Vulnerable Ontarians Get the Essentials They Need to Stay Safe at Home During COVID-19

For Immediate Release

Government taps Ontario Community Support Association to coordinate $11 million investment to facilitate access to meals, medicines, and more for seniors and others at risk

TORONTO, April 21, 2020 – The Government of Ontario announced today that the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) will be leading an announced $11 million program to coordinate and subsidize deliveries of meals, medicines and other necessities to low-income seniors and people with disabilities in need, such as those who lack family or community connections, or are in supportive housing environments and community-based independent living programs.

OCSA will work with businesses, volunteer organizations and non-profits to make it easier for Ontario's most vulnerable people to receive the meals, medicine, and other essentials they need to stay safe at home. The new program will leverage Caredove’s state-of-the-art referral network, which is already used by 600+ organizations across Ontario to create trusted networks of care partners with secure and easy-to-use tools. It will also support the expansion of Meals on Wheels programs to under-serviced communities.

“Ontario is committed to protecting the health and well-being of seniors and people with disabilities during this time, said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Our partnership with the Ontario Community Support Association will harness the power of the Ontario spirit to ensure food, medicines and other necessities are available to those in need while they stay home.”

“Our members are continuing to serve their communities with compassion and commitment as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds,” 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. “We’re already seeing creative collaborations emerging at the local level to solve local issues. This program will deliver an immediate boost of support and resources into expanding and coordinating the level of care needed to meet the unprecedented demand and keep people well and safe at home.”

More Ontarians need support now than ever. The Ontario Community Support program will roll out leveraging existing services, assisting agencies to onboard new volunteers, and finding additional resources needed to provide enhanced support to vulnerable individuals.

“Home and community care is key to getting Ontario through this crisis,” says Simon. “We’re delighted to be working with the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility to make sure services can continue and expand at this critical time.”

Every year, the home and community support sector provides care to over one million people in their homes or in the community, helping them live independently in safety and comfort. In 2018-19, Meals on Wheels delivered 2,945,119 meals to 49,229 Ontarians.

To identify a local Meals on Wheels provider and request service, eligible seniors and persons with disabilities, their caregivers, neighbours or families should visit www.ontariocommunitysupport.ca.

Those without Internet access, or who require services in languages other than English or French, can dial 211 or 1-877-330-3213 (toll free). TTY service is also available by calling 1-888-340-1001.

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About OCSA

Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) represents close to 230 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:

Janice Bedore - Executive Assistant to Deborah Simon
Ontario Community Support Association
416-256-3010 ext. 231
Janice.bedore@ocsa.on.ca

More Updates

OCSA Welcomes Ontario Budget Investment in Home and Community Care

By Karla Sealy • March 27, 2026

Ontario, March 27, 2026 — The Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) welcomes the Ontario government’s continued investment in home care and community support services as part of the 2026 provincial budget. Building on recent commitments, this investment signals a sustained shift toward strengthening care in the home and community as a central pillar of Ontario’s health system. As demand continues to grow—driven by an aging population, increasing caregiver strain, and sustained pressure across hospitals and long-term care—expanding access to care outside of institutions is critical to improving system flow and long term sustainability. “We are listening closely to what Ontarians are telling us—and so is the government,” said Lori Holloway, CEO of OCSA. “People want to receive care at home and in their communities, surrounded by the people and supports that matter most. This investment reflects that reality and moves us further toward a system designed around where people actually want and need care.” Home care and community support services each play distinct but complementary roles. Home care provides essential clinical and personal care in the home, while community support services focus on prevention, independence, and quality of life through programs such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day programs, and caregiver respite. Together, they form the foundation of a modern, community-based care system that helps people remain at home longer while reducing avoidable hospital use and delaying or preventing long-term care placement. This level of sustained investment has the potential to significantly expand access to care at home, strengthen community capacity, and improve outcomes for individuals and families across the province—while supporting a more balanced and sustainable health system overall. OCSA is committed to working with government and system partners to ensure these investments translate into real improvements in access, stronger community supports, and measurable impact for Ontarians. About OCSA The Ontario Community Support Association represents more than 200 not-for-profit organizations providing home care and community support services across the province. OCSA members deliver essential services that help people live independently, age at home, and reduce pressure on hospitals and long-term care. 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

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By Karla Sealy • March 2, 2026

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By Davina Yawson • February 13, 2026

Ontario relies on community health workers every day to treat illness, support mental health, provide care at home, help people live independently, and keep families well, and in many cases, they provide this care 24/7. They care for people of all ages and backgrounds, often with highly complex needs, and they are essential to achieving a sustainable and high performing healthcare system. Closing the wage gap is not simply about fairness; it is about protecting access to care, reducing system pressure, and ensuring Ontario ’ s healthcare investments deliver maximum impact. The ten provincial community health associations are committed to working collaboratively with the government to build a stable, sustainable community health workforce, which supports a stable and sustainable healthcare system, a goal we all share.