Help & Support during COVID-19
This is a list of programs and services to help during COVID-19.
We do our best to keep this list up to date. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your local CDS office:
** For emergency service, please dial 911 or go to your local emergency services centre**
Disclaimer: This list does not cover all available services and supports. Inclusion on the list does not imply endorsement. Resource list compiled by CDS. 2020-2021.
211.ca
Find the service you need on the website, or call 2-1-1: https://pe.211.ca/
Services specific to COVID-19: https://pe.211.ca/categories/category-49602
Volunteer Services - Islanders Helping Islanders
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/covid19
COVID-19 Alert Level System – PEI
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, visit a drop-in testing clinic, or call 811. No referral necessary.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-and-wellness/covid-19-testing-pei
Mask Wearing
Federal Government Support for Individuals
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
- Employment Insurance (EI) program
- Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
After CERB - Transitioning to new benefits:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application/transition.html
Federal Government Programs (a brief summary)
Project Fast Track
This program connects job seekers who have an intellectual disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with local businesses who have anticipated hiring needs. Fast Track gives participants an opportunity to build key skills needed for in-demand jobs, with specific training on new or expanded health and safety protocols related to COVID-19.
https://mailchi.mp/2dacfbc8b9f8/introducing-project-fast-track?e=7b629a01b1
CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES - Resumes, Job Search, Career Counselling & Career Planning
Please call or email to find out how we can help! www.cdspei.ca
O’Leary westprince@cdspei.ca | 902-859-2776
Summerside sside@cdspei.ca | 902-436-0706
Charlottetown chtown@cdspei.ca | 902-626-2014
Montague montague@cdspei.ca | 902-838-5453
Souris souris@cdspei.ca | 902-687-1526
For more services and supports specific to your situation, visit 211.ca.
Work Sharing:
- During a Work-Sharing agreement, available work is redistributed through a voluntary reduction in hours worked by all employees within one or more work units. This enables the employer to retain a full work force on a reduced work week rather than laying off part of the work force.
- EI Work-Share is another option: employers can reduce hours while employees receive EI benefits. This requires an agreement between the employer, a group of at least 2 employees and Service Canada.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES - Career Counselling, Career Planning & Resume Development
Please call or email to find out how we can help! www.cdspei.ca
O’Leary westprince@cdspei.ca | 902-859-2776
Summerside sside@cdspei.ca | 902-436-0706
Charlottetown chtown@cdspei.ca | 902-626-2014
Montague montague@cdspei.ca | 902-838-5453
Souris souris@cdspei.ca | 902-687-1526
For more services and supports specific to your situation, visit 211.ca.
Listing of PEI mental health supports (Government of Prince Edward Island)
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/mental-health-supports
Family Service PEI is offering group sessions to support Islanders experiencing a high level of anxiety due to COVID-19
BounceBack is a free program from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry.
https://bounceback.cmha.ca/welcome/
Bridge The Gapp is an online resource designed to support mental wellness - there is a program for Youth and a program for Adults
Canadian Mental Health Association
https://www.peicmhainfohub.com/mental-health-supports
PEI Addiction Services, with information on COVID-19 Call-In Clinics
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/health-pei/addiction-services
Red Cross Friendly Calls Program - If you or a loved one are feeling isolated or lonely due to COVID-19, contact the Red Cross at 1-833-729-0144, Mon to Fri from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
https://www.redcross.ca/in-your-community/prince-edward-island
Supporting Children and Youth During COVID-19 - A Parent and Caregiver’s Guide: In the midst of a pandemic, many parents and caregivers are faced with questions regarding how best to support their child or youth. The following guidelines are designed to assist parents/caregivers in knowing how best to respond:
Physical Activity and COVID-19 FAQs
Physical Health – GoPEI!
Whether you are looking for children’s programs, all ages, or older adult programs, our community partners have something for you. To help you find a program near you, find your region and then find what peaks your interest!
https://www.gopei.ca/programs/
Social Programs
Call 2-1-1 to connect with social, government and non-urgent health services quickly and easily.
- always available - 24/7 for service
- free and confidential; available in more than 100 languages
Family Violence Prevention & Support
Seniors
For seniors questions, call 1-866-770-0588 or email seniors@gov.pe.ca
Social Assistance and Accessibility Supports
Call 1-877-569-0546
Farmers, Farm Families and Farm Workers
Call the Farmer Assistance Program at 1-800-736-8006 (toll-free)
Island Helpline
Call 1-800-218-2885 (toll-free)
Kids Help Phone
Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free)
Public Schools Branch: School counselors and psychologists are available.
Call 902-368-5155 or email supportforfamilies@edu.pe.ca
Atlantic Canada’s economic recovery from COVID-19: PEI outlook
https://employmentjourney.com/atlantic-canadas-economic-recovery-from-covid-19/
For more services and supports specific to your situation, visit 211.ca.
Temporary Shelter Support for PEI
Please call 1-833-220-4722 or visit this link:
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/publications/helping_tree.pdf
Housing Assistance
Housing Assistance provides low-income Islanders with appropriate housing at a reduced cost. The program is needs-based with priority given to those assessed to be in the greatest need.
Family Housing Program: The Family Housing Program provides quality rental housing units for Island families and individuals with low incomes, poor housing conditions or other special circumstances that create a need for assistance and who may not otherwise be able to obtain adequate housing.
Seniors Housing Program: Are you a senior who has trouble affording your current cost of living? Many seniors find that their housing needs change over time. You are eligible to apply if you are: Aged 60 and older, or 55 and older and have a disability.
For more information on housing assistance programs, please contact Housing Services at the location closest to you:
| Toll Free | 1-877-368-5770 |
| Charlottetown | (902) 368-5770 |
| Summerside | (902) 888-8436 |
| Montague | (902) 838-0796 |
| Souris | (902) 687-7098 |
To contact Housing Services by e-mail, please write to: housing@gov.pe.ca.
Seniors Independence Initiative
The Seniors Independence Initiative provides financial assistance for practical services making it easier for seniors to remain in their own homes and communities.
Help is available for services such as light housing keeping, meal preparation, or snow removal and complements supports provided to seniors by Home Care or family members for daily unmet needs. Applicants must be 65 years of age or older. Download the application or pick up a paper copy at any Access PEI Office.
For information or for assistance to complete the application, call toll-free:1-877-569-0546.
Low-Income Seniors through Telus
Provides seniors receiving the GIS with a free refurbished cell phone (or they can use their own device), 3GB of data and unlimited Canada-wide talk/text for $25/month.
** For additional information on food & housing options, please use 211.ca
PRINCE COUNTY:
Caring Cupboard- 4 locations
Tyne Valley, Alberton & Bloomfield - Thursdays 10-12.
Tignish - Tues 4-5pm.
Call them as needed at (902) 882-2559.
Kensington Lions Club Food Bank
Kensington Area. By appointment only.
Please call (902) 836-5060 and leave a message and they will call you back the same day.
Salvation Army Church, Food Bank & Soup Kitchen: 374 Pope Road in Summerside.
Contact: (902) 436-6044
Food Bank:
We provide food hampers for individuals and families in need. A simple registration process is accomplished upon first visit. The Salvation Army Food Bank Days are:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:30-2:30 pm.
Soup Kitchen:
The Soup Kitchen provides meals: Monday to Friday from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
QUEENS COUNTY:
South Shore Food Share - Crapaud Area
By appointment only. Please message them through Facebook @southshorefoodshare
4 Love 4 Care
Offering take out meals the 3rd Sunday of each month. They ask you to please email or phone ahead so they can reserve a plate for you.
4love4care@gmail.com or call 902-393-1993.
Harvest House Prince Edward Island
Free hot meals Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10-2 and Thursdays between 6-7 pm. They also offer red wagon street delivery on Fridays...they will be in town between 12 to 1 pm by request or if they find you!
243 University Ave in Charlottetown. Please call 902-894-5350.
Upper Room Soup Kitchen
101 Richmond St., Charlottetown
Lunch everyday at 11am. Supper Mon-Fri at 4pm.
St. Francis of Assisi - Cornwall
Call 902-566-3876 and leave a message. Someone will respond to arrange a time for food pick up. Service is confidential and available to all in need in the Cornwall area.
St Francis of Assisi, Cornwall (if you click this link it will take you to their Facebook page)
Gifts From The Heart Inc.
Food Hampers are available Monday-Friday. They are open 10-4 so lots of opportunity to get in and get one. Please call 902-628-6871. Location is 58 Spring Lane, Charlottetown. You will need to provide proof of income (less than $30,000 to receive hampers).
The Salvation Army - Charlottetown
Regular Food Hampers: Tues and Thurs 9:30-11:00 am
158 Fitzroy Street, Charlottetown or find them on Facebook by clicking this link: The Salvation Army in Charlottetown
Upper Room Food Bank
Regular Food Hampers: Mon, Wed, Fri from 9-11am.
33 Belmont St., Charlottetown. Call 902-892-7092.
Cornwall Food Bank Pick Up – The Upper Room Hospitality Ministry Inc.
Thursdays between 10-10:15 at Lion's Club on Cornwall Rd (Curling Club building).
Please call Upper Room Food Bank by Wednesday to order your box (902) 892-7092.
First Baptist Charlottetown - Food Bank
Mondays 9-10am at Fitzroy St entrance.
KINGS COUNTY:
Southern Kings & Queens -Montague Food Bank
Thurs 9-11:30am. Find them on Facebook by clicking this link: Montague Food Bank
Contact: (902) 838-3191.
Souris Food Bank
Saturdays 11-12:30pm.
Contact: (902) 687-2996.
** For additional information on food & housing options, please use 211.ca
Financial Relief Navigator
https://financialreliefnav.prospercanada.org/en/benefits-you-can-get
- Complete the quick checklist & this Canadian website will provide a list of federal, provincial and local PEI resources to help meet your needs.
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/covid-19-managing-financial-health.html
- Tools and Support to Manage your Financial Health in Challenging Times
Canada Mortgage & Housing
- If you are unable to make your mortgage payment due to the impact of COVID-19, here is advice from Canada Mortgage & Housing.
Taxes (Claiming Work from Home during COVID-19)
For more services and supports specific to your situation, visit 211.ca.
Canada Student Loans
Students facing financial challenges from COVID-19 can learn about changes to the grants and loans program.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/notice-covid-19.html
Jobs for Youth
Offers wage support for employers to create employment opportunities for PEI students.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/2021-jobs-youth-program
Work and Study Hubs Pilot Program
Offers individuals a free wireless connection to work and study.
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/work-and-study-hubs-pilot-program
Financial Relief Navigator
https://financialreliefnav.prospercanada.org/en/benefits-you-can-get
- Complete the quick checklist & this Canadian website will provide a list of federal, provincial and local PEI resources to help meet your needs.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
For employers with a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) - Canada.ca
Mental Health Resources for Employers/Employees
https://www.peicmhainfohub.com/resources-for-employers
The COVID-19 Local Advertising Fund
Support for Prince Edward Island businesses that provide goods or services to Prince Edward Island consumers, through a non-repayable contribution toward the cost of advertising to the Prince Edward Island market. COVID-19 Local Advertising Fund
Online applications can be submitted until February 28, 2021, subject to budget availability.
Print Resources for Employers (templates & signs etc.)
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR EMPLOYEES
COVID-19 Operational Plan Template
Please respect social distancing and limit to _____ person(s) in the washroom at a time.
Please respect physical distancing while using the stairways.
Please use the cleaning supplies provided to wipe down high touch areas after use.
FACE MASK REQUIRED M ASQUE REQUIS
Restaurants Canada COVID-19 Reopening Best Practices & Rapid Recovery Guide
Restaurants Canada COVID-19 Reopening Best Practices
Prince Edward Island COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Guide
PEI Business Helpline
Share your concerns by calling 1-866-222-1751 or emailing peibusinesshelpline@gov.pe.ca
COVID-19 Business Adaptation Advice program
Provides a non-repayable contribution to Prince Edward Island businesses, entrepreneurs, not-for-profits, and non-governmental organizations to access professional advice and
support to adapt or recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Business Adaptation Advice Program
Employers: Frequently Asked Questions
Employers: COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
The PEI Virtual Adviser Program
Provides FREE support to help ALL businesses through COVID-19!
Apply now: http://www.boomersplus.com/PEI-VAP
The Canadian Business Resilience Network (financial support & additional resources):
https://www.canadianbusinessresiliencenetwork.ca/resources/support-for-business/