Healthy Communities • YMCA Employment Programs
6 resources to help you manage new financial, child care, or employment challenges
22 April 2020 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
There’s so much news coming at us all day, every day, it’s impossible to sift through it all. It certainly doesn’t help calm the stress you’re feeling if COVID-19 has left you trying to manage new financial, child care, or employment challenges. We thought we could make it a little less overwhelming and hopefully easier for you to find useful resources by compiling this list to keep a few key ones together in one place.
1. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
If you have had to stop working because of COVID-19, the CERB could provide you with $500 a week in temporary income support for up to 16 weeks. Learn more about the benefit, if you’re eligible, and how to apply on their website.
2. The Ontario Government’s Support for Families
The new Support for Families initiative offers a one-time payment to parents while Ontario schools and child care centres are closed. Those of you who received Support for Parents payments during the education strike will be automatically eligible for this new payment; you don't have to submit a new application. Other families can complete a simple online application. Get the details and apply here.
3. 211 Ontario
This tool will help you sort through the many programs, services, and supports available to you. 211 Ontario provides information and referrals for community, government, social, and health services, including mental health resources. You can call 211 or 1-877-330-3213; visit their website, or live chat with an information and referral specialist.
4. COVID-19 Support for People
On this webpage, you’ll find information on the financial help available to help you meet basic needs, changes to renting processes, help with electricity bills, and more.
5. Wellness Together Canada
Launched by the government on Canada in response to COVID-19, this online portal provides free mental health services to Canadians who are struggling to cope with the pandemic and its impacts on everyday life. The new platform includes online resources as well as text and phone-in hotlines.
6. YMCA Employment Services
If you’re looking for a job, we can help! YMCA Employment Specialists are working remotely, offering free informative online workshops and one-to-one sessions on everything from resume and cover letter creation, to interview preparation, basic technical literacy skills, networking tips, and much more. Book your FREE appointment today!
These are truly unprecedented times and while the path ahead may not be clear, there’s one thing you can count on: your YMCA! We’re here for you for the long haul, so stay tuned for more resources, tips, and guidance from our experts and don't hesitate to reach out.
1. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
If you have had to stop working because of COVID-19, the CERB could provide you with $500 a week in temporary income support for up to 16 weeks. Learn more about the benefit, if you’re eligible, and how to apply on their website.
2. The Ontario Government’s Support for Families
The new Support for Families initiative offers a one-time payment to parents while Ontario schools and child care centres are closed. Those of you who received Support for Parents payments during the education strike will be automatically eligible for this new payment; you don't have to submit a new application. Other families can complete a simple online application. Get the details and apply here.
3. 211 Ontario
This tool will help you sort through the many programs, services, and supports available to you. 211 Ontario provides information and referrals for community, government, social, and health services, including mental health resources. You can call 211 or 1-877-330-3213; visit their website, or live chat with an information and referral specialist.
4. COVID-19 Support for People
On this webpage, you’ll find information on the financial help available to help you meet basic needs, changes to renting processes, help with electricity bills, and more.
5. Wellness Together Canada
Launched by the government on Canada in response to COVID-19, this online portal provides free mental health services to Canadians who are struggling to cope with the pandemic and its impacts on everyday life. The new platform includes online resources as well as text and phone-in hotlines.
6. YMCA Employment Services
If you’re looking for a job, we can help! YMCA Employment Specialists are working remotely, offering free informative online workshops and one-to-one sessions on everything from resume and cover letter creation, to interview preparation, basic technical literacy skills, networking tips, and much more. Book your FREE appointment today!
These are truly unprecedented times and while the path ahead may not be clear, there’s one thing you can count on: your YMCA! We’re here for you for the long haul, so stay tuned for more resources, tips, and guidance from our experts and don't hesitate to reach out.
