submitted by Mid Florida Homeless Coalition
We are facing an unprecedented time of uncertainty, and we must act with caution and compassion for everyone. We are witnessing the COVID-19 pandemic change the very routines of our community.
The primary focus of Mid Florida Homeless Coalition is on the health and well-being of the population we serve, our staff members, partner agencies, and stakeholders. As a team, we are developing our operation plans, which will focus on the essential services. Given the fluid nature of this event, our plans will evolve, and we will continue to update the community via email, social media, and our website.
Our staff are still providing outreach and case management services to those who are literally homeless following the guidelines of the CDC and the Florida Department of Health. While many people experiencing homelessness are good at practicing social distancing, our concern is about their ability to gain access to food and hand washing. Without access to restaurants, libraries and other places where persons can gain access to water, hand washing becomes a bigger challenge. Hand sanitizer is currently like gold especially for those who need it the most.
We have been in contact with the local providers of transitional housing, and all have indicated that if they are not at capacity they are accepting new participants. While the Connections Drop-In Center is closed, they are still providing bag lunches to their participants.
As long as we are able, we will continue to provide outreach services, monitor those who are most vulnerable, determine needs in the community and work to meet these needs.
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For more information on what you can do to help, please contact Barbara Wheeler, Mid Florida Homeless Coalition at (352) 860-2308 or by e-mail at mfhc01@gmail.com
