Need help and don’t know who to call? Here’s a list of Hamilton services to get you through the pandemic
With all the changes during the pandemic, it's hard to know where to find help.
People really don't know where to access information about community services and recreational opportunities," said Margaret Denton, co-chair of Hamilton Council on Aging's education and advocacy committee.
That can leave Hamiltonians, especially seniors stuck at home, unsure of where they can turn.
Isolation is very difficult, and seniors are really good at hiding their challenges," said Josey Kitson, assistant executive director of Wesley Urban Ministries, a social service agency serving Hamilton, Halton and Brantford. Wesley focuses on vulnerable people including youth, people experiencing homelessness, newcomers and seniors.
The best referral sources are coming from people who've gotten to know them and who have a better understanding of the challenges that they're facing and what they're going through especially during COVID," Kitson added.
Kitson encourages people to reach out to those they know.
If you see someone in your community and you think they're struggling, make sure you ask what they need because there are services out there that you can connect them to," Kitson said.
Whether it's groceries, transportation or supports for mental health, here's a list of services available.
COVID-19 Information
Only visit a COVID-19 assessment centre if you have been referred by a health-care professional.
COVID-19 Hotline
If you think you have COVID-19, phone 905-546-2424, ext. 7970
City of Hamilton: Public Health
www.hamilton.ca/coronavirus/media-room
905-974-9848
Public Health Agency of Canada
Hamilton Spectator
Free digital access to essential local coronavirus articles at www.thespec.com/news/canada/coronavirus.html
For unlimited access to all articles, subscribe at www.thespec.com/subscribe or 905-522-7732.
Cable 14
TV: Channel 14 (cable subscribers)
Web (Livestream): http://www.cable14.com (*now available free of charge)
Safety
Seniors' Safety Line (24-hour Elder Abuse Prevention)
1-866-299-1011
Seniors Support Police (Non-Emergency)
905-540-5300
Catholic Family Services of Hamilton Seniors at Risk Program
Counselling, case management (virtual services by phone/online): cfshw.com, 905-527-3823
General Information
211 Ontario
Speak to a live agent about where to go for help. Available 24-7 in more than 150 languages.
Dial 211, search online or chat at 211ontario.ca or contact info@incommunities.ca
City of Hamilton Infoline
905-546-2489
Hamilton Red Book
Information provided by Hamilton Public Library about social services and community resources in Hamilton
Wesley
An organization offering support, information, and case management to vulnerable people in Hamilton, Halton and Brantford.
905-528-5629, ext. 306 or 284
Community Resources for Older Adults
Visit www.hamilton.ca/seniors or www.seniorshamilton.ca
Essential Items
St. Matthew's House Seniors First Response Team
For support and essential item deliveries for vulnerable people, including seniors experiencing hunger, homelessness and income insecurity during the pandemic.
To make a referral, call 905-523-5546, ext. 240. To make a donation, visit stmatthewshouse.ca or call 905-523-5546, ext. 230
Ancaster Community Services - Shopping 4 Seniors
An essential item delivery service for Ancaster residents 55-plus who have limited help at home. Clients must spend $25 to $200 after taxes in addition to a $10 service fee. Fees may be adjusted for low-income clients. Call 905-648-6675.
Hamilton Food Share (Emergency Food)
905-664-9065
Healthcare
Telehealth Ontario: Call 1-866-797-0000 to speak with a nurse about your health-care questions (available 24-7)
Primary Care: Call your family doctors for information on in-person or virtual appointments.
Pharmacies: Phone your pharmacist for information on delivery for prescriptions.
Home and Community Care (HNHB LHIN): Home care and other LHIN services are considered essential. Contact your care co-ordinator for questions.
Social Connection
Seniors' Centre Without Walls
Free recreational group activities over the phone offered by the City of Hamilton. Workshops, games, fitness classes, and other activities are available.
To register, phone 905-973-0891 or email scww@hamilton.ca. To see the activity schedule, visit www.hamilton.ca/recreation/seniors-centre-without-walls.
Chatting to Wellness
Daily chatting sessions over the phone for Canadians 50-plus.
To sign up, call 437-702-2025 or visit www.chattingtowellness.ca
Dundas Community Services - Friendly Calling Program
Seniors and people with disabilities receive weekly calls for 15 to 30 minutes for companionship.
To register, call 905-627-5461 or visit www.dundascommunityservices.on.ca/friendly-calling
Hamilton Public Library - Online/Call in programming for seniors
Phone: 905-546-3200
Mac-Waterloo-Niagara Student Senior Isolation Prevention Partnership
Weekly phone calls from health-care professional students who provide isolated seniors comfort and education about COVID-19. Older adults in Hamilton, Waterloo or Niagara can be referred to the program through a health-care provider or community organization. Interested seniors can ask their health care provider to refer them at MacSeniorIsolationPrevention@gmail.com
Hamilton Council on Aging's Do You Know Your Neighbour?' Facebook group (all ages)
Wesley
Phone: 905-528-5629, ext. 306 or 284
Email: seniors.services@wesley.ca
Technology
Cyber Seniors
Online sessions to teach seniors how to use technology.
Call toll-free at 844-217-3057 or visit cyberseniors.org
Grocery
Some stores have designated shopping hours for seniors. Others offer online shopping, and pickup and delivery services. Contact a specific store for more information.
Banyan Community Services - Grocer-Ease Shopping & Delivery Program
For eligible seniors and adults with disabilities in Hamilton.
Banyancommunityservices.org, 905-545-1175
Instacart: Delivery and pickup service from various shops, including Walmart, Fortinos, M&M Food Market, Staples, Shoppers Drug Mart. Visit instacart.ca
Metro: Metro.ca
Longo's: Grocerygateway.ca
Walmart: Walmart.ca
Fortinos: Fortinos.ca
DRY GOODS: Shop online for home delivery
Amazon: amazon.ca
Costco: Costco.ca
Wesley
Currently accepting referrals for their holiday hamper program, where clients can receive customized items based on their age and interest.
Phone: 905-528-5629, ext. 306 or 284
Email: seniors.services@wesley.ca
Transportation
It is recommended that residents limit trips to essential outings.
DARTS: A shared-ride service in Hamilton that goes from stop to stop for people using wheelchairs, scooters and for CNIB cardholders. Apply at Hamilton.ca. A health-care professional will be required to complete parts of the form. Once registered, call 905-529-1717 or visit DartsTransit.com/webbooking to book. Reservations must be made at least one hour in an advance, up to a maximum five days. Minivans and regular-sized cars are available.
Taxi Scrip: A discount taxi-fare program for Hamilton residents who can't use public transit. Registered members can buy coupon books to receive a 40 per cent discount with local taxi companies. To apply, complete the form at Hamilton.ca.
Hamilton Street Railway: All buses in Hamilton have ramps for curb-level entry and exit, and can accommodate wheelchairs and scooters within the standard size.
Trans-Cab: A shared-ride taxi service between the HSR and Blue Line Taxi. The service is offered to all passengers in parts of Glanbrook and Stoney Creek not currently served by buses. If you are in the service zone, call Blue Line Taxi 905-525-2583 (525-BLUE) and request a Trans-Cab pickup. Visit www.hamilton.ca for more information
Housing
St. Matthew's House Housing Outreach Preventing Eviction of Seniors Program (HOPES)
stmatthewshouse.ca or call 905-523-5546
Housing Help Centre
www.housinghelpcentre.ca, 905- 526-8100
Services, appointments by phone or email
Wesley
905-528-5629, ext. 306 or 284
Hamilton Shelter Health Network
905-526-7137
Maria Iqbal's reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report on stories focused on aging issues. Reach her via email: miqbal@thespec.com