For All Organizations

• The Ontario Nonprofit Network has resources and tools to help nonprofits adapt and respond to COVID-19, and tips on how your organization can advocate for the sector during this crisis.
• Toronto Public Health has developed a Planning Guide for Community Agencies  that identifies issues and critical elements of emergency preparedness that organizations should consider in planning for a pandemic. 
• Read Toronto Public Health’s Guidance for Community-Based Service Settings .
• The City of Toronto has developed Resources for non-health care community settings: Understanding when PPE is needed  (includes information on how services can be redesigned to protect the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and clients and reduce the need for PPE) and Strategies to Increase Physical Distancing and Spread Reduction . 

   

For Specific Types of Organizations

Food Banks and Donation Centres

Read Toronto Public Health’s Guidance for Food Banks and Donation Centres .

• Second Harvest's FoodRescue.ca platform is matching food donations from businesses to social service programs in local communities. 
• Second Harvest also received funding from the federal government to support emergency food access with grants to local organizations. Those funds have already been exhausted, but Second Harvest encourages non-profits and charities to continue to apply for funding as it builds up new revenue.
• The City of Toronto is providing requested equipment and resources (e.g., forklift operators trucks and drivers.) to community food programs to help maintain operations and serve residents. 

Harm Reduction Programs

Read:

• tips for people who use drugs 
• routine infection prevention strategies for overdose responders 
• Toronto Public Health’s Guidance for Naloxone Kit Distribution 
• the Ontario Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Guidance for Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) Sites 
• Harm Reduction During COVID-19  infographic

Homelessness Service Setting Providers

In addition to the enhanced Infection, Prevention & Control (IPAC) and cleaning measures in City-owned facilities, Toronto Public Health (TPH) and Shelter Support & Housing Administration (SSHA) have provided sector partners that operate shelters, respites, and drop-ins with interim guidelines  to respond to COVID-19. See also the infection prevention and control tips for homelessness service setting providers  and learn how Toronto Public Health works with shelters  to help control and prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

The Planning Guide for Housing Service Providers and Shelters  identifies issues and critical elements of emergency preparedness that organizations should consider in planning for a pandemic.

Learn about changes to shelter operations.