Apply for funding to help your non-profit organization recover and build capacity, resilience and sustainability.

The Resilient Communities Fund opens its application period from September 27 to October 25, 2023 at 5 PM ET. Non-profit, community-based organizations that deliver programs and services in Ontario and need funding to recover and build capacity, resilience and sustainability can apply for funding. Through this fund, organizations can develop and implement medium to long-term plans that address current organizational challenges they are facing.

Eligible applicants can apply for a grant to develop and implement medium to long-term plans that address current organizational challenges they are facing to recover and build resilience.

Grants support organizations as they: 

• develop new approaches to generate revenue
• start new activities to meet community need
• adjust strategies and plans 
• plan for future challenges 

Applicants are to select up to three project outcomes they want to achieve with their grant and can apply for funding to cover eligible costs needed to carry out the project. 

Application Questions

Familiarize yourself with our application questions to prepare ahead of time.

Application Supports

Starting September 7, 2023, OTF is offering a range of supports for organizations interested in applying for a Resilient Communities Fund grant.

1. Attend a Support Webinar to hear directly from OTF staff on a variety of topics
2. Book a 15-minute one-on-one coaching call to discuss your project with an OTF Program Manager.
3. Contact OTF’s Support Centre for immediate assistance at otf@otf.ca or 1 800 263-2887.

In a proactive effort to address homelessness and promote better health outcomes for vulnerable individuals, the City of London continues to make significant strides in the implementation of Health and Homelessness Hubs. Londoners are now invited to actively engage in shaping and contributing to this vital initiative.

The Health and Homelessness Hubs project, a collaborative effort between various community partners, aims to provide a holistic and inclusive approach to addressing the complex challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. By integrating healthcare services, social support, and housing assistance under one roof, the initiative strives to create a comprehensive support system that addresses both immediate needs and long-term solutions.

Engagement Opportunities: Have Your Say!

The City of London is excited to invite all community members to participate in shaping the future of the Health and Homelessness Hubs. Your input is essential in ensuring that these hubs reflect the unique needs and aspirations of our diverse population.

Various engagement opportunities are available:

1. Community Workshops: Join us for interactive workshops designed to gather insights, ideas, and concerns from a wide range of stakeholders. These workshops will provide an open platform for meaningful discussions and brainstorming sessions.

• Wednesday, August 30, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. South London Community Centre – 1119 Jalna Blvd
• Thursday, August 31, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Medway Community Centre – 119 Sherwood Forest Square
• Tuesday, September 5, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Byron Optimist Community Centre – 1308 Norman Avenue
• Wednesday, September 6, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. East Lions Community Centre – 1731 Churchill Avenue
• Thursday, September 7, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre – 656 Elizabeth Street

2. Online Surveys: Can’t make it to the workshops? Participate in online surveys that allow you to share your opinions conveniently. Your feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the design and operation of the hubs.

Together, We Create Change

The Health and Homelessness Hubs initiative is a testament to the City of London’s commitment to fostering a compassionate and supportive community for all residents. By participating in the engagement process, you play a pivotal role in ensuring that the hubs truly meet the needs of those they are designed to serve.

Your ideas can help shape policies, services, and facilities that contribute to a healthier and more inclusive city for everyone. Join hands with us in building a brighter future.

For more information, please visit the City of London’s official webpage.

Contact:

Media Relations
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: media@london.ca

Let your voice be heard in this transformative initiative! Together, we can make a difference.

This news update is brought to you by the City of London.

A community-based research project conducted in London, Ontario explored the perspectives of individuals living in emergency shelters and housing agencies who use drugs and are precariously housed. The project was initiated due to a significant increase in opioid overdoses and overdose-related deaths among the homeless population in the city. The researchers collaborated with several housing and emergency shelter agencies and conducted sixteen semi-structured interviews with participants to gather their insights on current substance use and overdose-related policies in place and how they impact their lives. Qualitative analysis methods were employed to identify major themes from the interviews. The findings from this project will contribute to the development of local policies concerning shelter substance use and precarious housing, aiming to establish consistent and comprehensive drug policies by incorporating perspectives from participants, volunteers, and staff in London’s housing and emergency shelter agencies.

We are pleased to announce the release of a new book co-edited by CRHESI’s Academic Director, Dr. Nadine Wathen, titled “Implementing Trauma-and Violence-Informed Care: A Handbook.” This groundbreaking book offers invaluable guidance and presents compelling case studies aimed at supporting the implementation of trauma- and violence-informed care (TVIC) practices.

Available now through University of Toronto Press, this comprehensive resource serves as a practical tool for healthcare professionals, educators, and researchers seeking to enhance their understanding and application of TVIC. By emphasizing trauma-informed approaches and addressing the complex impact of violence on individuals and communities, this book provides a roadmap for creating supportive environments that prioritize healing, resilience, and empowerment.

Drawing from extensive research and expertise, “Implementing Trauma and Violence-Informed Care” showcases numerous real-life case studies that illustrate successful TVIC implementation. Many of these cases delve into activities taking place in London, Ontario (#LdnOnt), particularly at Western University (#WesternU) and the Western University Faculty of Health Sciences (#WesternUFHS). These examples highlight the transformative power of TVIC in various contexts, showcasing how organizations and institutions can integrate trauma-informed principles into their policies, practices, and programs.

We invite you to explore this valuable resource to gain insights into TVIC implementation and learn from the experiences of those working to create trauma- and violence-informed systems of care. Together, we can foster environments that prioritize the well-being and healing of individuals affected by trauma and violence.

To access the book and learn more about its content, please visit the University of Toronto Press website https://utorontopress.com/9781487529277/implementing-trauma-and-violence-informed-care/.

Please reach out to Dr. Nadine Wathen if you have any questions – nwathen@uwo.ca

An Opportunity for Inclusion and Healthcare Equity

Experience a festival like no other, where the focus goes beyond music and art. The Stardust Festival is proud to support inclusion for the Indigenous community in Northern Ontario and champion healthcare equity. This year, Stardust Festival aims to explore the potential of space research and leverage emerging technologies to provide remote medical care to our rural areas and their residents.

🌌 Bridging Space Research and Indigenous Communities 🌌

Join Stardust Festival as Stardust Festival bridge the gap between space research and the Indigenous communities of Northern Ontario. By bringing these two realms together, Stardust Festival seeks to foster innovative solutions and promote inclusivity in scientific endeavors. Together, let’s explore how space technologies can enhance access to healthcare in remote regions and improve the well-being of all individuals.

🌍 Storytelling and Health Literacy – Lessons from Indigenous Communities 🌍

Engage in thought-provoking discussions during our panel session on “Storytelling and Health Literacy – Lessons from Indigenous Communities.” Discover the power of storytelling as a means to promote cultural safety, awareness, and health literacy among the First Nations of Northern Ontario. Let us inspire further conversations and encourage research on how this compassionate approach can advance cultural safety within the healthcare system.

📅 Save the Date: Fri, Aug 25, 2023, 6:00 PM – Fri, Sep 1, 2023, 6:00 PM EDT

⏰ Join us at Timmins 396 Theriault Blvd Timmins, ON P4N 5B6

🎟️ Secure Your Spot: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/stardust-festival-2023-tickets-489231644017

Embrace the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future. By attending the Stardust Festival 2023, you become an integral part of our collective journey towards supporting the Indigenous community, promoting cultural safety, and championing healthcare equity.

Stay tuned for more updates and information about the Stardust Festival, which will be released weekly in the summer of 2023. And do not worry, the Klingons will be back!

Together, let’s celebrate music, art, and shared experiences while supporting inclusion, cultural safety, and healthcare equity in Northern Ontario. Stardust Festivale eagerly awaits your presence.

#StardustFestival2023 #InclusionMatters #HealthcareEquity