Everyone is feeling the effects of COVID-19, but for vulnerable residents already facing significant barriers such as poverty, homelessness and food insecurity, these times are even more challenging.

The COVID-19 Community Coordination (3C) initiative is a joint partnership between York Region, United Way Greater Toronto (UWGT), local municipal partners, community organizations and other key stakeholders to support York Region’s most vulnerable residents during COVID-19.

This partnership will allow York Region’s existing collaborative tables, such as the Community Investment Fund Network, the Human Services Planning Board, the York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Community Partnership Council, to better identify and respond to the gaps, needs, trends and any local emerging opportunities.

Supports for Vulnerable Residents

The 3C Initiative has partnered with various organizations to provide supports for the following areas (please click to access the resources, supports and services):

• Emergency Food Access
• Homelessness
• Seniors

There are many other supports, resources, services and programs available for residents that can be found on the COVID-19 Community Supports page.

About the COVID-19 Community Coordination Initiative

The partnership has three main goals:

• Help community agencies and communities effectively respond to the emerging needs of vulnerable residents in response to COVID-19
• Enable action on key issues including emergency food access and homelessness
• Encourage and strengthen information and resource sharing among agencies

The 3C initiative is made up of three tables, each with its own responsibilities, sharing the same purpose and goals. This model allows for effective and timely community responses:

• Coordinating Table
  Staff from UWGT and York Region meet regularly to provide primary/lead support and communication, identify key challenges and help implement initiatives that emerge from Service Partners and Cluster Response Tables
• Cluster Response Tables
  Experts from UWGT and York Region work with agencies to take action on priority issues such as emergency food access, homelessness and supports for seniors
• Service Partners Table
  Key human services sector representatives/lead agencies from the Region discuss and explore cross-sectoral issues and actions. Issues that emerge from this table could be further tackled through existing or, if needed, new Cluster Response Tables

Watch the videos to learn more

These videos provide a few examples of how the 3C Initiative is supporting residents through these challenging times.

Emergency Food Access

Homelessness

Seniors