March 16, 2020
Our response to Covid-19
Dixon Hall’s first priority is the safety and wellbeing of all of our clients, staff, volunteers, and supporters. With that in mind, we’re writing with an update on our current operations as they relate to Covid-19. Please bear in mind that this situation is fluid, and additional updates may be forthcoming. These too will be made available on our website, and on Twitter.
For program details beyond those provided below, please contact your program representative. Please be aware that these are unusually busy and challenging times, and we may be slower than usual to respond to your query.
All Dixon Hall sites that remain open are following the Infection Prevention and Control guidelines issued by Toronto Public Health, with particular attention being paid to all high touch surfaces. Client screening processes have been implemented at program sites and over the phone.
What’s Open?
All Dixon Hall shelter and respite sites remain open and operational, with spatial modifications being made where possible, and additional site locations being secured. Enhanced cleaning services will continue throughout, in accordance with City of Toronto guidelines.
As of today, many Out of the Cold (OOTC) program sites are shut down. We have updated the schedule on our website. You can also check Dixon Hall’s Twitter account for the latest updates.
Our priority is to ensure continuity for programs related to housing and food provision. Community meals (Tuesday dinner and Friday breakfast) will be available as regularly scheduled at 58 Sumach Street. However, these will be offered to clients in take-away format only. Communal dining will not be offered at this time.
We remain committed to offering Meals on Wheels for as long as possible; though we are making modifications to routes, delivery frequency, and other factors as needed. Many clients rely on this meal delivery as their main meal for the day, and as a safety check in.
We are understandably facing volunteer shortages here. If you are well, and able to support, please contact: nadia.sayeh@dixonhall.org. Rest assured that enhanced volunteer training around safety and wellbeing is being offered at this time.
What’s Closed?
All of Dixon Hall Children & Youth programs and Dixon Hall Music School programming are cancelled for the time being. You may still reach out to a staff member with whom you have a relationship, for support or dialogue, and they will respond as they are able.
Dixon Hall Employment Services’ location is currently closed; though services are being offered via telephone. For assistance, please contact Employment Services directly at 416-956-4949.
Dixon Hall Income Tax clinics and settlement services programs are currently closed.
Dixonlicious, our annual fundraising event, has been cancelled. Plans for rescheduling will be communicated.
Where to Get Information?
We encourage all Dixon Hall clients, staff, volunteers, and friends to rely upon credible, updated information regarding the Covid-19 situation. The following are all valuable resources:
- City of Toronto
- Ontario Public Health – COVID 19
- Government of Canada – COVID 19: Should you wish to track national updates, areas affected in the country, travel updates or other national information, you will find it here.
Thank You!
We thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time. If you would like to support Dixon Hall’s efforts to remain operational and in service of our most vulnerable, please feel free to contribute online https://dixonhall.org/donate/.
We will update our website as information is available. Twitter is also regularly updated with short program announcements.
These are challenging times for us all. Those who are facing food security challenges, or are precariously-housed or homeless are particularly vulnerable. Let us all work together to keep each other safe.