[homeles_ot-l] UPDATE - Tom Brown Physical Distancing Shelter and Respite Centre

[Boutet, Raynor]

Hi everyone,



I want to take this opportunity to provide you all with an update regarding programs and services at the Tom Brown Respite Centre, while it continues to operate as a temporary Physical Distancing Centre (PDC) location.



While respite services will continue, they have been temporarily modified to ensure ongoing and consistent services to the PDC residents and to better support staff and residents to adhere to public health guidelines such as physical distancing.



PDC residents continue to be prioritized for services due to the level of need and support required. Interim respite services that will be offered while Tom Brown operates as a temporary PDC location seven days a week include:



  *   A place to come inside from the cold;
  *   Coffee, water and light snacks;
  *   Access to washrooms (with very limited shower access);
  *   Access to staff for support, referrals, and advocacy



Showers and meals are prioritized for PDC residents due to limited capacity and supervision required to support health and safety requirements which aligns to consistent and standardized practice with all City PDCs (Nicholas and Dempsey).



With limited capacity, the number of clients accessing respite services as well as the length of stay will be monitored. This will help ensure physical distancing and public health measures are being adhered to while also ensuring that clients requiring supports are still able to access services.



Residents seeking respite services are also being advised that they can be accommodated at the Bernard Grandmaître Respite Centre and other community partners with day programming offerings. Tom Brown will continue to offer bus tickets to support residents wishing to seek respite services at alternate locations.



Additionally, to support current need in the community, community partner staff supporting the Tom Brown Respite Centre have been temporarily re-allocated into community programming, including the Bernard Grandmaître Respite Centre, while Tom Brown operates as a temporary PDC.



Clients requiring community partner support, including harm reduction services and safe consumption site access, will be redirected to programming in the community. City staff overseeing the operations of the Tom Brown site will support clients in accessing the services they need and are trained to respond to overdose situations as needed. This aligns with current policies and practices within all City PDCs and the emergency shelter system.



The health, well-being and safety of staff and residents continue to be priority and are at the forefront of all decisions regarding programming and services offered at all City PDCs and Respite Centres.



The operation of the PDC with limited respite services is a fluid situation. I will continue to provide timely communication to everyone regarding any changes that may impact your services.



Once again, I want to thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to work together to respond to emerging needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly if you have any questions with this latest update.


Caroline Yabsley


Operations Section and Logistics Chief | Chef de la Section des opérations et de la logistique

Human Needs Command Centre | Centre de commandement des besoins humains

Community and Social Services | Services sociaux et communautaires

City of Ottawa | Ville d'Ottawa

613-219-4445
613-580-2424 ext 23206

Raynor Boutet – she, her, elle
COVID19 Human Needs Command Centre / Centre de commandement des besoins Humains
Operational Lead, Tom Brown Respite Centre / Chef des opérations, Centre de répit Tom Brown
Community Liaison and Operational Issues Management / Liaison avec la communauté et de gestion des enjeux opérationnels
Community and Social Services Department / Direction Générale des services sociaux et communautaire
• Raynor.Boutet at ottawa.ca<mailto:Raynor.Boutet at ottawa.ca>
• Tel (613) 282-0659

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