Tenant LOOP - Spring 2024

Your Spring Tenant LOOP

Building a circle of care Black mental health resources

With mental health reported to be on the decline, The Centre for Advancing the Interests of Black People (“The Centre”) partners with organizations that provide culturally responsive services.

Mental health issues impact the many diverse communities in the city, but the systemic barriers impact mental health outcomes for different groups. For Black communities in the city, there is a stigma associated with seeking help. Barriers include accessing health care, bias, and underreaction to pain and distress expressed by Black patients.

“Mental wellness is being able to cope with daily activities and even the expectation that we can move through difficulties one may experience. Extreme mental, emotional, and spiritual stress can be a sign that one needs to get help and frequently, Black people suffer in silence,” said Zhora Adatia, The Centre’s Education and Advocacy Consultant.

Recognizing the connections between anti-Black racism and mental health, The Centre team addresses the impacts of anti-Black racism by amplifying the work of culturally appropriate services. The team also works to destigmatize mental illness and engage in actions of change. “Partnering with organizations that bring cultural competency to health will help Black tenants navigate Ontario’s health care system and support their needs,” said Zhora.

What mental health resources are available for tenants?

Mental health workshops

If you would like a Confronting Anti-Black Racism (CABR) workshop in your community, contact your local Community Services Coordinator or email The Centre team at TheCentre.EducationAdvocacy@torontohousing.ca.

Black mental health resources

For Black health resources, you can scan the QR code or visit tchc.qrd.by/z98f6i. Tenants can also call 2-1-1 to be connected to services that meet their needs.

Toronto Community Hepatitis C program

Providing TCHC tenants with treatment, compassion, and support

Hepatitis C Treatment Nurse Bernadette Lettner ready to receive patients.

When we met Katie Connolly and her team from the South Riverdale Community Health Centre’s Toronto Community Hepatitis C Program (TCHCP), we admittedly knew very little about the disease.

We were able to spend an hour at 15 Scadding Avenue with her team, including a nurse and three former clients who are now community support and health workers. We left with a greater understanding of the Hepatitis C virus and how it’s contracted, as well as the bigger impacts that clients face. This includes dealing with public perceptions and their effect on someone’s mental, social, and physical wellbeing.

TCHCP is a community-based, clientcentered, collaborative care model that gives support, education, and treatment to people living with, or otherwise at risk of getting, a Hepatitis C infection. The virus itself is an infection that causes liver inflammation and can lead to serious liver damage. Over the last decade, medical advances and simpler treatment options

have meant that many who are infected have fully recovered. “We’re now at a place where Hepatitis C is an entirely curable virus,” said Katie. “Not only that, but Canada has signed onto the World Health Organization’s global target to eliminate Hepatitis C as a public health risk by 2030.”

“We’re now at a place where Hepatitis C is an entirely curable virus.”

One of the largest barriers in seeking help with Hepatitis C is the stigma attached. Many people with Hepatitis C share that they have experienced loneliness, shame, and embarrassment because of common misunderstandings around the virus. You can’t get Hepatitis C from hugging, kissing, or sharing a glass with someone. It can only pass from person to person through direct contact with blood that’s carrying the virus. As well, Katie explained, Hepatitis C is most commonly asymptomatic, “so someone will not experience side effects from the virus until it has progressed. You can have Hepatitis C for 20 to 30 years and not have specific symptoms.”

The TCHCP team works hard to create a comfortable, safe space for clients to come in for treatment and attend weekly support meetings. The team’s main goal is to create a welcoming, non-judgmental environment for clients to get treatment in a manner that works for them. Bernadette Lettner, a nurse with TCHCP, said that “if someone is not comfortable with booked appointments, we will allow drop-ins. If they are uncomfortable with getting medication from pharmacies, we deliver it to their homes.” She stressed, “we need to get into communities and let people know that testing and treatment is available. Connecting people with rapid treatment is vital because earlier treatment means less damage to people.”

“We need to get into communities and let people know that testing and treatment are available.”

TCHCP was developed in partnership with people who have Hepatitis C. A TCHCP community support worker, and former client, recalled the time when he walked into a drop-in session. “I found out that the groups were run by people that all went through the program. It made the experience so much better because we

can relate to one another and there was a lot of great information sharing.”

The TCHCP team believes strongly in a holistic approach to treatment. They give mental health counselling, employment assistance, housing support, and workshops on financial literacy. As Doug Belanger, a former client, stated, “I stuck with the program. I got housed, I got a mental health counselor, a psychotherapist, and finally started working through my trauma. And here I am today, working with a great organization and giving back to the community, making sure that folks that we treat are not being judged or stigmatized.”

Now employed as a TCHCP community health worker, Doug said he’s happy to share his experiences with those who are new to the program. “When you explain that you went through the program to somebody, it makes them feel like you know what you are talking about. It eases their mind because you can say I had Hepatitis C, and I am still here.”

To find out more about Hepatitis C testing and treatment options, call 416-302-5675, or visit the TCHCP website at bit.ly/4c9fPhc.

The Next Surgeon program Inspiring TCHC youth towards a career in medicine

Walking through the hallways of The Michener Institute of Education at University Health Network, a medical resident saw us and motioned for us to follow. We were there to attend one of the weekend sessions put on by The Next Surgeon program. It is an innovative series of events that gives TCHC youth a glimpse of what it’s like to work in the medical field through workshops, interactive sessions, and mentorship opportunities.

The resident led us into a simulated operating room, where groups of program participants had already gathered around one of the four activity stations located in each corner. The participants are high school students in grades 10 and 12, and all listened intently as a medical resident explained the tools of the trade.

At one of the stations, a medical student showed a participant how to handle a special drill on a plastic skull. This demonstrated how pressure could be relieved from the brain. In the corner of the room, young people sewed up slices of raw chicken breast to imitate the technique of suturing. Another exercise

A medical resident explains a procedure to tenant youth program participants.

was in hand-eye coordination. One of the participants held up two thin rubber bands she had sewn together for her instructor to see. “Great job! Are you sure you haven’t done this before? You’re better at sewing than me!” he exclaimed.

“The Next Surgeon program offers TCHC youth a seat at the table.”

During a break, we sat down with Dr. Robert (Bobby) Yanagawa to talk about The Next Surgeon program and its impact on TCHC youth. Dr. Yanagawa is the Division Head of Cardiac Surgery at St. Michael’s Hospital, and Program Director of the Residency Program at the University of Toronto. He oversees The Next Surgeon program, which is delivered in partnership with the University of Toronto, Ethicon (a Johnson & Johnson company), and Unity Health Toronto. This program is unique as it invites TCHC youth to immerse themselves in the world of cardiac surgery for an eightweek period.

Dr. Yanagawa also wants them to realize they have the mindset and physical ability to become medical doctors. “If you told me when I was in high school that I was

going to be a heart surgeon, I would have laughed,” confided Dr. Yanagawa. “It was not where I was headed.” He has benefited from career guidance along the way, and is convinced that with the right amount of support and learning opportunities, youth in marginalized communities can also see their dreams become a reality.

“What I want them to see is people that look like them, ethnicity-wise, religion, colour, and be inspired to say: oh, there’s a physician, there’s a researcher, there’s a surgeon that looks like me and has done it – it’s within my grasp, there’s nothing that says I can’t accomplish this. I want them to gain that confidence,” he said.

Maryam Abbasi is a program participant and Muslim woman who would like to pursue a career in family medicine someday. She agrees with Dr. Yanagawa that youth need to see others who have reached their career goals. “I feel like for someone who is from community housing it’s a bit more difficult, because not only is there a lack of representation, but also a lack of people that enter these fields,” she said. “I don’t know anybody that’s been in housing and become a doctor.”

As a fourth-year medical student at the University of Toronto, Akachukwu (Aka) Nwakoby says that in the past there’s been very poor recruitment of Black and minority individuals in surgical research. He believes that timing is critical to fix this. “High school is a time in which the trajectory of a lot of these students can be shaped and supported. Sometimes when you get to the undergraduate level it might be too late.” According to Aka,

exposing young people to the best mentors in general surgery, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, or emergency medicine can help them form valuable contacts. “I want youth to be inspired, I want them to feel that they can be mentored, and I want them to create an impact in their community afterwards,” he said.

“High school is a time in which the trajectory of a lot of these students can be shaped and supported.”

Maryam says that being in The Next Surgeon program has been a motivating and uplifting experience for her. It has ignited her passion in science and shown her that anything is possible with hard work and determination. “Just because you are from subsidized housing, it doesn’t mean you’re any less than someone who’s not. Your economic status shouldn’t stop you from achieving your goals,” she said.

Stacy Golding, a TCHC Community Service Coordinator, is also pleased with the results of the program. “The Next Surgeon program offers our TCHC youth a seat at the table,” she said. “By fostering a supportive environment for learning and showcasing diverse voices, this program encourages our youth to realize that their dreams are achievable and that they too can have a positive impact on their community and in the field of medicine.”

To find out more about The Next Surgeon program and how to register for the next cohort, visit torontohousing.ca/next-surgeon.

Tenant Notices

Please review this section for important updates from TCHC

TCHC welcomes new President and CEO, Sean Baird

We’re excited to welcome our new President and CEO, Sean Baird, who officially joined TCHC on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

Sean brings significant experience in housing and social services to TCHC. His previous role was the Commissioner of Human Services in Peel Region, where he led all social services functions for over 1.5 million residents. These functions included housing, housing support services, income support services, and early years and childcare.

Sean’s approach to public service is based on bringing greater empathy, value, and accountability to communities.

We are grateful to Tom Hunter for his steadfast leadership as Interim President and CEO of TCHC during this time. We wish him well as he returns to Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation, resuming his previous role of CEO.

“TCHC has a critical role to play in making Toronto an equitable and welcoming place to live. There has never been a more urgent need for affordable housing in the city.”

– Sean Baird, President and CEO

Introducing the new TCHC Tenant Guide

Your key to a positive living experience

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Tenant Guide, designed specifically with you in mind. This comprehensive guide is packed with essential information that will enhance your living experience within TCHC properties.

What's inside?

From understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant to practical tips for maintaining your home, the Tenant Guide covers it all. Here are examples of the information you can find in the booklet:

• Access to your unit: Learn about your rights for unit access and when TCHC staff or contractors may need to enter your unit.

• Accessible accommodation: Discover how TCHC accommodates tenants with physical disabilities and how to request accessibility accommodations.

• Appliances: Understand TCHC's policies on appliance maintenance and replacement to make sure your home remains functional.

• Energy conservation: Discover simple and effective ways to conserve energy and water, contributing to a greener, more environmentally friendly community.

• Insurance: Understand the importance of having insurance for your belongings and how it can protect you in case of emergencies.

Why it matters

By familiarizing yourself with its contents, you are empowering yourself to make informed decisions, advocate for yourself, and help foster a positive community within TCHC.

Where to find it

You can read the new Tenant Guide at torontohousing.ca/tenantguide or reach out to frontline staff to request a printed copy. The guide has been translated into 10 languages and is available upon request.

TenantNotices

Spring fire safety tips

Fires happen fast. A working smoke alarm can save your life by giving you an early warning signal if smoke is detected. It is dangerous and illegal to tamper with or disable a smoke alarm.

Using an elevator during a fire emergency is dangerous. Elevators are often disabled when the fire alarm is activated. If it is not disabled, the elevator can take you to the part of the building that is on fire. Always take the stairs and close all doors behind you to prevent the spread of smoke and fire.

Always keep matches and lighters up high and out of the reach of children, and never use candles around unaccompanied children or pets. Talk to your children about fire safety.

Visit torontohousing.ca/firesafety for more fire safety tips.

Reminder: changes to RGI eligibility requirements and what you need to report in your Annual Review

The Province of Ontario has made changes to the Housing Services Act, 2011, which affects asset limits for rent-geared-to-income (RGI) eligibility. Starting March 1, 2024, households receiving RGI assistance must report certain things of value (assets) during their annual rent review.

Each household will get more information about these changes in their Annual Review packages going forward, including an updated declaration form. This package will also include a resource sheet from the City of Toronto that outlines a list of what assets you must report, and which ones that you don’t need to report.

You can also go to torontohousing.ca/asset-limit-updates for more information.

Photos and video at TCHC events

At TCHC events, we may take photos or recordings to use for print, social media, videos, and more. If you don’t want your picture taken, please tell the photographer or a staff member. You will get a “no camera” sticker to show you don’t want your picture used.

Waivers

We may interview tenants or take photos and videos for projects. In these situations, tenants have agreed to be featured. They sign a waiver allowing TCHC to use these interviews, photos, or videos, in any format in current and future materials.

If you have signed a waiver, you can withdraw your consent at any time. You will

need to contact a staff member involved in the project and let us know you no longer consent for your story, photo, or video to be used. We will do what we can to remove the photograph, videos, or stories out of circulation.

Private events and personal photography

TCHC holds tenant events like consultations and forums where we present ongoing projects and ask for tenant feedback. These events are considered private as they are by invitation to TCHC tenants only. Participants have an expectation of privacy, as some share confidential or sensitive information. At these events, we do not allow personal photography or recording by participants.

Updates about the Tenant Human Rights process

Last December, we gave you an update on the work TCHC is completing to improve the way we receive, investigate, and respond to tenant human rights complaints. This work included a first round of tenant consultations, a feedback summary report, and the development of an Interim Tenant Human Rights Complaint Procedure.

Since then, we have continued our work on this project and have completed additional milestones.

Launching the Interim Tenant Human Rights Complaints Procedure

Tenants can use this procedure to submit a complaint to TCHC if they believe they have not been treated in a way that is consistent with TCHC’s obligations under the Human Rights Code. This process offers a central intake and resolution system for all human rights complaints at TCHC. It applies to all TCHC tenants.

The interim procedure is in place while TCHC completes its review of our tenant human rights policies and procedures. Once that review is done, we may make further changes to those procedures. We will communicate any changes.

Additional round of consultation

We held another round of in-person and online consultations earlier in 2024. At these sessions, we shared an update on the work we have completed so far. We shared feedback from earlier

consultations and described changes we are planning as to how tenant human rights complaints are handled.

We also used these consultations as an opportunity for tenants to share feedback on what we can do to improve the following:

• How we receive accommodation requests;

• How we resolve accommodation requests that we receive;

• What type of staff supports should be in place; and

• What type of tenant resources should be in place.

We will use the feedback from these sessions to help inform the development of a centralized, proactive, equity-focused tenant Human Rights system. We will also continue to work with Ombudsman Toronto to make sure the changes that we make to our Tenant Human Rights Complaints Procedure will address recommendations from its recent report.

More information

Visit torontohousing.ca/human-rights to learn more about tenant human rights at TCHC.

If you have any questions about our Human Rights Policy and Procedures, please contact the Client Care Centre at help@torontohousing.ca or 416-981-5500.

Tell us what you think!

The program formerly known as Participatory Budgeting is currently being re-designed. Share your feedback and help shape its future. We recognize the impact this program had in communities in the past. Before moving forward with any program changes, we want to work with you to make sure the new funding structure supports your needs. Your responses will help us understand: historical awareness of the program thoughts on tenant funding priorities the funding cycle, eligibility, allocation, and more

Help create a program that is meaningful, impactful, and reflective of the diverse voices in your community.

Helping to build food security at Jane and Finch

Firgrove Food Bank reaches out to TCHC tenants

With the cost of food increasing, it’s becoming harder for people to find affordable, healthy food options. Firgrove Learning and Innovation Community Centre (FLICC) Executive Director, Lorraine Anderson, understands this need very well.

She has been managing the Firgrove Food Bank for the past seven years or so, and is very clear on their mandate. “We want to be able to provide food to tenants to ensure they can stretch their finances a little further and provide nutritious food for their families,” she said.

The idea for a food bank grew out of the community centre. It started operating in 2007 when space became available to tenants to host community events. That’s when Lorraine got involved. “I myself raised my kids here for over 10 years and was a tenant rep for two consecutive terms (six years) before getting involved with Firgrove Learning Centre,” she said.

“One of the things we wanted to do was provide healthy food and snacks for the

children in our after-school programs, so we reached out to Second Harvest and they provided a whole truckload of food which we were not expecting. We needed to figure out a way to share the resources.”

“We try to fulfill most requests and sometimes it isn’t easy, but we don’t turn anyone away.”

The Firgrove program has grown organically. “We started with just the kids, but now have over 100 residents using the food bank. We also support three other TCHC communities (4400 Jane Street, 2195 Jane Street and Driftwood),” said Lorraine. “We try to fulfill most requests and sometimes it isn’t easy, but we don’t turn anyone away.”

According to Lorraine, food security can mean feeding a child who is unable to have a proper meal before going to school to helping a parent who worries about finding food when the rent is due. Food security could also mean helping a senior with a disability who’s having trouble putting food on the table.

Firgrove Food Bank manager Lorraine Anderson

The food bank operates on a tight schedule, with volunteers doing a lot of the heavy lifting (literally). Lorraine breaks it down for us. “The food truck comes in every Friday between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Then our volunteers take it off the truck and put it into boxes. Sometimes we get cooked meals and send them to the school right away to get warmed up, so we can serve the people that come. All the food we receive is shared among the communities.”

The food most in-demand includes perishables like fruits and vegetables. Since the pandemic, the need has only grown in Firgrove and the surrounding communities, with a weekly increase of food bank users. According to Lorraine, before the COVID-19 pandemic, they had about 30 tenants coming in. That number has since grown to over 100 tenants.

“Most people coming in are parents or seniors,” said Lorraine. “We have a section reserved for people in Firgrove, so we can deliver it to them. We also make boxes for 14 kids in the afterschool program and from time to time we have some relocated young people come and ask for food support.”

The food is donated through Second Harvest, and Lorraine is happy to be working with them. “They know the needs of the people, so they can make that connection and see the value of what we do,” she said. Second Harvest also has a program called Food Rescue, where they partner with businesses and organizations to rescue surplus food from the landfill. FLICC also engages retail locations like Shoppers Drug

Mart to claim food at the end of the day before it gets thrown out, which is then delivered to people in the community.

The impact of this partnership has been positive for tenants, although challenges remain. “There are always some people who say they don’t have enough, but we try to balance it,” said Lorraine. If you ask for more and we have it, we will share it.”

“As long as I’m here the food bank will continue, because I see a need.”

One of the biggest issues is staffing. The food bank is volunteer driven and works on the premise that volunteers provide their time, but Lorraine explains they don’t want to overwork them or take them for granted. She says that more volunteers would be very helpful.

In the future, Lorraine hopes TCHC will continue to provide a safe space for the program, as well as add new space for a community garden. For the time being, she will continue to provide this invaluable service to tenants and help them find the food security they seek.

“As long as I’m here the food bank will continue, because I see a need.”

If you live in the Jane and Finch community, and would like to access the Firgrove Food Bank or become a volunteer, you can reach out to FLICC by:

• coming to the Community Room at 5 Needle Firway on Fridays before 5 p.m.

• emailing firgrove.flicc@gmail.com or lorrainea.flicc@gmail.com.

Contest:

Your favourite spring events

Spring is in full swing in Toronto, and that means more of us are heading outdoors for some much-needed sunshine. The city has a lot to offer, from taking wildlife tours at a park, to rocking out at a local music festival.

Share your favourite spring event(s) with us and you could win a $50 Amazon gift card. Your entry may also be featured in our summer 2024 issue. This contest is only open to tenants of Toronto Community Housing.

Contest entries can be sent via:

• Email to TenantLOOP@torontohousing.ca

• Direct message to our Facebook page at facebook.com/TorontoCommunityHousing

• Mail to 931 Yonge St., 7th floor, Toronto, ON M4W 2H2 (Attn: Tenant LOOP)

Please submit your entries by Friday, June 21, 2024.

Congratulations to Josephine, the winner of our “Favourite Fall Recipes” contest from the fall/winter issue. Josephine sent us several tasty recipes! Here is her recipe for a delicious creamy tomato soup:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. of roma tomatoes (about 7 or 8)

• 6 to 8 cloves of garlic (left whole)

• 1 large onion (roughly chopped)

• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil

• salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ cup fresh basil (chopped)

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

• 1 cup half-and-half cream

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut tomatoes into quarters.

• Add tomatoes, garlic, and onion to a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper (optionally, add red pepper flakes). Toss to coat, then place in the oven and roast for about one hour.

• Transfer roasted tomatoes, onion, and garlic to a pot. Add broth, basil, oregano, and cream.

• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Purée soup with a blender.

A helping hand for pet owners

Toronto Animal Services offers support to tenants and their animal companions

Many TCHC tenants own pets and worry about how to find affordable resources to maintain and care for them. Toronto Animal Services (TAS) offers city-run subsidized or waived-fee pet services for individuals who demonstrate a financial need or who may be experiencing barriers to accessing veterinary services in their local communities.

The program focuses on essential pet care like licensing and registration, microchipping, spaying and neutering, and wellness and preventative medicine like vaccines. It also promotes and educates people on animal-related bylaw enforcement, how to prevent lost or stolen pets, volunteer opportunities, and pet adoption.

“TAS supports animal wellbeing and public safety through promotion of responsible pet ownership in Toronto’s many communities including Toronto Community Housing,” said Dr. Esther Atard, Director of TAS. “We look forward to supporting existing and future TCHC partnerships and finding ways to help pet owners across the city.”

Spaying and neutering

The City’s SNYP (Spay Neuter Your Pet) Mobile Clinic Program sends a truck to select in-need communities and provides spay and neuter services for dog and cat owners. Residents who demonstrate a household income of less than $50,000 will qualify for subsidized or waived fees. Visit toronto.ca/snyptruck to find out more information on the program or for a list of dates and locations. To book an appointment, call 416-338-6281 or email spayneuter@toronto.ca.

Microchipping

Tenants who are looking to microchip or register their cat or dog can access The Chip Truck. The Chip Truck offers a low-cost mobile chip clinic for dogs and cat owners. The truck provides microchips and pet licences ($25 for cats and $35 for dogs). If your pet has previously been licensed, the chipping is only $10 with proof of licence. For more information about the Chip Truck, visit toronto.ca/chiptruck.

Licensing

The City of Toronto requires that all cats and dogs living in Toronto be licensed and wear a City-issued tag. You can license your pet by visiting toronto.ca/pets, by phone at 3-1-1 or by email at 311@toronto.ca.

Your comment Our solution

Your comment: I’ve noticed some tenants are not putting their dogs on a leash when in common areas, hallways, and outside the building. The owners are also not cleaning up the dog waste. What can I do?

Our solution: If you have a complaint to make about an animal or pet in a building common area, or outside in your community, you can call the City of Toronto at 3-1-1 or email 311@toronto.ca, in compliance with the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 349.

If you own a dog, you should practice responsible dog ownership, both in consideration of your fellow tenants and because it’s the law. All dogs must be kept on a leash in common areas, on TCHC property, and when taking them outdoors. Tenants and guests are responsible for picking up after their dogs at all times.

Dog waste disposal

Please dispose of dog waste responsibly by:

• Using outdoor garbage bins when walking your dog

• Double-bagging dog waste securely before throwing it out

Stay up to date with the latest information for your community

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