Protecting the health and well-being of all Ontarians is our government’s top priority, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak. On March 30th, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health recommended that individuals over 70 years of age to self-isolate. We need to do everything we can to protect our seniors and most vulnerable citizens. That is why Ontario is launching the new Ontario Community Support Program to assist low-income seniors and people with disabilities in need.
By partnering with the Ontario Community Support Association (OSCA), our government is helping to provide delivery of meals, medicines and other essential items to those in need during COVID-19.
The OSCA is an experienced not-for-profit organization comprised of community organizations serving Ontarians across the province. By working through their existing network, we can help ensure that seniors, people with disabilities and those with underlying medical conditions receive the supports they need as quickly as possible.
The program will expand existing Meals on Wheels capacity to reach even more people in need. To support this expansion, the government is partnering with SPARK Ontario (www.sparkontario.ca) to encourage volunteers to assist Meals on Wheels and other programs in need of support. The program will also develop the capacity of community organizations and others to help deliver medication and other essentials.
Seniors, persons with disabilities and people with underlying medical conditions, their families or caregivers can access delivery services by visiting www.ontariocommunitysupport.ca.
Those without internet access, or who require service in a language other than English or French, can contact 211 at any time by dialing 211, 1-877-330-3213 (toll free) or 1-888-340-1001 for TTY service.
We encourage you to get the word out about these services to your communities and community partners.
