When I first chatted with @NaheedD I was struck by his compassion. We spent a lot of time figuring out the best way to tell these stories. I told him that I wanted people to understand and hear from clients directly at the heart of the issues

The team was amazing at seeking out clients, asking them if they wanted to participate, and explaining what it would entail. When it came time to do the interviews everyone was engaged, and eager to share their experiences

Yesterday you met Jimmy, today in Part 2 of this series you will meet Alberto. Using proper health precautions, and with the assistance of @NaheedD and @LeeannInspires we were able to speak with him at his home, a place he managed to secure with the help of ODSP.

There are a few things I want everyone to know about Alberto:
1. He has two cats that he loves, they are adorable
2. Even though he & I were relative strangers, he was clear about making sure I felt welcome
3. There was such warmth and love in his voice when he shared his story

Alberto has several health issues, including a type of colon cancer. For him managing the social side of his situation was making it difficult to manage his health. A big focus for the team’s Health Navigator @LeeannInspires, has been to make sure he gets meals

. @LeeannInspires started her job during the pandemic. She is the first person to take on the role of being the Health Navigator for the PEACH program. Her position however is only funded for 1 year through a grant

Over the few days of doing interviews it was amazing to see how how Leeann connected with clients. It was clear they trust her, and that she is a go to person. Several times she took calls from people who needed to chat for various reasons.

Some people had lapsed and started drinking again, others forgot when an appointment was, when we were with Alberto she was checking to see how the meal deliveries had been going. Each question and problem she solved was unique to the client.

To hear more about the the team’s approach, here are some thoughts and insights from @MDTrev and @LeeannInspires: WATCH: https://globalnews.ca/video/7479811/working-alongside-patients-key-to-success-for-peach-program-health-care-workers-say

One big thing that remains a concern for @NaheedD is how COVID-19 case counts are rising, and that winter is not far away. If you are homeless and being told to physically distance, what do you? He says clients are worried about if shelters are safe & what could happen if they go

. @NaheedD says sometimes his patients tell him that they feel more comfortable in their encampments because it’s an environment they can control, and that it’s hard to trust people who are telling them to leave

Part 2 will air tonight on @globalnewsto but if you are eager to hear more, here is a link to today’s article: https://www.google.ca/amp/s/globalnews.ca/news/7478961/coronavirus-toronto-peach-program/amp/