Coping with COVID-19 while experiencing homelessness

 

Photo by Tim Mossholder from Pexels

COVID-19 has touched every corner of this planet, affecting the lifeways and practices of almost every person. Masks, face shields, social distancing, frequent handwashing and cleaning of surfaces are increasingly commonplace. 

But what happens when you don't have access to running water? What happens when you share an encampment with many others, with no way to socially distance? Where do you get masks if you can't afford them?

People experiencing homelessness are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, mostly due to lack of access to proper medical care and PPE. Shelters are struggling to accommodate their user base while still maintaining social distancing. People living outside of shelters are facing difficult choices- do you stay where you are and risk infection from another individual in your encampment, or do you disperse into other areas and risk spreading the virus to other areas? The CDC has offered some guidelines, but putting them into action can be tricky. 

These issues are compounded for LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness. Thankfully, programs such as this camp which caters to LGBTQ+ and BIPOC folks in Portland, Oregon, are opening up and addressing these unique problems head-on. By making spaces for people who may get turned away or face violence in shelters, LGBTQ+ camps and shelters are saving lives that may otherwise slip through the cracks. In these times of danger and unrest, spaces like these provide hope. 

Please consider donating to programs like Coalition for the Homeless or Street Roots. These projects help to uplift and support people experiencing homelessness, and your support is needed even more in these uncertain times.