Toronto announced that it will be opening up a second recovery site specifically for those experiencing homelessness and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The site will open up on Friday in the downtown core and will be able to care for 250 individuals that have been positively tested for the virus. It offers them a safe space to isolate themselves and recover.
Back in April, the city opened a recovery site for the same purpose, with space to handle 200 individuals. Councillor Joe Cressy states, "This recovery site is not a hospital, nor is it a shelter. Rather, it is a new housing and healthcare initiative to support Toronto’s homeless population." After individuals have recovered, clients will be given the option to go to available housing or hotel-based shelter programs.
City-Responsive Recovery Sites
Toronto Prepares to Open up A Second Site to Help Those in Need
Trend Themes
1. Homelessness Recovery Sites - Development of more recovery sites for the homeless population on a city level.
2. COVID-19 Isolation Spaces - Creation of space or new initiatives dedicated towards isolating COVID-19 positive individuals.
3. Housing and Healthcare Initiatives - More joint programs aimed at housing and providing healthcare to vulnerable populations.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - Opportunities for innovation include development of more specialized recovery centers, use of technology in monitoring COVID-19 patients, and incorporating telehealth in homeless healthcare services.
2. Hospitality - Providing safe and socially-distanced temporary housing and shelter opportunities, as well as exploring new models such as hotel-based shelter programs.
3. Real Estate - Investigating opportunities to repurpose unused spaces or buildings for use as recovery sites, and incorporating social impact strategies in real estate investments.