Houseless are left vulnerable in the wake of COVID-19
By Catie Kean ‘20
The COVID-19 outbreak brings a great deal of uncertainty and fear, especially for the homeless population.
For the average household, changes to lifestyle might be uncomfortable and depressing. However, they have the means to fight the pandemic through social distancing, thorough handwashing, and access to basic medical supplies and disinfecting substances.
However, the homeless population struggles with these measures because they often do not have consistent access to running water, the means to access medical supplies and disinfectant, and are reliant on the hospitality of homeless shelters. In addition, they do not have the ability to self-quarantine.
“If you don't have a home, you can't stay in it. Therefore, the risk of contracting the disease increases, and people can also be transmitters of the disease,” said Maria Foscarinis, founder and executive director of the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty in an interview on 3/17/20 with The Hill.
Homeless shelters are far from ideal settings for social distancing. Best practice is to remain six-feet away from other people, however, many shelters have beds that are as close as two feet apart.
The homeless shelter in San Diego run by the charity Alpha Project, it houses more than 300 people. Photo courtesy of Eros Hoagland, The New York Times.
Shelters are adjusting to current conditions by taking the temperature of guests at the door. If someone’s temperature is too high, they are sent to a medical facility.
Many states are taking greater steps to protect this vulnerable population. California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Monday that he has reserved 400 beds in Oakland hotels for the homeless.
Newsom has also previously worked to secure modular tents and camping trailers to provide the homeless with more stable living conditions. These initiatives to find housing for this population not only protect the homeless, but also the general public.
“The best and most effective thing to do is to find places for people to live” Foscarinis said.