COVID-19 Emergency Response Update
A heartfelt thank you to all who have supported us over the past 6 months. We have felt the love with every note, email, text, and phone call. You have sustained us in so many ways.
At the onset of Shelter in Place in late March, extraordinary measures were put in place to ensure the health and safety of both our clients and staff, including enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures, PPEs supplied to all staff and residents, enhanced serve safe protocols in the kitchen, increased daily cleaning of all common areas by a professional service, and COVID-19 testing available to all residents and staff on a monthly basis.
While most things took a halt, as weeks passed, landlords slowly began seeking renters once again. On our end, this meant that with strict protocols in place, families were now able to visit and apply for housing opportunities. While the challenges were there, we have had many families who have successfully transitioned into permanent housing during this time.
One of the challenges we have had to face this year has been how to best serve our youth with their ongoing learning. “Home Schooling” presented so many challenges but we quickly rallied to find ways to support, which include tutoring and mentoring services provided by our committed volunteers during “in-class” online learning and our evening Homework Program following strict CDC safety protocols. During the summer, we also upgraded our IT infrastructure to accommodate all the children who are now schooling “at home” here at the Shelter.
In the spring, we were nominated for the Packard OE COVID Response Program which provides, among other things, consulting services around strategy and scenario-planning. We were forced to evaluate risk in a way that was new for us, and with limited information and everything on the line, decisions had to be made. From staggered mealtimes, to disinfecting and sanitizing, all aspects of the Shelter needed to be re-thought. Although everything we do is taking longer and requires more manpower, our main concern is ensuring the safety of everyone. While difficult, this time has turned out to be an opportunity to re-evaluate our procedures and make some long overdue changes.
The future remains uncertain, but your support and care help lighten our load and make the struggle that much more bearable. You have been such a vital and important partner of ours for many years. We are so grateful for you.
Stay well.
Beth Leary
Executive Director
Family Supportive Housing, Inc.