COVID-19 Grants: Mission Services of London
COVID-19 Grants: Mission Services of London
For over 65 years, Mission Services of London has supported thousands of people in our community experiencing homelessness with programs addressing mental health, addictions, and food security. The COVID-19 pandemic forced them to rethink how they offered their services.
“The Quintin Warner House (QWH), our addiction treatment branch, had to decide whether it would shut down and send clients home, or continue to offer services as best as possible for the sake of men trying to break free of addiction,” says Mary Brown, Senior Development Officer at Mission Services of London. “QWH chose the latter and continues to offer service in modified ways, with clients pulling together with staff to help each other during the crisis.”
A grant from the LCF COVID-19 Response Fund and support from the community has allowed Mission Services of London to respond to the challenges imposed by the pandemic, ensuring both staff and clients are safe and respecting government guidelines.
“The current situation has created additional needs for men, women and children who are struggling, and Mission Services of London is responding to those needs,” says Mary. “Essential staff are assisting clients who must access health assessments, monitoring spaces, and isolation spaces. We have increased housekeeping staff, ramped up cleaning frequency of high traffic and other areas, and adapted our housekeeping protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible.”
The cost of PPE alone is around $43,000 a month, and similar costs will continue to be a reality for organizations throughout London going forward. Long-term solutions to the issues facing our community are needed now more than ever.
“Homelessness has not stopped just because of COVID-19. Some of the challenges that existed before the pandemic remain barriers for individuals and families who experience homelessness,” says Mary. “The affordable housing crisis in London continues and the stigma surrounding homelessness, addiction, mental illness and poverty can be a heavy burden for individuals and families experiencing these challenges.”
Although the pandemic has made it more challenging for them to continue serving their clients, Mission Services of London has continuously drawn on the strength and solidarity of our community for hope and inspiration.
Volunteer with COVID-19 food donations to Mission Services of London.
“In this time when we face the future with hope, and yet look into many uncertainties, the spirit of community pulling together encourages us,” says Mary. “Thank you to everyone who is donating through this trying time. Your generosity is making a significant positive impact in our community and helping to save lives!”
Mission Services of London is accepting online donations at https://missionservices.ca/give-online/ and in the form of cheques made payable to Mission Services of London (mailed to 4-797 York St., London, Ontario, N5W 6A8).
For more information about how services have adapted to continue serving neighbours-in-need during this pandemic, please visit: https://missionservices.ca/morecovid19updates/