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earlier this week, our surveillance swabbing program picked up 20+ new #covid19 cases in #HamOnt shelters. The 3 men’s shelters are now closed to new admissions. Spaces at the overflow shelter and hotels have been intermittently available at best. https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/2021/02/18/covid-19-halts-admissions-at-hamilton-mens-shelters.html
earlier this week, our surveillance swabbing program picked up 20+ new #covid19 cases in #HamOnt shelters. The 3 men’s shelters are now closed to new admissions. Spaces at the overflow shelter and hotels have been intermittently available at best. https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/2021/02/18/covid-19-halts-admissions-at-hamilton-mens-shelters.html
Things are bad and about to get worse. We know that people who are homeless are more likely to get covid, have severe complications from covid, and die from covid. http://cmajopen.ca/content/9/1/E1.full
Last night, when it was -11 with windchill, there were at least 3 people who tried to access a shelter and were initially turned away. After some furious calling and texting, 2 were ultimately sheltered. But this fact alone makes it feel like we have wasted the last 11 months.
On top of that, overdose deaths in #HamOnt are worse than they have EVER been. We are in the midst of a drug policy crisis. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/hamilton-opioids-covid-19-1.5918251
There will come a time for reflection & critique but right now we need decisive action in #HamOnt. To save lives, reduce harm, & treat people with dignity they deserve we call on ALL of us to act. Especially our municipal and provincial leaders, healthcare, & social services.
And we know it’s possible. We’re in awe of the ways that this community has already come together to care for people in long term care and residential care facilities. How Hamiltonians have donated time, money, and resources. How people show up for each other.
So, our dear community, here’s what we’re asking us to do - together. Some of these things are already happening. Some of them are not. But we wanted to share our vision for the best response possible:
1. Involve people with lived & living experience in planning and executing the response to the current outbreaks. Hire peers. That;s right - PAY THEM for their time and expertise. Hello @keepingsix and #GrenfellMinistries ! Listen to people when they say #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
2. Keep involving & expand involvement of healthcare providers & orgs w/experience working w/people who are homeless & people who use drugs. Yes, we mean us! But also #ShelterHealthNetwork @theAIDSnetwork @_DAHC_ @hucchc & Inpatient Addictions Med Service @robinlennox @LessMarts
3. Do whatever it takes - staffing, funding, infrastructure - to make sure that every single person in #HamOnt who wants a roof over their head has one. Make it possible for people to physically distance and employ good infection prevention and control practices.
4. Make spaces accessible & welcoming! In general, people tell us they want safety, privacy, & respect. #PWUD need to be able to use on site in a clean space w/ access to harm reduction supplies, where they don’t have to hide or rush. Supervised consumption sites in shelters now!
5. Prevent poisoning by the toxic drug supply, and the need to leave shelters to procure substances! Implement access to legal and pharmaceutical grade substances wherever possible. #SafeSupply now!
6. VACCINES! The best time to vaccinate people working and living in shelters was 6 weeks ago. The second best time is now. There must be an immediate roll out of vaccines for frontline staff and people living in congregate shelters.
7. Which brings us to: FRONTLINE SHELTER STAFF WORKING CONDITIONS. These ppl are heroes. They deserve hazard pay, sufficient staffing levels to let them do their jobs well, appropriate training & PPE, paid sick & isolation days, & clear communication about outbreaks & mgmt plans.
So please-do what you can. If you're in a position of power, implement these recommendations. If you're a healthcare worker, volunteer to support shelter response. If you're at home, call or email your elected reps. Let's get through this, together. You're simply the best #HamOnt
