Ma-Nee Chacaby and Cassie Thornton of Not One More Death. (Ian Kaufman, tbnewswatch.com)
THUNDER BAY – The City of Thunder Bay has officially responded to calls for more action to support the homeless and other vulnerable groups amid a worsening local COVID-19 situation.
Community group Not One More Death, which formed to protest police violence and systemic racism in Thunder Bay, said last month it had received credible reports of six deaths on the city’s streets amid a serious cold snap and an outbreak declared specifically among the homeless population.
The group called on the city to implement proposals including a warming bus, more shelter and isolation space, access to harm reduction services for those isolating, and paying inmates at local facilities experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks to self-isolate upon their release.
Officials offer COVID vaccine to Thunder Bay homeless as isolation shelter use surges
Vaccine clinics began last week for people who are homeless, and so far, uptake has been “really great,” said Juanita Lawson, the chief executive officer with Norwest Community Health Centres.
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Posted: Mar 01, 2021 7:30 AM ET | Last Updated: March 1
The vaccine clinics come after the Thunder Bay District Health Unit declared a COVID-19 outbreak within the city s homeless population.(Lee Jin-man/The Associated Press)
Organizations serving homeless people in Thunder Bay, Ont., have begun offering them vaccinations against COVID-19.
Vaccine clinics began last week for people who are homeless, and so far, uptake has been really great, said Juanita Lawson, the chief executive officer with Norwest Community Health Centres.
COVID-19 vaccine being offered to vulnerable population in city
Due to an outbreak of COVID-19 amongst those who are vulnerably housed in the city of Thunder Bay, several organizations are hosting vaccination clinics for those most at risk.
Feb 25, 2021 3:36 PM By: Doug Diaczuk
NorWest Community Health Centres Is partnering with several community organizations to offer COVID-19 vaccine clinics for vulnerable segments of the population. (File).
THUNDER BAY - In an effort to contain an outbreak of COVID-19 amongst a vulnerable segment of the population in the city of Thunder Bay, several health organizations are working to immunize those who are vulnerably housed or experiencing homelessness in the community.
Library loaning out tablets, wi-fi access
Program aimed at people who use 25 social services agencies in Thunder Bay, and will expand to Chrome Books in the near future.
Feb 5, 2021 1:08 PM By: Leith Dunick
THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Public Library is trying to help bridge the city’s digital divide through an innovative program that loans out tablets and Internet access to those in need.
Qualified borrowers, who include clients of about 25 different service agencies in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas, can take home a device for up to four weeks at a time.
The program has been operational for nearly three months and Laura Prinselaar, a TBPL community hub librarian, said it’s a great way to provide technology to people who might not otherwise be able to access it – especially with the pandemic limiting options.
United Way of Thunder Bay CEO Albert Brulé.
A holiday bonus of over $300,000 is going to non-profits and charities in the region.
The funding initiative is in partnership with Community Foundations of Canada and United Way Centraide Canada, as part of the Government of Canada’s $350-million Emergency Community Support Fund.
United Way Thunder Bay CEO Albert Brulé explains they’re distributing it to 32 groups in need, including Beendigen, FIREFLY in Dryden, and the Regional Food Distribution Association.
The biggest investment is going to Mikinakoos Children’s Fund, which is getting $50,000 to provide warm winter gear to 1,000 children in remote First Nation communities.