For weeks, we have been stressing one message. #StayHome. It seems a simple instruction for us all to follow. But for those experiencing homelessness, it isn't that simple. As we manage this crisis it is imperative that we start building for our future. https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2020/04/05/we-need-to-stay-home-but-what-if-you-dont-have-one.html

In the face of this pandemic, all levels of government have taken important first steps to address housing needs, putting money in pockets of those who need it, halting evictions and expanding our shelter system. @joe_cressy

In a few short weeks, the City has opened nine new shelter sites to create more room in our system. We have contracted with five hotels to transition folks out of shelters quickly, with five more on the way.

We have established an isolation centre for people waiting for test results and are creating the first stand-alone recovery centre in Canada, for anyone experiencing homelessness who test positive for COVID-19.

These​ are all important and positive steps, but they are not enough and we must find a way to not lose this progress once the pandemic subsides. We need all levels of government to continue working together and redouble our housing and homeless efforts.

We need to make significant changes so that every person experiencing homelessness has the opportunity and support to find a permanent, affordable home. Some of our responses to COVID-19 must become regular practice.

This pandemic has proven that our City cannot be truly resilient without addressing affordable housing and the needs of the most vulnerable. As we work to recover from this pandemic, we must not forget the lessens we have learned from this pandemic and continue working together.