Making connections that matter
FaceTime is a video and audio chatting platform to the millennial age group.
For a segment of the population struggling with isolation due to an assortment of circumstances, face time -- as in the one-on-one and in-person variety -- is integral to their mental health and well-being.
As a not-for-profit organization providing services and supports to help people experiencing barriers to housing stability, mental health and addiction, Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW) has long been attuned to the obstacles and challenges experienced by those who struggle in this regard.
While SHOW provides a variety of support mechanisms, it's those regular one-on-one connections with individuals in need that can truly do wonders in helping build relationships, and by extension, hope.
Putting in regular face time is what can lead to trust that "pays off in dividends," said Leigh-Ann Christian, SHOW's Donor Engagement Coordinator.
It's that notion that led the organization in 2020 to apply for, and receive, $75,000 through the federal Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) to facilitate the hiring of a Health Resources Coordinator.
The fund at Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF), borne out of the COVID-19 pandemic and created in partnership with Community Foundations of Canada and the Government of Canada, was established to help charities and non-profit organizations such as SHOW that serve communities experiencing vulnerability.
Thanks to this fund and subsequent hire, SHOW was able to significantly ramp up its one-on-one connections in the COVID era, which was perhaps more important than ever as residents battled increased loneliness, anxiety and other mental health struggles amplified by pandemic lockdowns.
With the new role of Health Resources Coordinator filled, SHOW went to work intent on making sure the needs of everyone under their roofs were met with the necessary resources throughout what was undoubtedly a tumultuous period. SHOW manages three residences in Waterloo Region -- for individuals dealing with homelessness and mental illness, affordability challenges, and seniors.
The Health Resources Coordinator position (a one-year term based on the funding) allowed for a dedicated role to deal with all things connectivity. This included everything from connecting people in need to computers and technology, and teaching seniors how to use those devices, to providing online resources and physical fitness classes. The project proved particularly vital to seniors and other marginalized residents challenged by trying to track down supports while many organizations providing assistance worked from home due to regulations brought on by the pandemic.
Outdoor activities were organized in the spring and early summer, including walks, yoga and Tai chi, before a round of pandemic lockdowns forced a pivot.
"What we ended up doing was buying supplies and making up gift bags for the tenants, with activities in them," said Christian. "One week it would be colouring books and markers with a treat, the next week it was some activity books like crosswords. We put together some art bags with simple crafts. We did it as a way to ensure our team were visiting with every tenant at least every other day. That was a really great way to ensure that staff members were able to check in."
The new role ushered in new possibilities. Only one of SHOW's three residences are funded by the regional government, Christian said. However, the Health Resources Coordinator was able to work with residents of all three buildings. Meanwhile, additional team members were freed up to focus on other aspects and programming.
Most importantly, many of SHOW's residents benefitted from an extra layer of support and connection, while in many instances trust was either established or strengthened.
"The relationships didn't end with staff when we could start doing things normally again. I think it actually improved the relationships and it made some of the residents more trusting," Christian said. "They saw that we were really looking after them and trying to take care of them during COVID and I think a lot of them really appreciated that. With mental health, it was super scary for some of them. I honestly think that having Fiona (the Health Resources Coordinator), was invaluable as she was really able to strengthen some of the relationships between staff and residents."
“It was so nice to know that I would have a visit every day. Even if it was only a hello and a quick chat, it was something. Sometimes we got treats and sometimes we got activities. I don’t know what I would have done without those visits. I looked forward to them so much, they made me feel less scared.” Deanne -- SHOW resident
SHOW is an impact investment beneficiary of WRCF, which paved the way for SHOW to recently purchase a 24-unit apartment complex providing affordable housing for seniors. The organization also previously applied for, and received, a grant from WRCF for a program called Dinner with Friends -- a monthly event providing an opportunity for those feeling isolated to make new friends in the community.
“The pandemic has hit us all really hard, and we truly believe that had we not had this significant grant from WRCF through the ECSF fund, our residents would have suffered even greater hardship," said SHOW's Executive Director Brian Paul. "Having the ability to fund a staff person to engage and connect with these isolated and lonely residents during the lockdowns has been a truly wonderful thing. We are so thankful to WRCF in helping to support our vulnerable residents, creating a sense of inclusion and belonging during these incredibly challenging times."
"We are so appreciative to those that donate to WRCF and then in turn for WRCF for dispersing those funds. It's a lot of trust and we appreciate that trust," Christian added. "I'm really happy that community members are starting to see the value in donating to places like WRCF. They know our community and they know where the needs in our community are, and they're definitely addressing those gaps and needs.”
“While keeping our residents physically safe during the COVID-19 pandemic was the top priority, funding provided to SHOW through WRCF also allowed SHOW staff to address concerns surrounding residents’ mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing as well," she added. "Without this funding, the SHOW team would have had an extremely difficult time connecting with residents, leaving them even more isolated and alone."
To learn more about SHOW, visit www.showaterloo.org. For more information about the Emergency Community Support Fund, email info@wrcf.ca.
Note: This story was written prior to Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation and Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation unifying to become Waterloo Region Community Foundation. Although the story was created by KWCF, we have updated the organization name to WRCF throughout the story.