Across the nation, we have seen how this pandemic
has effected many lives so rapidly; however, the homeless population are
affected even more considering they have almost no control over the spaces
where they live and the spaces are often confined living areas. In addition,
majority of them suffers from poor medical conditions that have never or
receive very little treatment which makes them more peril to high rates of
infections and mortalities. Because they
already have a hard time accessing public restrooms and to wash their hands,
now that many businesses doors are closed, it is obvious the challenges for the homeless population has increase and will continue to rise as more restrictions
are implemented. Not only can they affect those that are in close proximity but
also, the rest of the population which raises great concerns. The food distribution events are great
intentions because it is a dire need; nevertheless, it is imperative to gear
our focus at this time in providing the homeless population with urgent medical
intervention services and resources in order to prevent further spread of the
virus and most importantly mortalities.
Many counties, municipal are taking drastic
intervention measures in helping the homeless population. The article provides
an insight into how Miami Dade County has installed several hand washing stations
throughout the high populated homeless areas.
Staff is consistently distributing hand sanitizers, masks, and taking
temperatures. In addition, Camillus House a landmark which has provided humanitarian services in Miami Dade County
such as serving hot meals, providing shelter, skills, employment, is now
serving meals-to-go throughout the day to ensure the homeless population
continues to receive their basic needs. Also, shelters are consistently cleaned
thoroughly on a daily basis. These preventable measures the counties,
municipalities, organizations are implementing are imperative in getting the
virus outbreak under control and further spreading.
Article:
What’s Being Done to Protect
the Homeless During the COVID-19 Pandemic? Willard Shepard, March 19, 2020, https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/whats-being-done-to-protect-the-homeless-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/2208401/