COVID-19 isolation and recovery sites evaluation: Lessons learned for systems innovation

The City of Toronto opened COVID-19 Isolation and Recovery Sites (CIRS) in 2020 in response to the need for supported isolation spaces for people experiencing homelessness. As a team of academic researchers and community partners, we assessed how lessons from the CIRS can inform post-pandemic policies for people experiencing homelessness. We focused on identifying models and systems of care for understanding existing services and integration, identifying innovations, and imagining how care can be transformed to be more caring and just.

We conducted 43 key informant interviews with clinicians, peer and harm reduction workers, executive leaders, operational leaders, and people who worked for funding or decision-making organizations. Data were coded and analyzed using deductive content analysis.

The CIRS presented a new service model that moved away from being overly medicalized towards having a community orientation, which involved greater integration of services for people experiencing homelessness, transparent decision-making, and open communication. Key to this approach were clinical case management, harm reduction services, strong support of peer workers, and adequate and consistent funding. Future models will need to address power imbalances and hierarchies through formal agreements and processes as well as establishing collaborative cultures.

The CIRS offer an important opportunity to rethink services offered within shelter settings. Such change will require a strong vision, sufficient funding, political will, and accountability among all stakeholders. The COVID-19 pandemic offers decision makers an opportunity to consider system-level transformation by looking at largely successful elements of the crisis responses.