Thank you all for your continued support, well wishes, and generosity during this time. We could not do this without the incredible financial support of our donors, as well as everyone who has contributed masks, sanitizer, soap, disinfectant wipes, and groceries to our drop-in centre and 24-hour emergency night shelter.
DEWC has had to adapt quickly to the changing circumstances COVID-19 has presented us with, and we will continue to offer all assistance within our means to the women and children we serve.
As the situation continues to intensify in the Downtown Eastside, we have limited our operations at the drop-in centre to daily take-out breakfast and lunch service while maintaining full services at our 24-hour emergency night shelter.
SERVICE UPDATES
- MEAL PROGRAM: Our daily hot meal service at the drop-in centre has transitioned to a “to go” meal service. All staff is preparing, sanitizing and handing food and coffee/tea out at the door to limit exposure to women and staff. We have extended our lunch hours and are offering breakfast from 10AM-12PM, and lunch from 12PM-2:30PM, with coffee and tea to 4PM.
- FACILITIES: Women can use the washroom at the drop-in centre one person at a time. Our staff are sanitizing the washroom facilities between each user to ensure the safety of the next person.
- 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SHELTER: We are maintaining full services at our 24-hour emergency shelter but have limited the shelter to 50 of the 57 beds to maintain social distancing. We are following all protective and sanitization measures to decrease the risk of infection for women and for staff.
- CLOTHING ROOM: Clothes are only given out if there is an emergency and we are not accepting any additional clothing donations at this time.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support during this difficult time. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
Sincerely,
Team DEWC