Shaping the program at 731 Runnymede
As guided by the Community Liaison Committee (CLC)
CLC recommendations Implementation plan |
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1. Shelter design |
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▪ Preliminary design includes a community space of just under 1,000 sq ft. The room will be self-con- tained with washrooms and a small kitchenette.
▪ The exterior of the building will be painted to blend into the local streetscape and some land- scaping will be done to beautify the exterior.
▪ Preliminary design includes a variety of room sizes, including single, double and quad rooms. Some rooms can accommodate pets. Common spaces include a lounge, computers, and dining room, which can be divided into programming or exercise space. There are several quiet coun- selling offices and a wellness centre which can act as space for visiting health or social service agencies. ▪ Preliminary design also includes dedicated out- door space at the rear of the building for those who smoke and people with pets. ▪ Shelter will be fully accessible and AODA compliant. ▪ Clients will have access to WiFi and locked per- sonal storage space for their belongings. |
2. Shelter access & case management |
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Focus on newcomers |
▪ Open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Clients will not be asked to leave the shelter during the day. ▪ Upon admission, clients are assigned to case/ housing worker. ▪ Casework to conduct initial assessment and develop case plan with focus on securing hous- ing. ▪ Connecting clients with housing, income sup- ports, identification, health/mental health, addic- tions and other supports are imbedded into the case management approach. ▪ The shelter will be open to anyone needing shelter services, including newcomers and walk- ins, as well as referrals from Central Intake, other shelters, and community agencies. |
3. Number of clients |
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▪ Initial occupancy of 50 beds with fl to add beds in response to extreme weather conditions, and to increase occupancy rate over time to better support individuals requiring access to services. |
4. Housing supports |
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▪ Services will be delivered using a Housing First case management approach. ▪ Outreach and follow up supports will be made avail- able to clients even when they leave the facility. |
5. Mental health & addiction supports |
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▪ City staff and Toronto Central LHIN are meeting with agencies to develop a health service model to support the shelter. Agencies include: Toronto Public Health, Four Villages Community Health Centre, Access Alliance Multicultural Health Services, West Toronto Support Services, Central Toronto Community Care and Access Centre, Gerstein’s Crisis Centre, Reconnect Mental Health Services, Regeneration Community Services, Runnymede Healthcare Centre, Inner City Family Health Team and Inner City Health Associates. |
6. Income and employment supports |
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▪ Case management to assist clients in accessing all income supports available to them ▪ Community Economic Reintegration Team will support clients ▪ Toronto Youth Partnerships and Employment counsellors will engage youth to age of 29 to find employment and skill development |
7. Recreation supports |
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P Computer room and quiet rooms identified as priorities | ▪ Common areas include a lounge, computer access, dining room which can be divided into program- ming or exercise space. There are several quiet counselling offi and a wellness centre that can act as space for visiting health or social service agencies. |
8. Community safety and wellbeing |
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▪ Transportation Services provided funding for mural and lighting improvements in the under- pass. ▪ Safety audit conducted. ▪ Rockcliffe/Smythe local planning table identified priorities and activities being planned through Toronto Strong Neighbourhood Strategy. ▪ Funding approved for Gaffney Park improvements. |
Available Programs and Services to Support Clients at 731 Runnymede Rd
Mental Health
- Gerstein Crisis Centre
- Regeneration Community Services
- Reconnect Mental Health Services
- COTA (ACTT & HOP teams) http://www.cotainspires.ca/
- CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association)
Health
- Access Alliance Multicultural Health & Community Services
- Four Villages Community Health Centre P Toronto Public Health & Dental Program P Jane St. Sexual Health Clinic
- Inner City Family Health Team
- Inner City Family Health Associates
- Runnymede Healthcare Centre
- Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre
Employment
- Jane Alliance Neighbourhood Services
- Skills for Change
- Toronto Employment & Social Services
- Community Economic Reintegration Team (CERT) – TESS/SSHA employment initiative
Income support
- Toronto Employment & Social Services
- SSHA – Housing allowances
Drop-ins
- Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood Community Health Centre – 30 min bus
- The Stop Community Food Centre: Drop-in Program – 30 min bus
- Our Place Community of Hope – 34 min bus
Libraries
- Annette Street – 21 min walk
- Jane/Dundas – 12 min walk
- Mount Dennis – 30 min walk or 11 min bus
Recreation facilities
- York Recreation Centre – 8 min bus ride
- Annette Community Centre – 16 min walk
- George Bell Arena – 6 min walk
Coffee shops
- Tim Hortons: 6 min walk – 2571 St. Clair Ave. W
- Tim Hortons – 9 min walk– 3487 Dundas St. W
- MacDonald’s – 2 min walk -2525 St. Clair Ave. W