COVID-19 Community Resources

Community Agencies

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. 

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.

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. 

12 Step Recovery Meetings for all addictions

• Every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. EST
• Every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. EST
• Sunday evening at 7 p.m. EST

Click this link to join the meeting.

Emergency Supports for Unsheltered Residents

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.

Welcoming Streets Outreach

Welcoming Streets is driving around in the van to keep an eye out and offering services as necessary. They are providing outreach as follows:

• Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in front of Gate 3:16 - 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
• Thursday and Friday, in front of Back Door Mission - 10 to 10:30 a.m.
• Every day near Memorial Park, in front of ACDR - 1:45 to 2:15 p.m. while other services are distributing food.  

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.

• First Light Foundation of Hope - 253 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa.
• The Refuge - 300 Court Street, Oshawa.
• Gate 3:16 - 64 Albany Street, Oshawa (please speak to manager first).

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Supports

60 Bond St. West, Oshawa - Phone: 905-436-8760

• All CMHA Durham services remain available through remote delivery where possible within usual operating hours.
• Recovery College is closed.
• Medical appointments with the Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic are provided for any members of the vulnerable community who do not have access to a primary care provider. Call 1-844-436-8760. We are screening all visitors and directing at-risk individuals to be tested for COVID-19.
• The building is open for in-person screening Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m 

12 Step Recovery Meetings for all addictions

• Every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. EST
• Every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. EST
• Sunday evening at 7 p.m. EST

Click this link to join the meeting.

Durham Youth Services - Joanne's House

Currently the shelter is at capacity, but youth are encouraged to contact the shelter for other options and support if they are struggling. Please reach out and call 905-239-9477.

A full list of violence against women resources available during the COVID-19 crisis is available at  Violence Prevention Coordinating Council of Durham.

Bethesda House

Bethesda House remains open for existing clients, but is at capacity and will not be offering space to new clients until further notice.

• 24-hour support line remains open, with counsellors available to provide support, information and safety planning as needed. Call 1-800-338-3397.
• Community Outreach Counsellor will continue to provide support to existing and new community clients via telephone sessions.
• Administration line remains open during business hours. Call 905-623-6045.

Herizon House

Herizon House remains open for existing clients but is at capacity and won’t be offering space to new clients until further notice. Outreach workers are providing counselling by phone.

• Please call 905-426-1064 or 1-866-437-4066.

Accessing Legal Resources

Find information about accessing legal resources during the COVID-19 emergency.  

Are you worried about your income?

Ontario has temporarily expanded access to Emergency Assistance under Ontario Works for those in financial crisis who have no access to other supports, including those who are waiting for support from the federal government to become available. This funding will help to cover needs such as food, rent, medicine, transportation and other services during this public health crisis. For more information contact the application centre at 1-877-678-6333.

• 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.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

The Federal Government has announced a new benefit to help people who have been impacted by COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

CERB is a new benefit which combines the two previously announced benefits: The Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit. All Canadians who have stopped working due to COVID-19, whether they are EI-eligible or not, will be able to receive CERB to ensure they have timely access to the income support they need.

CERB is a simpler and more accessible taxable benefit which will provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This benefit will provide support to Canadians who:

• have lost jobs;
• are quarantined;
• are taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19;
• working parents who must stay home and lose pay to care for children at home due to school closures;
• wage earners, contract workers and self-employed workers who would not otherwise be EI eligible;
• workers who are still employed but not receiving income because of disruptions to their work due to COVID-19.

To qualify you must have earned at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the year before your application (from employment, self employment, EI maternity and parental benefits or a combination of these sources) and be without income for at least 14 consecutive days in a four-week period because of COVID-19, because you have temporarily stopped working, lost your job, are sick or in quarantine, or need to care for a child or a family member.

Those already on EI regular and sickness benefits will continue to receive those benefits and should not apply for CERB.  If EI ends before October 3, 2020, they can apply for CERB once EI benefits end if they are unable to return to work due to COVID-19.

If you have already applied for EI and your application is not yet processed, you do not need to reapply.

Canadians who are eligible for EI Regular and Sickness benefits would still be able to access their normal EI benefits, if still unemployed, after the 16-week period covered by CERB. 

CERB access portal will be available in early April. 

Canadians would begin to receive their CERB payments within 10 days of application. CERB will be paid every 4 weeks and will be available from March 15, 2020 until October 3, 2020.

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.

GST and CCB Boosts in May

The Federal Government is boosting the GST credit payment and Canada Child Benefit payment in May. The GST will be increased to almost $400 for singles and $600 for couples, and the CCB payment will increase by $300 per child for the month of May.

OAS and GIS

The Federal Government has assured seniors that OAS and GIS income will not be interrupted.

Ontario Government Announcements

Ontario has announced:

• A one-time payment of $200 per child up to 12 years of age, and $250 for those with special needs.
• Proposing to double the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) payment for low-income seniors for six months.
• Expanding eligibility for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and ensuring that electricity and natural gas services are not disconnected for non-payment during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Providing six months of Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) loan and interest accrual relief.

Find details on Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19.

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. Hydro and water disconnects are suspended until further notice.

For a 45-day period, Ontario is holding electricity prices to the off-peak rate, 24 hours per day, seven days a week to all time-of-use customers. This discount will be applied automatically to electricity bills, without the need for customers to fill out an application form.

Evictions

All eviction orders are suspended until further notice.

Property Taxes

Most local municipalities are temporarily waiving fees and interest on property tax payments. Clarington is waiving fees and interest for payments due May 1 and June 1. Brock Township will release more information after their next meeting on Monday, March 30.

Personal Income Tax Filing

The personal income tax deadline has been extended to June 1. Community tax clinics are postponed at this time, but information will be posted at Durham.ca as it becomes available.

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.

See Feed the Need Durham or call 905-571-3863 for a current list of food banks operating in Durham Region.

Ajax

The Salvation Army Hope Church and Community Services

122 Hunt St, Ajax, 905-427-7123. 

• Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., by appointment only - Please call: 905-427-7123. 
• Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12 to 1 p.m. - Bagged lunches are replacing our regular meal program.

Southside Worship Centre

55 Emperor Street, Ajax 905-428-1985. 

• Thursday 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. - Please call 905-428-1985 or email lbogner@southsidewc.com.

Brock Township

The Nourish and Develop Foundation - Cannington

16 York Street, Cannington 705-432-2444 or toll-free -855-445-8633.

• If you or someone you know needs assistance in our local area, our Food Pantry and Food Outreach food services are here the help. Please call 705-432-2444 for an appointment.

Brock Community Foodbank - Beaverton Site

Located in a portable behind St. Andrew’s United Church - 523 Simcoe St., Beaverton. 

• Open Fridays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Currently limiting the number of clients allowed in the food bank at one time.

Brock Community Foodbank - Sunderland Site

Located behind the United Church - 10 Church St., Sunderland. 

• Open Fridays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Currently limiting the number of clients allowed in the food bank at one time.

Bowmanville 

St. Joseph’s St. Vincent de Paul Bowmanville

127 Liberty Street South, Bowmanville 905-623-6371 (Answering machine leave a message and a number for call back). 

• Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Thursdays 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Dry and canned goods, toiletry items and fresh and frozen items, when available.   
 
The Salvation Army Bowmanville Food Bank

75 Liberty Street South, Bowmanville 905-623-2185. 

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday by appointment.  Please call: 995-623-2185.

Oshawa

Simcoe Hall Settlement House

387 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa 905-728-7525 

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday: 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
• Friday: 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.  

St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church

690 King Street East, Oshawa 905-431-1796

• Clients please call 905-431-1796 and leave a message.  Food and a voucher will be delivered. Please do not come to the church – no one will be there.  Thank you.
• Dry and canned goods available, as well as fruit and vegetables and refrigerated items.

Gate 3:16

64 Albany Street, Oshawa 905-432-5316

• Monday to Wednesday for breakfast - 8 to 10 a.m.
• Monday to Wednesday for lunch – 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Please Note:  Groups of no more than 30 at a time.  Clients are asked to eat and leave to provide for rotation of groups.  Hours are split, as premises will be sterilized from 10 to 11:15 a.m.

Now offering cell phone charging, depending on availability – please let staff know that you would like to charge before plugging in.

The Back Door Mission

66 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa 905-728-4664

• Open Thursday and Friday – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 minute sittings). 

First Light Foundation of Hope - Out of the Cold

253 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa (drop-in centre is closed)

• Out of the Cold program open seven nights a week, from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• Offers a breakfast to go package for anyone in need – Monday to Friday 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. – includes hot coffee, hot breakfast sandwich, and lunch back with juice box, yogurt, muffin and snack bar.
• Now offering cell phone charging, depending on availability – please let staff know that you would like to charge before plugging in. 

The Refuge

200 Court Street, Oshawa 905-404-2420

Now serving all ages. Meals are served take-out style.

Monday to Friday 

• Breakfast and lunch available 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Shower available 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Washroom available 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday

• Lunch available 12 to 2 p.m.
• Dinner available 4 to 6 p.m.
• Coffee available 12 to 6 p.m.
• Shower and washroom available 12 to 6 p.m.

Please note: The number of individuals receiving food in the centre will be limited to five at a time.

Now offering cell phone charging, depending on availability – please let staff know that you would like to charge before plugging in.

The Salvation Army Oshawa – Community and Family Services

45 King Street East, Oshawa 905-723-7422 

• Monday, Wednesday and Friday – 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Cornerstone Community Association of Durham

133 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa, 905-433-0254. Remains open for clients.

Carea Community Health

115 Grassmere Avenue, Oshawa 905-723-0036 

• Monday – 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Tuesday – 1 to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday – 3 to 7 p.m
• Thursday – 1 to 4 p.m.
• Friday – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

*Please call ahead to schedule pick up.  No drop-ins at this time.

Knox Presbyterian Church Food Cupboard

147 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa 905-728-8673

• Open 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m.  

Please Note: Distribution will be modified and restricted to fresh produce and canned goods. Clients will be served outside near the back door. A poster on the tower door will describe the procedure. For everyone's health and safety, strict attention will be paid to social distancing of 2 metres (6 ft.).

Seventh Day Adventist Community Services Centre

1170 King Street East, Oshawa 905-433-8800 

• Wednesday – 12:30 to 3 p.m.
• Thursday – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

*Providing limited service to our clients who are in immediate and desperate need.

St. Peter’s Anglican Church – St. Peter’s Food Bank

1175 Cedar Street, Oshawa 905-728-8080

• Open the first four Tuesdays of every month – 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

*Services South Oshawa community only – must live south of Bloor Street.

Pickering

St. Paul’s Community Food Bank

1537 Pickering Parkway, Pickering 905-839-9537

• Open Tuesday and Friday – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Scugog

Operation Scugog - Victory Christian Centre

593 Alma Street, Port Perry 905-985-3087

• Currently open Wednesdays, 12 noon to 4 p.m., serving people outside. 

Uxbridge

St. Andrews Chalmers Presbyterian Church

40B Toronto Street, Uxbridge 905-852-6262

• Open Wednesday - 1 to 4 p.m.

Food bank volunteers have implemented new procedures to severely limit contact (i.e. one person at a time, food packages prepared in advance, physical distancing, etc.).

Whitby

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

209 Cochrane Street, Whitby 905-668-4022

Food Bank Hours *by appointment:

• Friday, March 27 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Friday, April 3 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Friday, April 10 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Yes, we are open for Good Friday)
• Friday, April 17th – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Friday, April 24th – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

We expect to be able to offer the following for at least the next four weeks:

• Diapers, baby food and formula to families with infants
• Halal food packages
• Diabetic food packages
• Gluten-free food packages

*Offering packages for people who are homeless. Please contact us if you need items, call 905-668-4022. 

Prepared meals and grocery delivery

Meals 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.

• The Community Food Box will contain the following: Milk, Danone Yogurt, Eggs (12), Fresh Vegetables, Apples, Apple Juice, Bread, Tomato Sauce, Pasta, Fresh Baked Good, Toilet Paper (1) and Facial Tissue (1).
• Local business partners will vary weekly and we will continue to partner with local business to bring you a truly “community” experience. 
• Order on Monday with free delivery to your door on Friday. (Credit card or pre-authorized payments only.)
• To order call 1-888-255-6680.

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.

Grocery Stores and Pharmacies

Many 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. Seniors 20% discount is available to seniors every day during these hours. 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:

• Metro Taunton and Ritson - 1265 Ritson Rd. Taunton Rd. E., Oshawa, 905-432-2197
• Metro Bowmanville - 243 King Street East, Bowmanville, 905-623-3888
• Metro North Whitby - 4111 Thickson Rd. N., Whitby, 905-655-1660

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. Seniors 20% discount is available to seniors every day in the first opening hour, in addition to regular Seniors Day each Thursday (hours vary by store).

Other pharmacies: Most pharmacies offer free home delivery of prescriptions on an ongoing basis. Please check with your local pharmacy for details.

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.

You can find information about COVID-19 in multiple languages from the Ontario government website.

Virtual 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.

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?

There is support. Call Community Care Durham at 1-888-255-6680 to register to be contacted for health and wellness assurance checks.

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.

Other Resources:

Telehealth Ontario: call 1-866-797-0000.

Distress Centre Durham Hotline: call 905-430-2522.

Durham Mental Health Crisis Line: call 1-800-742-1890.

Family Services Durham: call 1-866-840-6697 extension 1.

Ontario Shores Mental Health Articles: 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.)

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. 

Durham Region Transit is available for those who must travel. If you need us, we're here for you.

We have implemented some service modifications to reflect reduced ridership demands and support social distancing needed by our customers and staff to ensure we can continue providing transit service to those who need it.  Until further notice, please board and exit buses using the rear doors only. If you have a mobility aide, or otherwise require the ramp, you can continue to use the front doors. Please respect onboard protocols and signage at all times. 

Please visit durhamregiontransit.com/COVID-19 to learn more about the service modifications, including no fare payment required, currently in place.