Service providers receiving CHPI funding are required to address one or more of three goals outlined by the Ministry:

• To provide a full range of services that aim to prevent, reduce and address homelessness

• To develop seamless support services programming to connect individuals and families to community resources and assist households at risk of or experiencing homelessness to obtain and retain affordable housing that is linked to supports appropriate to their need

• To promote a culture of policy, planning and service delivery that is focused on an outcome-based and people centred approach, while recognizing the complexity of homelessness and issues related to homelessness.

CHPI has four service categories: emergency shelter solutions, housing with related supports, other services and supports (including services to assist in obtaining housing), and homelessness prevention. Emergency shelter solutions includes services and supports that provide relief or protect households who are homeless or are in imminent risk of homelessness. They are expected to operate from a Housing First and people-centred approach.

Windsor Essex County Health Unit COVID-19: Interim Guidance for Shelters

The Windsor Essex County Health Unit issued guidance on the prevention and management of COVID-19 in shelters. Among the guidance were recommendations that:

• All clients be actively screened for COVID-19

• Anyone who fails the screening be isolated

• Clients and staff practice physical distancing as much as possible, including maintaining a distance of two meters from other clients and staff

• Food or personal items not be shared

• Clients and staff be advised to practice good hand hygiene

• That facilities follow regular cleaning and disinfection protocols

• That appropriate personal protective equipment be used, where required.

COVID-19 Social Services Relief Fund

In April 2020, the City of Windsor received $3.7M from the pro vince’s COVID -19 Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF) to help social service providers such as emergency shelters, food banks and supportive housing to deliver critical services, hire additional staff and find ways to promote social distancing and self-isolation. This funding falls under the Community Homelessness and Prevention Initiative (CHPI) program and must follow these guidelines. The funding is for use during the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Reaching Home / Canada’s COVID -19 Economic Response Plan

The City of Windsor also received $1.4M for the 2020-21 fiscal year from the federal government to help reduce and mitigate the impacts of a COVID-19 outbreak among people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. through the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.