Ontario Community Support Program Funded 2.3 Million Deliveries to Over 84,000 Vulnerable People During COVID-19

Emergency funding supported deliveries of meals, groceries, medicines and more to help low income, vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities stay home safely in the pandemic

TORONTO, March, 2023 – The Ontario Community Support Program (OCSP) – which has helped coordinate, subsidize, and expand deliveries of meals, medicines and other necessities to low-income seniors and people with disabilities in need since April 2020 – is coming to a close.

Part of the Ontario government’s emergency pandemic response measures, the OCSP was a $21.8 million project from April 2020 to March 2023. The program was administered by the Ontario Community Support Association, and funded 136 Meals on Wheels and other organizations across Ontario.

Over the course of the pandemic, the OCSP helped over 84,000 vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities stay safe and independent at home – and out of the healthcare system. For these people – many of whom cannot prepare their own food, live alone, lack family or social support, or face food insecurity due to financial barriers – OCSP deliveries were a lifeline.

Over 3 years, OCSP funding helped coordinate and subsidize over 2.3 million deliveries of meals, medicines and other necessities to low-income seniors and people with disabilities in need.

“We’re proud of how our members have stepped up throughout the pandemic to serve their communities with compassion and commitment,” says Deborah Simon, CEO of Ontario Community Support Association, which represents home care services, Meals on Wheels and congregate dining programs, transportation, and other community support services. “With widespread uncertainty, continuing demand , rapidly increasing operational costs, and many community support organizations struggling with volunteer recruitment, it hasn’t been easy to maintain – and enhance – services to keep the most vulnerable people in our communities safe in COVID-19. OCSP funding helped to meeting the demand.”

As Ontario emerges from the pandemic, the government is re-focusing its supports to help those in greatest need by working with partners to redirect them to other services that were in place prior to the pandemic and will continue to offer support going forward.

“People need to know that the pandemic continues to leave its mark,” cautions Simon. “Rapid health declines, rising food costs and other pressures mean that seniors and people with disabilities continue to rely on home and community care to keep living safely and independently at home.”

Local community support organizations are calling on individuals or organizations with time or funds to contribute to their ongoing efforts to support Ontario’s most vulnerable people. Find out more at www.ontariocommunitysupport.ca.

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About OCSA

Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents close to 240 not-for-profit organizations that provide home care and community support services that help seniors and people with disabilities live independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. These compassionate 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 and https://twitter.com/OCSAtweets.

For interviews and information requests please contact:

Karla Sealy – Manager of Communications

Ontario Community Support Association

416-256-3010 ext. 242

Karla.sealy@ocsa.on.ca

More Updates

OCSA releases new policy paper: Transforming Seniors’ Care—A Roadmap for Creating Healthy Ageing Community Hubs in Ontario

By Davina Yawson • June 13, 2025

With Ontario’s senior population expected to nearly double by 2046, the need for coordinated, community-based care has never been more urgent. OCSA’s latest policy paper outlines a practical roadmap for scaling Healthy Ageing Community Hubs—integrated models that deliver health, social, and housing supports to help older adults age safely at home. The paper identifies six key policy recommendations: integrated and flexible funding, expansion of existing models, streamlined regulation, digital health integration, empowered local leadership, and province-wide service mapping. These hubs are already demonstrating improved outcomes—from reduced hospital use to higher client satisfaction—but scaling them requires system-level action. This paper is a call to policymakers, health system leaders, and community organizations to build on what works.

Lori Holloway Appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Community Support Association

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

Celebrating PSW Day 2025

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.