DMSMCA opens drop-off window

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/04/2020 (2167 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

At 2 p.m. almost every day, Laurel Dawn Cassels, community programs coordinator for the Daniel McIntyre/St. Matthews Community Association (DMSMCA), helps Winnipeggers in need through the front window of the organization’s office.

The community organization, located at 823 Ellice Ave., will continue to help people through its front window during the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining social distancing. Cassels is assisting residents by offering essentials such as snacks, drinking water, mittens and harm reduction supplies.

Cassels said the need for DMSMCA’s services has only increased.

“We’re literally as busy as ever. When I opened (the front window), I was concerned. With so many people staying home, I was worried that it wasn’t a needed service,” Cassels said.
“In the first week we were open … we had around 80 visitors to the centre. I think, because there’s a reduction of services … people are seeking out whatever is still available pretty enthusiastically.”

Cassels said DMSMCA is a very small operation with only four full-time staff members now. Because there is not enough staff to monitor the building, they only let a certain number of people in at a time.

About a year ago, Cassels was looking for a way to help people without putting any staff in danger. She noticed that the window beside the front door was pretty convenient, so decided to provide services from there.

Since then, DMSMCA has been providing the window service on and off, but now they’ve transitioned to having it open most days.

Along with providing necessities, Cassels and her team are trying to continue their regular services as much as possible. They’re still running the Good Food Bag program, where residents can register, pay into a pool, and get a full bag of produce the next week.

Clients can also access the centre’s income tax clinic by dropping off documents at the window, and Cassels will pass them on to a Canada Revenue Agency volunteer. Employment services are still offered by email, and staff are performing wellness checks for older adults via telephone.

The organization is also helping co-ordinate the Adanac Apartments Fire Relief Fund in partnership with other West End communities.

Cassels said one of their most important services is providing information for people who can’t access the internet.

“I’m most concerned about people who don’t have access to normal avenues for info. Like social media and the internet, in general. Many people don’t have regular access to computers, that’s one of the really important services we provide,” Cassels said. “Just being able to share the current status, what the current restrictions are, and to find out what people are feeling and needing.”

Cassels emphasized that staff are being very careful and practising social distancing. Cassels put a table in front of the window, and is wearing gloves and a mask, to provide distance and keep herself safe.

The centre is also looking for donations to help people during this trying time. Cassels said they’ve been handing out whatever they can, including little bars of motel soap.

Cassels wants to shout out to all community organizations working through the pandemic.

“I know it’s stressful, it’s really stressful. The information changes so frequently … it’s hard to know what to do next,” Cassels said. “Service providers, I see you, I see you working so hard. Everyone is really pulling together to maintain some consistency of service.”

Cassels thanked everyone who’s supported the DMSMCA so far, and encouraged residents to reach out to their local community organizations and see if they need help.

The front window is open from Monday to Friday, 2 to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.dmsmca.ca