COVID-19 Impacts on Harbour Light Programs

Dear friends:
These are unprecedented times for all of us – each day we learn more about how we can care for ourselves and others, and work together to flatten the curve. At Harbour Light, we are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19, taking a cautious, informed approach to our planning.
We aim to maintain as many services as possible in all our programs; however, the health and well-being of our hundreds of residents, hundreds of daily community guests, staff, and volunteers is our top priority. With this in mind, we’d like to update you on the current changes to our programming and services.
 
Community Meals
Out of an abundance of caution, we made the difficult decision to limit our community feeding program to “to go” meals only starting Friday afternoon, March 13th. This decision was not made lightly. This action will help us to ensure the required levels of sanitization and social distancing protocols necessary to minimizing the risk of virus transmission to clients and community guests, a great many of whom are elderly or immune compromised.
Caring for our neighbours remains the priority for Harbour Light, and we will continue to do our very best to provide meals to our DTES community. For the foreseeable future, our community meal program will offer 250 bagged lunches “to go”, every day, at approximately 11:00am.
 
Residential Programs
Our residential sheltering, detox, and treatment programs will continue to serve those experiencing homelessness and seeking recovery from addiction.
 
Other Changes
Until further notice, the following services have also been suspended:
– All volunteer services and practicum placements
– Our Community Volunteer Income Tax Preparation Clinics
– Our sit-down Easter community meal (we’re hoping to at least do something “to go” – more to come)
Further changes may arise to our internal and community programs over the coming days/weeks.
 
Thank you!
We wish to sincerely thank all of you, our dedicated community members and volunteers, for your partnership and ongoing support of Harbour Light and those we serve. We continue to pray for the health and well-being of our community, and for a quick end to these challenging days.
Thank you for your understanding. We will aim to stay in touch and provide regular reports along the way.
 
Contacts
– Practicum students and volunteers: please direct questions to Lisa Smith, Volunteer Coordinator, at 604-646-6813
– Media: please contact our Divisional Headquarters at 604-299-3908.
– All other inquiries: please contact our main phone number 604-646-6800 and they will direct your call to the right department.
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