Latest Updates Regarding COVID-19
*updated 12/10/20*
*updated 12/10/20*
A couple weeks ago, we asked you to share your opinions regarding COVID-19 and re-opening, in a church-wide survey. So many of you responded and we are thankful for your input!
You can read more about the learnings and resulting decisions stemming from those surveys in this communique from Jeff.
To comply with new regulations from Public Health, our friends from the Caribbean on certain farms will need to section-off their sleeping areas, which will in turn limit air flow and make the dorms extremely hot. In an effort to help increase the comfort for these workers, we are seeking donations of fans. Ideally these would be desk-sized (or similar), in order to make them practical for these small sleeping areas.
If you can help out with this need, please contact Nate Dirks at ndirks@southridgechurch.ca.
Click here for the latest update from Jeff, following the provincial updates regarding church re-openings.
First, we want to express a huge “THANK YOU” for the support we’ve already received through your kind donations to our shelter community. We are truly inspired by the outpouring of love and generosity.
Second, we’re excited to share that we’re scaling up our outreach services. As of April 1st, we’ve received approval and funding from the Niagara Region to begin an Assertive Outreach Team. This team, made up of seasoned shelter staff, will go directly into the community to provide care and services to those who currently find themselves sleeping on the streets. Beyond trying to secure housing or shelter for those this team will serve, we’re hoping to provide much needed practical supplies as well.
This is where you come in!
We have been blown away by the support you’ve given our shelter community during this time, but are also asking for help with these practical supply and outreach needs. Here are two lists with the updated and current needs for both programs
Thanks in advance for considering what you can contribute!
While our programs are geared towards ending cycles of poverty by providing community and cooking training, the risks of getting numerous people together in one place, even in a ‘takeaway’ format are too great at the moment. Since local food banks are adequately supplied, in conjunction with our partners the wisest course of action has been to temporarily suspend the current forms of both Harvest and Collective Kitchen programs at Southridge until Public Health loosens social distancing restrictions.
As a community we’re operating in a modified format to both socially support our Harvest and Collective Kitchen guests, as well as continue to provide necessary meal supports, while responsibly honouring the best Public Health-instructed practices.
So, how can you be a part of this?:
So many of you have reached out to inquire about specific ways you can support the Shelter at this time – and we are so thankful for that.
Due to some increased demands in this season, here is a list of some of our most urgently felt practical needs. If you see anything here you could help with, please feel free to stop by the Shelter at 201 Glenridge Ave (we have a donation bin set up outside to ensure proper distancing protocols).
If you’re able to give financially, please visit here. Your continued generosity will ensure that we can continue supporting those who are feeling the effects of our current pandemic crisis in very significant ways.
As we strive to keep you updated, and in a spirit of being a proactive community that is seeking to love others by prioritizing the health and safety of all, especially the vulnerable and all our front-line workers, we are strongly encouraging as much self-isolation and social distancing as possible, avoiding all non-essential or emergency-related contact with people outside of your household.
To that end, we are asking that all Southridge-related groups refrain from meeting together in physical spaces and instead continue to work toward digital forms of connection like group texts and video-based chats. Thanks for working together for the well-being of all.
Hey Everyone,
As we find ourselves in a season that’s rapidly changing, we want to take every opportunity to be the church and leverage the life and power of Jesus in this unusual time. Here’s a brief summary of our ministry’s approach and challenges in the coming weeks:
As always, we’d love to hear from you about how we can better be the church in a season where people need Jesus more than ever. Feel free to share ideas with us here (jmartens@southridgechurch.ca). And look back here for ongoing updates on ministry needs and initiatives in this unprecedented season. We love you and love being the church together with you!
There’s a lot going on right now. Updates are changing rapidly (including from us) and needs are growing daily. In the midst of it all, we want to be a community that cares for and meets each other’s needs as they arise.
If you’re in a Life Group, let’s work together to be aware of and support each other’s needs in this time.
Beyond our groups though, if you have a need or would like to help meet someone else’s need, please click below, complete the form, and our staff will be in touch to connect people with needs to people who can help.
To lend additional financial assistance to the work of the Southridge Shelter as we respond to increased needs in this time of emergency and crisis, we invite you to consider donating by clicking here:
How can you support Caribbean Workers this summer?
COVID Guidelines upon the arrival of Caribbean Workers:
Despite some back and forth news, thankfully the Government of Canada announced they WILL be opening the border for seasonal agricultural workers! The government stated that “allowing foreign workers to enter Canada recognizes their vital importance to the Canadian economy, including food security for Canadians and the success of Canadian food producers.”
Practically speaking, they will be quarantined when they come for 14 days, and social distancing will likely still be in effect after that time. We will need to figure out the best ways to support them and their farmers through this. For those with existing relationships, please stay in touch with both workers and farmers to let them know we’re here to support them.
Contact Nate Dirks for more ways to assist with Welcome Kits and migrant worker support in the coming weeks and months.
For the latest Shelter updates, including a ways that you can help & donations that are needed, please read more here.
*All Shelter volunteer shifts have been suspended at this time.*
Read more here.
Starting at 10am and are available here.
Should you have any questions or need unique assistance at this time, please contact our Connection Pastor, Jeff Martens.
For the latest updates and recommendations: