Get the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 in Durham Region at durham.ca/NovelCoronavirus or call Durham Region Health Department at 1-800-841-2729. Impacts related to Regional programs and services can be found at durham.ca/ServiceChanges.
COVID-19 News
Resources in the Community
We’re helping to get the word out to support those in our communities impacted by COVID-19. The Region of Durham has compiled a listing of available resources. This website is being updated regularly and reflects our understanding of resources that are available at this time.
Do you need help?
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Community Legal Supports |
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Durham Community Legal Clinic (DCLC) Learn about the services offered by the Durham Community Legal Clinic. The Durham Community Legal Clinic (DCLC) has created a webpage dedicated to COVID-19 information. For practical answers to questions about the law relating to the COVID-19 situation, please visit COVID-19: Updates on the law and legal services. Legal Aid Ontario Find up-to-date information about temporary service changes due to COVID-19 on the Legal Aid Ontario website or call 1-800-668-8258. |
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Emergency Supports for Unsheltered Residents |
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Information about emergency supports for unsheltered residents is updated daily and available online through The Gap Committee. Find information about COVID-19 emergency shelter services in Durham Region. Cell Phone Charging Locations Cell phones can be charged at these locations depending on availability. Please let staff know that you would like to charge before plugging in.
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| Emergency Supports for Victims of Violence |
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A full list of violence against women resources available during the COVID-19 crisis is available at Violence Prevention Coordinating Council of Durham. Accessing Legal Resources Find information about accessing legal resources during the COVID-19 emergency. |
| Financial Security |
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Are you worried about your income? Ontario Works Ontario Works provides assistance to those in financial need. Find more information about types of assistance, eligibility and how to apply. If you are currently in receipt of Ontario Works you can find information about service updates online. Find information about how Ontario Works clients with No Fixed Address can pick up their Ontario Works cheques. Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) The ODSP office is providing door-side services from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. To minimize contact, clients are encouraged to avoid going to an ODSP office unless they are asked to do so, and to connect with their caseworker through email (if possible) at oshawa.odsp@ontario.ca. Those clients who are on office pick-up can still come and get their cheques. Call the office at 1-800-722-1196. Durham College Durham College students (full-time domestic and international) experiencing exceptional expenses related to maintaining their studies as a direct result of COVID-19 are invited to get more information and to submit an application for an emergency student bursary. Ontario Tech University Ontario Tech University students experiencing exceptional expenses related to maintaining their studies as a direct result of COVID-19 are invited to get more information and to submit an application for the Student Relief Fund. Trent University Trent University students experiencing exceptional expenses related to maintaining their studies as a direct result of COVID-19 are invited to get more information and to submit an application for Trent Student Rapid Relief Fund via myTrent, under Finances. Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) provides financial support to post-secondary students and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who are unable to find work due to COVID-19. Get more eligibility information and apply. Applications open May 15. Note: If you are student who has never filed taxes, please call 1-800-959-8281 to register your social insurance number with the CRA. You will be unable to apply for the CESB or set up direct bank deposit until you call. Agriculture and Food Industry Job Postings in Response to COVID-19 Get information about agriculture and food industry jobs currently available to support the response to COVID-19. Government of Canada - Online Portal The Government of Canada has created an online portal to assist in finding financial help during COVID-19. Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) The Federal Government has announced a new taxable benefit which will provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose income because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Get more details about who can apply. CERB is accessible through a secure web portal or toll-free automated phone line. Get more information and apply. If you have already applied for EI, do not apply again for CERB. Employment Insurance (EI) EI-eligible Canadians who have lost their job can continue to apply for EI, as can Canadians applying for other EI benefits. The dedicated phone lines for these inquiries related to EI and COVID-19 are 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free) or teletypewriter (TTY): 1-800-529-3742. Service Canada Contact Information Some Service Canada Centres are beginning a gradual reopening across Canada, as guided by local public health advice. If you require in-person services, please check the Find a Service Canada Office webpage to see if your local office is open, and then make a request for an appointment via the eServiceCanada portal. Canadians are encouraged to continue to use the eServiceCanada portal for assistance whenever possible. A new, secure SIN online portal allows Canadians submit an application for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) entirely online within a secure and protected environment. For the most up-to-date information about available services visit Service Canada Centres – COVID-19 or access the Service Canada Outreach Support Centre by calling 1- 877-355-2657, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Personal Income Tax Filing The personal income tax deadline of June 1 has passed, but the Federal Government is temporarily extending benefit payments including GST/HST, Canada Child Benefit, and OAS/GIS until September 2020 for those who were not able to file their 2019 tax returns on time. In-person community tax clinics for residents with low income remain postponed at this time, but some options for drop off and virtual tax filing are available and listed here. You can find information and resources about filing your taxes yourself from the Government of Canada, including links to certified tax software online. GST/HST Credit and Canada Child Benefit Extensions The Federal Government is temporarily extending GST/HST and CCB payments until the end of September 2020 for those who are not able to file their 2019 tax returns on time. OAS and GIS The Federal Government is temporarily extending GIS and Allowance payments if seniors’ 2019 income information has not been assessed. To avoid an interruption in benefits, seniors are encouraged to submit their 2019 income information by October 1, 2020. Canadians with Disabilities The Federal Government is providing a one-time payment to Canadians with disabilities who receive specific programs or benefits. Payment is expected in Fall 2020. Get more details about eligible programs and benefits and payments for seniors with disabilities at the Government of Canada website. Federal Government Economic Response Plan Get more information about Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. Support for Families Until August 31, parents and guardians in Ontario can apply for direct funding from the province to offset the cost of buying materials to support their children’s learning, while schools and child care centres were closed. Eligible families will receive a one-time per child payment of $200 for children aged 0 to 12; $250 for children or youth aged 0 to 21 with special needs. There is no income cap on this program. Get more information and apply here. GAINS Top-Up Beginning in April 2020, Ontario is providing temporary top-up to payments made through the Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) for low income seniors. Monthly GAINS payment amounts will be doubled for a period of six months. Learn more about GAINS payments. Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) Payments are deferred from March 30, 2020 to September 30, 2020, and no interest will accrue on student loans during this time. Learn more about OSAP payment deferral. Ontario Government Get more details on Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19. Property Taxes Most local municipalities are temporarily waiving some fees and interest on property tax payments. Please contact your local area municipality for more information. Mortgage Payments If you are concerned about mortgage payments, contact your bank and ask how they can help with mortgage deferrals and relief on other credit products. Utility Bills If you are worried about paying a utility bill, contact your utility company for information about relief and other options. All utility companies that provide service in Durham Region have created COVID-19 assistance and flexibility programs to support residents.
COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) The Government of Ontario has announced the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), to support residential customers struggling to pay their energy bills as a result of the COVID-19 emergency. This program provides a one time, on-bill credit to eligible residential electricity and natural gas customers. Applications will be accepted starting on July 13, 2020. Contact your utility company for more information and to apply. Water and Sewer The Region of Durham has suspended all water and sewer bill late payment charges, collection notifications and water shut-offs for non payment. The Region will also offer flexibility for customers unable to pay their water and sewer bill on time. All Water Billing inquiries should be directed to WaterBilling@durham.ca. Evictions All eviction orders were suspended until July 31. Effective August 1, the Landlord and Tenant Board is gradually expanding services, and will begin to issue eviction orders that are pending. Learn more at the Tribunals Ontario website. If you have questions you can reach out to the Durham Community Legal Clinic by phone at 905-728-7321. The Ontario Landlord Tenant Board handles tenants’ rights and can be reached at 1-888-332-3234. Housing Stability Program The Housing Stability Program helps qualified Durham residents living with low income keep rental housing and avoid homelessness with financial assistance for rental arrears. For more information and to access online application forms go to the Community Development Council Durham website. Temporary Housing Retention Assistance Program (COVID-19). For temporary assistance for rent or utility bills where income has been reduced as a result COVID-19. Eligibility includes all criteria for HSP, and be in receipt of EI or CERB, reside in Durham Region, rent is not subsidized by any other program and demonstrate ongoing affordability of rent and utility payments. Get more information and apply here. If you are not eligible for this benefit but are struggling with rent or utility costs or need assistance completing the application, contact a Housing Outreach Worker:
Beware of Frauds and Scams Canadians are encouraged to be extra vigilant about potential online scams and frauds during this time. Please be aware that governments, provincial and federal are not sending out mass email or text campaigns inviting residents to ‘click here’ to apply for benefits or services. Some scammers are also emailing, texting or going door to door promoting fake products or bogus fundraising campaigns. Find up-to-date information about fraud activity and what to do if you think you are a victim of a scam. |
| Food Security - Food Banks |
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See Feed the Need Durham or call 905-571-3863 for a current list of food banks operating in Durham Region. NOTE: See below for additional food resources not listed through Feed the Need Durham. Pregnancy Help Centre Durham
Zion/Hope Food Bank 409 Adelaide Avenue East, Oshawa (corner of Central Park and Adelaide) For more information please email office@zioncrc.ca.
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| Food Security - Prepared Meals, Groceries, Pharmacies and Deliveries |
Prepared meals and grocery deliveryMeals on Wheels is provided by Community Care Durham; call 1-888-255-6680. Community Food Box: $30: “Community to Table” Food Box provided by Community Care Durham. In response to the public health crisis, Community Care Durham is partnering with local businesses to offer a weekly food box containing kitchen essentials, much which are locally made or grown.
CAREmongers is a local volunteer group providing supports to those who are self-quarantined or otherwise vulnerable, over 65 or immune-compromised. This group will help get supplies to people in a safe and responsible way; call 1-888-573-0982. Durham Region COVID-19 Community Support Line Community Support Services agencies have come together to provide support to the Durham Region community during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Residents at risk can access grocery and pharmacy delivery, plus other support services by calling 1-888-332-3133. Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+ The Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+ (OSCC55+) can help seniors with grocery order and delivery. Get more information through the OSCC55+ website or by calling 905-576-6712. Uxbridge Helping Hand is a local volunteer task force. They will run errands and pick up drug prescriptions, shopping or supplies. Contact them at uxbridgehelpinghand@gmail.com Bowmanville Rotary Club Volunteers will shop and deliver orders for seniors, those who are immunocompromised, or those who have no supports. Delivery and payment are arranged without contact. Orders cannot exceed $200. If you cannot afford food, please reach out. For more information, email bowmanvillerotarydeliversfood@gmail.com or call 905-435-7428. Grocery Stores and PharmaciesMany pharmacies and grocery stores are offering safe shopping hours the first hour they are open to seniors and other medically vulnerable people. We will continue to update this list as new information becomes available . Food Basics – all locations: All locations offering a seniors’ shopping hour in their first hour of opening each day for seniors and others who require extra assistance. Check with your local store for details and hours. Farm Boy Whitby: Offering a seniors’ shopping hour for seniors and other who require extra assistance. 360 Taunton Road East, Whitby, 905-430-1400. Loblaws – all locations: Includes Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocers, Fortinos, Valu-mart and Zehrs stores. Offering seniors shopping hours at all locations from 7 to 8 a.m. for seniors and others who require extra assistance. Online ordering available. Metro: Online ordering available. Some locations offering a seniors’ shopping hour from 7 to 8 a.m. for seniors and others who require extra assistance. See below for locations:
Sobeys: Includes Safeway, FreshCo, IGA, Foodland, Price Chopper and Co-op Stores. Some stores are offering their opening hour to seniors and other vulnerable residents. Please check with your local store for hours and details. Walmart – all locations: Offering online ordering with home delivery or free pick-up. Offering seniors’ shopping hours at all locations from 7 to 8 a.m. for seniors and others who require extra assistance. Grocery Gateway: Offers online ordering for all grocery products in the GTA (as far east as Oshawa). Shoppers Drug Mart – all locations: Offering free home delivery of medications. Call your local Shoppers Drug Mart to speak with the pharmacy team to arrange. Find information about hours of business at your local store. Other pharmacies: Most pharmacies offer free home delivery of prescriptions on an ongoing basis. Please check with your local pharmacy for details. |
| Health and Wellness |
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If you have general questions about COVID-19, or are worried that you may have been exposed, please call Durham Region Health Department at 1-800-841-2729. Get the most up-to-date information abut COVID-19 in Durham Region at durham.ca/NovelCoronavirus. Telehealth Ontario: call 1-866-797-0000. You can find information about COVID-19 in multiple languages from the Ontario government website. Pregnancy Help Centre Durham
Ministry of HealthVirtual doctor appointments (through Ontario Telemedicine Network): This resource will enable a video call with a physician. You sign up for a doctor's appointment and they call you later in the day. It is funded through OHIP. Learn more. Ontario Health Cards: The Ontario government has extended validation periods for Ontario Health Cards. Anyone with an expiring or expired health card will continue to have access to insured health services. Uninsured: The Ontario government is waiving the three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage and will cover the cost of COVID-19 services for any uninsured people who do not meet the criteria for OHIP coverage. Are you feeling alone or isolated and worried?Durham Region COVID-19 Community Support Line Community Support Services agencies have come together to provide support to the Durham Region community during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Residents at risk can access support services by calling 1-888-332-3133. Get the help you need:
Community Care Durham There is support. Call Community Care Durham at 1-888-255-6680 to register to be contacted for health and wellness assurance checks. CCD also offers a Virtual Social Club, hosted by staff from the Adult Day Programs. All are welcome to visit daily and enjoy word games, exercise links, videos and educational links. Alzheimer Society Support for caregivers is available from The Alzheimer Society. Contact them via email at information@alzheimerdurham.com or call 1-888-301-1106 / 905-576-2567. Community Libraries Community libraries are closed at this time, but many online resources such as audiobooks and digital versions of books can be can be accessed through their websites. Check back often for new virtual programming. Find a list of Durham library websites. activeOshawa at Home The City of Oshawa is offering a variety of online recreation and culture activities for all ages - see activeOshawa at Home for details. Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+ The Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+ (OSCC55+) has programs and services to help older adults combat isolation and stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Get more information through the OSCC55+ website or by calling 905-576-6712. Whitby Senior Centre The Whitby Senior Center is offering a new Seniors Connection Line connects Whitby seniors with people who can offer information, support and friendly conversation during this time of physical distancing. Call 905-668-1424 to leave your name and number and get a call back. In partnership with the Whitby Public Library, the Whitby Senior Centre is now offering Seniors Centre Without Walls four times per week. Seniors can call in and participate in an hour of activities. For a schedule and call-in details, visit the Whitby Seniors Centre. Clarington 55+ Active Adults Clarington 55+ Active Adults is offering phone-in coffee chats. Learn more. Ajax - Friendly check-in for seniors Register to receive a friendly check-in call from Town staff, for social connection, updates and links to local resources. To register call 905-427-8811. Pickering 55+ Adults While all of our regular programs and events are on hold, we invite Pickering adults 55+ to join our newly created 55+ Facebook Group. This group offers activities, experiences, social fun and information sharing opportunities just for our older adult community. Learn more. Pickering 55+ Adults is offering Seniors Centre Without Walls - Connect to free weekly programs and Spotlight Series presentations. No computer or internet required. Call 905-420-4660 ext. 2078 or email kbradley@pickering.ca. Mental Health SupportsIf you are currently receiving mental health and addictions services and supports, please contact your current service provider to learn about potential virtual care options. Distress Centre Durham Hotline: call 905-430-2522. Durham Mental Health Crisis Line: call 1-800-742-1890. Kids Help Phone: Available online or call 1-800-668-6868 for 24/7 support for children and youth under 18. Health Care Worker Assist Service: This service provides virtual, rapid access to support services for all health care workers. Health care workers can self-refer or refer through their primary care practitioner to Ontario Shores' Central Intake at 1-877-767-9642, call the crisis line at 1-800-263-2679 or visit the Ontario Shores website for more information. Mental Health and Pinewood Centre - Lakeridge Health: Centralized access line for Pinewood Centre and Community Mental Health Services - call 905-721-4747. Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAMM): RAMM has re-opened for new client assessments by appointment only. Please call 905-721-4747 ext. 37226 to leave a message. Calls will be returned same day. Follow-up remains virtual at this time. Lakeridge Health COVID-19 Mental Health and Addictions Clinic: Offering phone-based support and counselling service to help callers recognize and respond to the effects of COVID-19 on their mental health and substance use concerns. Call 905-440-7534 or toll-free 1-833-392-7363 - Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Online Support CommunitiesConnexOntario: Online resource for mental health, addictions and problem gambling. Available online or call 1-866-531-2600 (for those over 18). Good2Talk: Free, confidential, online mental health support service for post-secondary students in Ontario. First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Line: Online chat or call 1-855-242-3310 (24/7). Culturally competent phone counselling and crisis intervention available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, Inuktitut. Trans Lifeline: Access online or call 1-877-330-6366 (24/7). Peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers. LGBT Youth Line: Call 1-800-268-9688 or text 647-694-4275. Also offers online chat. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4 to 9:30 p.m. Big White Wall is an online peer-to-peer support community for your mental health. Free membership is provided by the Ontario Government BounceBack: A guided self-help program using workbooks with phone coaching support. Access online or ask your doctor for a referral. Wellness Together Canada is a new portal dedicated to mental wellness on the Canadian government's coronavirus information page. It connects Canadians to peer support workers, social workers, psychologists and other professionals for confidential chat sessions or phone calls, make it easier to find credible information and help address mental health and substance use issues. Ontario Shores: Are you struggling with anxiety over COVID-19? Find helpful information to help deal with stress and worry through Ontario Shores. (See the right side of the web page under Mental Health Articles.) Counselling SupportsFamily Services Durham: call 1-866-840-6697 extension 1. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): All CMHA Durham services remain available through remote delivery where possible within usual operating hours. Phone: 905-436-8760. Durham Mental Health Services is now providing virtual client support through their Crisis and Services Peer Support Program. 12 Step Recovery Meetings for all addictions
Click this link to join the meeting. |
| Local Municipalities - COVID-19 Response Information |
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Local municipalities have information specific to their COVID-19 responses available online for residents. Click on your municipality to learn more. |
| North Durham Community Resources |
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Note: Many community agencies and other services are not providing face-to-face interactions during this time. It is recommended that you call before going, even for scheduled appointments. Brock Community Health Centre
North House North House remains closed to walk-ins, but outreach staff are available to help by phone, email, video or text message. Income tax service has resumed through drop-off or mail-in only. Call for more information:
Eastern York Region North Durham Ontario Health Team (EYRND OHT) The EYRND OHT partners and other local agencies have launched a COVID-19 Support Services website, a one-stop shop that provides essential services (grocery delivery, transportation, personal support and more) to those most in need of help during this difficult time. Essential services are available to those in the Markham-Stouffville, Thornhill, Uxbridge and Brock communities. Salvation Army Ajax, Pickering and Uxbridge Find information about Sunday worship gatherings and online services through the Salvation Army's Ajax, Pickering and Uxbridge location. The Gap Committee Information about community resources for North Durham residents is updated daily and available online through The Gap Committee. Uxbridge Helping Hand is a local volunteer task force. They will run errands and pick up drug prescriptions, shopping or supplies. Contact them at uxbridgehelpinghand@gmail.com Housing Stability Program The Housing Stability Program helps qualified Durham residents living with low income keep rental housing and avoid homelessness with financial assistance for rental arrears. For more information and to access online application forms go to the Community Development Council Durham website. If you are not eligible for this benefit but are struggling with rent or utility costs or need assistance completing the application, contact a Housing Outreach Worker:
Community Libraries Community libraries are closed at this time, but many online resources such as audiobooks and digital versions of books can be can be accessed through their websites. Check back often for new virtual programming. Find a list of Durham library websites. |
| Transit |
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Durham Region Transit is available for those who must travel. Please restrict your travel to essential purposes only and respect onboard protocols and signage. Help us help you: let's work together to keep you, our staff and community safe. Please visit durhamregiontransit.com/COVID-19 to learn more about the service modifications currently in place. |
Can you help?
Many local community agencies are actively seeking volunteers and/or donations to provide help to vulnerable members of our communities in a safe way during this crisis. You can learn more about how you can help at 211 Ontario which provides links to local community agencies and at Information Durham which links to both local agencies and volunteer opportunities.
Food Drives
Feed The Need - Food Donations
Individual food donations can be dropped off at Feed the Need, 371A Marwood Drive, Oshawa, Tuesday to Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you have a larger donation, please contact us at 905-571-3863 to set up an appointment for drop-off.
Contact Us
