COVID-19 Homeless Response and CDC Guidance for Shelter and Encampment Considerations
In response to COVID-19, efforts are being made to reduce the spread among the homeless population. Guidelines from the CDC include considerations for congregate shelters, overflow shelter management, staffing, cleaning, communication, and more. Encampment recommendations emphasize providing adequate space, hygiene facilities, and access to essentials while discouraging dispersal. These measures aim to protect vulnerable individuals and curb the transmission within homeless communities.
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Presentation Transcript
COVID-19 Homeless Response Julia Ratti, WCHD May 4, 2020
Homeless Branch Goal Flatten the COVID-19 Curve Task Facilitate efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among people experiencing homelessness
CDC Guidance Congregate Shelter https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/community/homeless-shelters/plan-prepare- respond.html
CDC Guidance Congregate Shelter facility considerations Overflow shelter to reduce crowding and accomplish social distancing Isolation for positive individuals Quarantine for symptomatic and individuals who have had contact with positive individuals Protective housing for people who are at highest risk for serious COVID-19 complications (new)
CDC Guidance Congregate Shelter additional considerations Staffing including training, safety and planning for absenteeism Increased cleaning Changes in operations to minimize contact Additional supplies Pro-active communication
CDC Guidance Unsheltered Homeless https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/community/homeless-shelters/unsheltered- homelessness.html
CDC Guidance Encampments "Unless individual housing units are available, do not clear encampments during community spread of COVID-19. Clearing encampments can cause people to disperse throughout the community and break connections with service providers. This increases the potential for infectious disease spread."
CDC Guidance Encampments additional considerations Encourage people staying in encampments to set up their tents/sleeping quarters with at least 12 feet x 12 feet of space per individual. Ensure nearby restroom facilities have functional water taps, are stocked with hand hygiene materials (soap, drying materials) and bath tissue, and remain open to people experiencing homelessness 24 hours per day. If toilets or handwashing facilities are not available nearby, provide access to portable latrines with handwashing facilities for encampments of more than 10 people.
Timeline 3/25 First isolated housing placement 3/29 First individual tests positive 3/16 3/20 REC COVID-19 Guidance provided to CAC opened to 375 individuals Build out sustainable public health approach 3/18 3/20 3-22 to 3-27 Bathrooms and hand sanitizer placed Closure of non- essential businesses Screening and isolation of symptomatic individuals
Actions to Date WCHD provided guidance to homeless services providers and established homeless branch to facilitate homeless response within IMT City of Reno, Volunteers of America and RSCVA opened Reno Events Center with socially distanced capacity for 375 Community Health Alliance and VOA set up screening and isolation for COVID-19 symptomatic individuals and safety plan for shelter staff
Actions to Date Local governments placed 19 portable restrooms with hand sanitizer throughout Washoe County Human Services Agency secured supported housing contract and set up housing process and Housing Triage Team Food service providers Catholic Charities, Reno Sparks Gospel Mission and Reno Initiative for Shelter and Equity adapted food provision
Actions to Date Downtown Partnership and Foundation for Recovery provided communication and outreach to dispersed individuals IMT set up and secured Edison trailers as additional isolated housing option
Next Steps Planning for Sustainable Approach Exit Plan for Reno Events Center Health and Safety of Encampments Resource Analysis (FEMA, CARES, CDBG, ESG) Capacity Analysis (Beds, Housing Units, Staffing)
