Updated April 2021
We are in the midst of a public health crisis and youth experiencing homelessness are extremely vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19. These are the actions that Horizons for Youth is taking to help prevent the spread of the virus and to support the health and well-being of our residents, staff members, volunteers and community partners:
Introducing additional measures to increase the sanitation of our facility. These include:
Visible hand washing signage posted around the building
Additional hand sanitation stations around the shelter that all residents and staff members are encouraged to use upon entry
Frequent disinfecting of high-touch areas like door knobs, handles, cabinets and railings
Hiring a weekly disinfectant service, which disinfects surfaces in the shelter more effectively than regular cleaning practices
Requiring all new residents coming from active outbreak sites to quarantine for 10 days, allowing us to evaluate if they are showing any symptoms of COVID-19
Posting symptoms of COVID-19 in our agency’s common areas, so residents and staff members are informed of the symptoms of this virus
Procuring and distributing cleaning materials and hand sanitizer throughout our programs for staff and youth to use
Revising our intake process to meet City of Toronto guidelines
Postponing all volunteer activities and cancelling programs led by community partners to limit the number of people in our facility
Restricting resident travel out of the building to limit their exposure to COVID-19. Youth are only permitted to exit for work, school or essential reasons
Implementing social distancing policies at Horizons for Youth, including cancelling most daily programs, limiting the number of youth eating meals at one time, prohibiting physical contact between residents and/or staff members, and restricting the number of residents allowed in common areas at once
Following guidelines from the City of Toronto in the event that a youth or staff member presents with symptoms or has been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed or is symptomatic. They will be immediately isolated and sent to the hospital. The City has set up quarantine areas for homeless individuals diagnosed with COVID-19
Continually reaching out to our community to help secure the following supplies:
Personal protective equipment (face masks, hazardous material suits, gloves)
Monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and all official information, including guidance from the CDC and Toronto Public Health. As the pandemic progresses, we will continue to take the necessary actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and well-being of our residents
Learn more about how you can support Horizons for Youth during this difficult time.