Dear community members,

As a precaution, Kind Space will be suspending in-person discussion/support groups, workshops, outreach events, and rentals until April 5. At the time we will reassess based on the information that is available at that time. Staff will be working from home and will be reachable by email or phone and on occasion will have in-person meetings when absolutely necessary.

While we are aware that Ottawa hasn’t (yet) reached a level of community transmission and that there haven’t been explicit directives to shut down physical gatherings, we have decided that this is the best course of action. We’ve based our decision on the following:

  1. Most importantly, many of our participants, volunteers, and staff have compromised immune systems or other medical conditions that increase their vulnerability to COVID-19.
  2. We are privileged enough to be able to make this decision. While we provide an important service to the community, it is not one that is essential to the continued functioning of society. Many workers do not share this privilege. Many people do not have homes they can isolate in. For those of us who can, we must. We all have a role to play so that those that can’t just stay home – medical professionals, emergency services, harm reduction workers, hydro, sanitation, etc – can do their jobs in environments that are a little bit safer.

  3. We can all stay connected, even when we’re not together physically.

On the point about connecting, while in-person meetings are suspended, and eventually after we start them up again, we will be hosting video calls. Currently, we are looking into which platform will make the most sense for what we want to do and we’ll have more information on that at a later time. Social isolation is a huge issue for 2SLGBTQ+ people already, and while we must take precautions to physically distance ourselves, it doesn’t mean we will stop being present with each other virtually.

While this is a scary and uncertain time, it is an opportunity for us to be kind, generous, and compassionate with each other. When you go to the store, take only what you need. Check-in on your friends and families that have precarious work, are without status, have chronic or acute health conditions, etc. As best you can, take care of yourself and take care of each other. And of course, wash with soap and moisturize your hands.

With love, Kind Space