GUEST SPEAKER: Derek Giberson – Back Door Mission.
The Back Door Mission started as a place for drop ins , some living unhoused, some in a tent , some in rooming houses., all asking “where do I turn, where do I go?”. Then COVID-19 hit and everything changed. Clients have high levels of anxiety and aggression and they are in distress.
The church kitchen is a full service kitchen now serving lunches in take out containers.
Recently, the City Council took a tour and things are changing.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become Mission United with CMHA having a nurse practitioner on site. A clinic has been created. There are multiple services under one roof, including a medical doctor. Derek hopes that it will stay as Mission United with these services available after the pandemic has lifted.
Showers are being installed downstairs (for post COVID-19). And there will be laundry facilities. There are lockers on site so that the homeless can store some of their belongings while they search for housing.
Because of the Mission and its services, the street individuals are now clear eyed and coherent.
They now pre-screen every individual due to COVID-19. There is a rest area (which was the chapel) that Durham mental Health uses. The church parlor is now a food service prep area with fridges and freezers. The memorial hall is now a triage area with a nurse and doctor. The doctor is part of Lakeridge Health and also works with the CMHA.
Some Durham College students are also helping. They have a full medical bed and equipment on site.
The Oshawa PUC has installed hi speed WI Fi so that the doctors can relay info to the hospital, via video conference. The AIDS Committee of Durham region also has set up in the Mission.
Derek’s band, the Professors of Funk, play in the church and have had 2 Christmas Concerts last year . The 2 nights had 800 people in attendance an $21,000 was raised last year. Over $72,000 in 7 years. All for the Back Door Mission and the relief of poverty.
They are now open 7 days a week serving lunches (no charge).
During non COVID-19 times, the Back Door Mission hands out meal tickets (costing $1.50) at no charge, for hot meals at St Vincent’s Kitchen. However, the Kictchen is closed at this time.
Currently , the back Door Mission serves 135 to 140 meals per day. They see 15 to 25 health cases a day and 3 to 7 mental health cases per day.
They have a food bank pantry where clients can pick up some essentials .
How can our Rotary Club help: Just as we have already done with a donation and we can also volunteer. Human to human contact is very important for the clients. It does help build community support.
DONATE MONEY
Online: You can make an online donation through: CanadaHelps | |
Donate Food We maintain a pantry and accept non-perishable items. |
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Donate Clothing and Supplies NOTE: We currently can NO LONGER accept donations of used clothing until after the COVID-19 crisis is over.
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The Back Door Mission started 6 years ago, but the congregation at Simcoe Street United, ( the location of the Back Door Mission) started this program in 1997.
For mor info, please take a look at their website and Facebook page. https://www.backdoormission.ca/
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many services closed their doors leaving the people living unsheltered or marginally housed with limited access to supports such as washrooms, showers, food and other resources. In recognition that COVID-19 posed unique and urgent challenges for people in need of help, the Back Door Mission with the support of Simcoe Street United Church opened its available spaces to be used as a collaborative and centralized service operating as Project Mission United.
Mission United, a collaboration with CMHA Durham Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic, Durham Mental Health Services, Region of Durham Health Department, Housing Services Division and Social Services Department (PCOP), Lakeridge Health, AIDS Committee of Durham Region, Carea Community Health Centre, John Howard Society, CDN Protection, and a growing list of community partners provide the following services on Monday-Friday 10am-3pm:
Multi-service navigation and assistance
Medical clinic (Doctor and Nurse Practitioner)
Crisis and mental health supports
Rest centre
Harm reduction and supplies
Withdrawal management
The Back Door Mission continues with its core offerings such as meals, washrooms, clothing and food pantry items and is now open 7 days a week.
The Back Door Mission works to relieve the burdens of poverty and social dislocation within the economically deprived and street population of Oshawa. Originally a drop-in centre, the Back Door Mission has expanded its services during the COVID-19 pandemic and is currently operating Mission United.
Derek was thanked by our Secretary Robbie Larocque.
President Lennis closed meeting at 8: 06 pm.
NEXT MEETINGS:
.Topic: Rotary Club of Oshawa-Parkwood Weekly Meetings
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Jun 23, 2020 07:00 PM
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