This March, when Shelter participants became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, 54 men signed up out of 70 – reaching 77% of the men!
The ShelterCare approach has eased concerns over the COVID-19 vaccine.
It’s a sign of how effective the ShelterCare model (www.sheltercare.ca) has been in building trust amongst a group that has not always had a good experience with health care. Your support of ShelterCare is making this possible!
“Everyone has become extremely comfortable with the healthcare team on-site and the other agencies,” said Jordan Wettlaufer, Shelter Day Supervisor. “The comfort level of participants coming to them for issues is incredible.”
The cross-team collaboration – involving members of the Inner City Health Alliance and other agencies – meant that a comprehensive team was ready to help when a fire displaced the program.
Shannon McMahon, a counsellor with Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo-Wellington, was ideally placed to help support the men.
“It was so hard for them being out of their city and removed from all of their personal belongings,” said Shannon. “Just being there to listen and build rapport and show that you care means a lot.”
Thanks to your kind support, this cross-agency team is breaking down barriers to get men healthier and housed – together!
