Seniors Housing Unit receives mask donations from community partners

​Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) has received generous donations of face masks from several community partners which will help in our efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep some of our most vulnerable tenants safe. 

During the month of August, the Seniors Housing Unit Access & Support team worked with volunteers from University Health Networks (UHN) Open Lab and the City of Toronto Senior Services and Long Term Care division to pack the masks. Building staff were instrumental in the distribution of these packages to all households in 83 buildings in the Seniors Housing Unit.

Thanks to a large donation by the Toronto Transit Commission, each tenant in the Seniors Housing Unit has received three disposable face masks. In addition, some seniors buildings have also received reusable masks from the City of Toronto's Social Development, Finance and Administration department, Baycrest Centre, South Riverdale Community Health Centre, The Sewing Army, Michael Garron Hospital and MPP Peter Tabuns's office.

New city bylaw

As of July 7, 2020, masks or face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces. The City of Toronto passed an additional bylaw on August 5 that also requires masks or face coverings in all indoor common spaces of apartment buildings, such as the lobby, elevators, stairwells and laundry rooms. These bylaws were set as additional measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep each other safe.

Wearing non-medical (cloth) masks or face coverings can be an added public health measure for containing the spread of COVID-19 when it is used in combination with frequent hand washing, physical distancing and staying home when sick.

Thank you to our partners

"Tenant-wide mask distribution was made possible through a collaborative effort between the TTC, the City of Toronto, regional health and social service partners and TCHC staff," says Grant Coffey, Interim General Manager, Seniors Housing Unit. "We would like to acknowledge our partners in this effort and the work of our Access & Support team and building staff in supporting tenants' safety and wellbeing by coordinating and distributing these masks."

Thank you to all our donors for their invaluable help in community efforts to keep our senior tenants safe.