Covid-19 services for the homeless here in Eugene

[central scrutinizer]

Excerpt from an email I just got:


Homeless Outreach

Consistent with CDC guidelines, the City’s approach is intended to control the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing and hygiene while providing critical services to the unhoused population. In the coming days, outreach teams of City staff from multiple departments will provide supplies directly to people experiencing homelessness through centralized distribution sites as well as through direct canvassing efforts. These supplies include snacks, basic hygiene supplies, blankets and other resources. Outreach efforts will also provide information about COVID-19 and where to access help.

To provide easier access for preventative measures, 50 handwashing stations and 47 portable restrooms have been or are in line to be deployed throughout the city in the coming week.

The City is focused on strategies that support efforts to “flatten the curve” by reducing the need for people to travel around the community to access basic needs and shelter. These efforts will evolve and adapt as we continue to learn more and respond to this dynamic situation. You will be able to get the most up to date information on the City’s website.

In addition, Lane County has identified two temporary respite sites where unhoused individuals can receive services, including a safe place to sleep, meals, showers and medical screenings. The first site, in Eugene, is the Lane County Fairgrounds. People showing no symptoms or signs of illness will be welcomed in the convention center. Those who are showing signs of illness will be directed to the Wheeler Pavilion. The second site, in Springfield, is the Memorial Building, owned by Willamalane Park and Recreation District.

[MerryBlooms]

1. k&r for Oregon

[pat_k]

2. In Seattle, one program is failing.

Very early on, King county bought a motel with the intent to use it as a facility to which those who needed to be quarantined could be referred. When I heard this way back then, I thought it sounded like a positive action. There was talk of acquiring additional sites too.

The program is apparently failing. Those who have been referred are refusing to go. There have to be reasons behind this, but the article doesn't explain from the point of view of the people refusing.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/shelters-struggle-to-get-clients-into-isolation-and-quarantine-as-county-motel-opens-slowly/

I wish I understood the dynamics behind the refusals better. Obviously, some sort of changes need to be made to set up arrangements more acceptable to the men and women being referred for quarantine.