of COVID-19 - City of Kawart... https://www.kawarthalakes.ca/en/living-here/healthcare-providers-meet-t... 7 of 10 6/12/2020, 10:36 AM