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Neill-Wycik Fire Resources

There is a comprehensive list of supports available to Toronto Metropolitan University students residing at Neill-Wycik Co-operative College building at 96 Gerrard St. E, who were impacted by the fire in that building on November 2nd.

Please reach out to the offices and contacts listed below, so that you can get the support you need at this difficult time.  

The university has a limited number of single occupancy temporary spaces available in Residence for Toronto Met students. Our volunteers have reached out to as many students as possible to confirm temporary housing needs and the next steps associated. If you haven’t received a volunteer phone call, please reach out directly to commuterhostel@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5284.

Should you need somewhere to go during the day, the Student Learning Centre at Yonge and Gould is accessible to you via OneCard. The SLC is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday. Staff there will welcome you and will be able to help refer you to the appropriate supports available.  When you arrive, simply notify staff at the front door that you are a student living at Neill-Wycik, and they will help you from there.

Students may be eligible for emergency funding to assist with education and living expenses.  You can apply for an emergency bursary by taking the following steps:

  1. If you have not already done so, complete a general application in AwardSpring (external link) . Please be sure to fill all sections, including the “Financial Information” section. This should only take a few minutes.
    1. If you already have a completed AwardSpring application, no further action is required in the system.
  2. After completing step 1, send an email to Shaun Cavaliere at shaun.cavaliere@torontomu.ca. In the email, indicate that:
    1. you would like to be considered for emergency bursary funding
    2. explain how you were affected by the fire (e.g. you lost personal items, you are forced to find temporary housing, etc.) and 
    3. include a specific amount of funding that you believe would help you get through this unforeseen event until the situation stabilizes.

ISS Emergency Bursary

If you are a full-time international student, the ISS Emergency Bursary is available to support you at this time. Submit your application through AwardSpring (external link)  and an international student advisor will reach out to you to discuss in further detail how we can support you as well as explore other resources that may be available to you. For further details please visit the ISS website or reach out to International Student Support at issask@torontomu.ca.   

TMSU Housing Relief Grant

The TMSU has a one-time emergency grant available to students who are experiencing difficulties due to the recent fire at the Neill-Wycik Cooperative Housing.  

Apply for the  (google form) TMSU Housing Relief Grant (external link) .

CESAR Emergency Grant

If you are enrolled primarily in a certificate degree, part-time undergraduate program or are taking Chang School courses only (ie not involved in full-time studies) you may be eligible for the Continuing Education Students' Association of Toronto Met (CESAR) Emergency Grant. Find out more information on the CESAR grant program (external link) .

TMSU Food Relief Grant

The TMSU has a one-time emergency grant available to students who are experiencing food insecurity as a result of the recent fire at the Neill-Wycik Cooperative Housing.    

Apply for the  (google form) TMSU Food Relief Grant (external link) .

Counselling support can be accessed virtually at the Centre for Student Development and Counselling by calling 416-979-5195 or emailing csdc@torontomu.ca. Appointments are offered via phone and video chat. 

Students who wish to access immediate counselling support can do so via Keep.meSAFE, a counselling service specializing in providing student mental health support via 24/7 mobile counselling. This can be accessed through the My SSP app, available at the Apple Store or Google Play. Keep.meSAFE can also be accessed by calling 1-844-451-9700 or at KeepMeSafe. 

We understand that managing the ongoing challenges of being displaced from your home may affect your attendance and ability to complete work. You may benefit from academic consideration based on compassionate grounds.  You can follow-up directly with your instructor or department to request academic consideration. If you need additional support, you can contact studentcare@torontomu.ca.

Resources for Tenants During COVID-19

The City of Toronto (external link)  has published a webpage to support tenants to help minimize the impacts of COVID-19.  Included on this webpage are a series of resources that provide information about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, organizations that assist tenants, and tenant-led city-wide resources.

The following clinics may also be able to provide you with additional information:

Please note that this list of resources is intended for general information purposes and not advice or as endorsements.

  

Extended Hours for SLC & DCC

As we enter exam season, we wanted to let you know that we have made additional study space available to you in the weeks ahead. We understand that this time of year is a stressful one, and that you are facing additional challenges as a result of the fire at Neill-Wycik. While we have been told that residents are able to access their units, we know that these spaces may not be ideal for studying and exam preparation.

Effective Wednesday, November 18 through Friday, December 18, 2020, the SLC will be open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 11 p.m. The last entry will be permitted at 10 p.m.

To secure a spot in the SLC, you must make a reservation through our internal booking system. Students can tap their OneCard for entry and are expected to wear a mask while in the building. Full details about accessing the SLC can be found here: slc.blog.ryerson.ca/reopening-faqs

Beginning Saturday, November 21, 2020, DCC 103 and 104 can be booked for study hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. The DCC is located at 288 Church St. (just north of Dundas St.).

Socially distanced individual study areas have been created for your use. You can book a study space at the DCC through the SLC booking system (external link)  and will be required to check in with staff at the door when you arrive. Please note that you are expected to wear a mask while in the DCC. 

This weekend space will be available exclusively for students who have been affected by the Neill-Wycik fire. If you are receiving this email, it will be available to you to book. If you have a roommate or a friend living in Neill-Wycik who has not received this email, please have them email slchelp@torontomu.ca from a valid Toronto Met email address with a proof of address (e.g. email or photo of a recent bill), and we will add them to the list of students able to book. 

Study spaces in both buildings can be booked in 15 minute increments. If you find that you are unable to book a time at either location, please write to slchelp@torontomu.ca for assistance.