The Town of Aurora has restarted a pandemic-era task force focused on helping vulnerable people connect with support services.
The Aurora Cares Community Action Team initially launched in April 2020 to help the homeless, disabled, seniors and those relying on food banks.
The group paused its work as the pandemic subsided but Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas called on staff to restart the committee, which held its first meeting on Monday, May 13.
“The reality is that there continue to be many residents in Aurora who aren’t aware of or can’t access important supports and services,” Mrakas said in a statement. “That’s why we’re bringing back the action team, made up of community members from a wide range of backgrounds, who can identify needs among vulnerable groups, and who also have the time and resources to connect their fellow residents with help they may need.”
As well as the mayor, the team members include: Wendy Browne, president of the Aurora Rotary Club; York Regional Police Supt. Russ Bellman; Sandra Humfryes, former Aurora town councillor; Rosalyn Gonsalves, former general manager of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce; Doug Steele, chair of Welcoming Arms; Capt. Fred Reid, lead pastor of the Northridge Community Church, Salvation Army; Angela Covert, community relations representative, Northridge Community Church, Salvation Army; and Aurora residents Marco Di Girolamo and Alexandra Bonham.
Early projects included partnering with the Rotary Club to purchase 10 iPads for seniors living in long-term care.
They also hosted a Christmas dinner and compiled a resource guide to give people more information on available support services.
The action team discussed revising the resource guide it developed during COVID-19 to include updated information and links and include housing support.
The team plans to meet once per month.
In need of help? Contact: Access Aurora at 905-727-1375 or email [email protected].
Or call the Community and Social Services Help Line at 211.
Or reach out to the Neighbourhood Network via email at [email protected].
