SARASOTA – The government is advising everyone to stay home to keep the coronavirus from spreading. But what about those who don’t have a home? Suncoast organizations are helping the homeless during this time.
“This disaster is so very different than a normal national disaster, where you would create tents and FEMA tents and you would have mass feedings and in this case, we’re looking for social distancing, so it’s a very unique situation,” Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness CEO, Chris Johnson, said.
So, Johnson says the main objective is getting access to the basic necessities.
“I’m working with city helping feed them on the streets and making sure they are practicing CDC guidelines,” Johnson said.
The city’s Homeless Outreach Team made up of both Sarasota Police Department officers and City of Sarasota social workers, continues it’s regular outreach efforts during the pandemic.
“HOT team” leader, Sgt. Jaymi Delcos, says a major goal is an education.
“We’re educating them about the executive order that the governor issued about nor more than 10 in a group, also with the guidelines of six-feet distance,” Sgt. Delcos said. “We’re also educating them about where particular feedings are, where they can go to get showers.”
The Salvation Army continues to operate, running shelters and offering dinners seven days a week. Delcos says there are also two community organizations organizing feedings on a nightly basis, with breakfasts during the weekend.
“Providers are providing them with masks and some hand sanitizer,” Delcos said. “That’s been a big help with keeping them safe and healthy.”
While there are resources available to the homeless population, Johnson says there is a decrease in shelter demand.
“The federal guidance that was coming down through HUD and the CDC both say don’t break up encampments right now, because it’s actually safer than congregate living,” Johnson said.
Salvation Army offers shelters following CDC guidelines.
“Beds are spread six-feet apart, they’re sleeping head-to-toe,” Salvation Army Sarasota County Area Commander, Major Charles Whiten said. “There’s a whole huge list of recommended shelter guidelines that the government has shared and we’ve implemented.”
If you’re interested in helping, Johnson says service providers are limiting volunteers to minimize exposure.
“If people do want to be involved in any way, I would have them reach out to those service providers in our area and find out what those providers need,” Johnson said.
Johnson says he, along with the County and the City are continuing to explore solutions for a non-congregate setting for homeless individuals who are more at high risk than others.
