Action needed now - new campaign highlights crisis in home and community support sector


Ontario Community Support Association launches a campaign clearly outlining sector struggle to continue supporting vulnerable Ontarians


TORONTO, March 9, 2022 - Following the recent release of its member survey results, which convey the bleak state of Ontario's home and community support services sector, the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) has launched a campaign to raise awareness of a sector in crisis.


After releasing data from their 2021 member survey that conveys staff vacancy rates have nearly tripled from 2020 to 2021, OCSA is now outlining the dire staffing impacts, significant wage disparity and a system in desperate need of funding in shareable infographics as part of its awareness campaign.


OCSA is a member organization representing more than 220 agencies across Ontario that together support more than one million Ontarians in home and community care services. The sector cares for diverse clients of all ages across the province, with a range of care needs including vulnerable clients on dialysis and home ventilators. Services include nursing care, personal care, rehabilitation, adult day programs, supportive housing/assisted living programs, Meals on Wheels, transportation, transitional care and much more.


"We are now seeing Ontarians unable to access care due to extreme staffing shortages," says Deborah Simon, OCSA CEO. "We desperately need funding and a comprehensive strategy that includes wage parity across the health care sector."


OCSA is calling on Ontarians to visit their website to learn more and to take action. This includes sharing infographics on social media to raise awareness, writing letters to MPPs, reading client stories to learn more about home and community care and sharing personal home and community care support stories to help put a face on the diverse people in need of these services.


OCSA member organizations rely on government support and fundraising. The growing staff shortages are leading to longer waitlists and at the current trajectory, will lead to the cancellation of programs or services. This will mean increased caregiver burden as well as added pressures on long-term care and hospitals across Ontario.


"We are committed to shining a bright light on a desperate situation that needs action now," adds Simon. "These issues must be urgently addressed if we expect to have a health care safety net that keeps vulnerable Ontarians safe at home and in the community."



About OCSA

Celebrating our 30th anniversary, the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents over 220 not-for-profit organizations that provide home care and community support services to over one million Ontarians. Our members help seniors and people with disabilities live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. These proactive and cost-effective services improve quality of life and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. They are the key to a sustainable health care system for Ontario. For more information, visit www.ocsa.on.ca or @OCSATweets.


For further information: Media Contact: Janice Bedore, Executive Assistant, Janice.bedore@ocsa.on.ca, 1-800-267-6272 ext. 224

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More Updates

By Karla Sealy May 30, 2025
TORONTO, May 30, 2025 - The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lori Holloway as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 30, 2025. A recognized leader in Ontario's health and community care sectors, Holloway brings over 20 years of experience driving system change, championing equitable access to care, and strengthening community-based services. Her appointment marks a full-circle moment—returning to OCSA after previously serving as Chief of Operations over a decade ago. Holloway's extensive leadership portfolio includes roles as CEO of Bellwoods Centres for Community Living, National Director of Health and Wellness at the Canadian Red Cross, and Interim CEO of CANES Community Care. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and proven ability to lead organizations through complexity while keeping people and purpose at the centre. "Lori is a values-driven leader with deep roots in our sector," says Steve Sherrer, Chair of the OCSA Board of Directors. "At a time when demand for home and community care is growing and the policy landscape is shifting, her strategic insight and operational expertise will be invaluable in advancing OCSA's mission. We're thrilled to welcome her back to the sector and this exciting role with the organization." Holloway takes over from outgoing CEO, Deborah Simon. "We extend our deepest gratitude to Deborah for her tireless dedication and lasting contributions," says Sherrer. "Thanks to her leadership, OCSA is well positioned to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead." This leadership transition comes at an important time as OCSA calls for more support for the sector through its Everyone Needs Home and Community Care campaign. Through the campaign, all Ontarians are encouraged to visit www.everyoneneedscare.ca to learn more and to connect to their MPPs for better funding, visibility, and support for home and community care. About OCSA The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) champions a strong, sustainable home and community care sector in Ontario. The association represents over 220 not-for-profit organizations deliver high-quality services that help seniors, people with disabilities, and those with complex care needs remain independent in their homes and communities. These proactive and cost-effective services prevent unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits and premature institutionalization. For more information visit www.ocsa.on.ca or @OCSATweets For media inquiries please contact: Karla Sealy (she/her) Manager of Communications 416-256-3010/1-800-267-6272, ext 242 karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca
By Karla Sealy May 21, 2025
Toronto, ON — Today, on Personal Support Worker (PSW) Day , the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) proudly joins communities across the province in recognizing the extraordinary contributions of Personal Support Workers. PSWs are the backbone of Ontario’s home and community care system, providing essential support that enables people to live safely and independently at home. Each year on May 19th, PSW Day is an opportunity to show our deep appreciation for the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of these vital frontline workers. Whether helping seniors with daily tasks, supporting people with disabilities, or providing companionship to those facing isolation, PSWs deliver the care that’s needed—and the care that’s wanted—every single day. As Ontario faces a growing demand for home and community care, the role of PSWs has never been more important. OCSA continues to advocate for investments that will strengthen the PSW workforce, and this is part of the Everyone Needs Home and Community Care advocacy campaign. OCSA encourages all Ontarians to take a moment today to thank a PSW in their life. You can also visit www.everyoneneedscare.ca to learn more about how to support the people who provide essential care in your community. Happy PSW Day—and thank you to all the Personal Support Workers who make a difference every day.
We sent an email because everyone needs home and community care.
By Karla Sealy April 30, 2025
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