Guest speaker Joyce Zuk, Executive Director of Windsor Essex Family Services, outlined the current situation re the homeless in Windsor since COVID-19.
The agency is especially concerned with the lack of affordable housing and the need for social distancing. Joyce stated that, “Housing is the front-line defence against COVID-19.” The homeless are more at risk of COVID-17 and although they are more isolated and are less likely to get the virus, their health issues are more severe so there is a higher chance that they will die if they do contract the virus. The City of Windsor has provided Porta-Johns with washing facilities and has opened a day program at Windsor Water World. Isolation shelters have been set up at I-Check-In Motel on Howard Ave. where residents are required to remain in their rooms during the isolation period. Outreach workers from the Family Services can be seen on the city streets and are identified by the masks, shields and gloves they are wearing. A question and answer period followed Joyce’s presentation.