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1/Yesterday, I chatted with 4 men clustered under an eave. I& #39;ll share what I learned in order to
(a)energize #COVID19 #homeless responses &
(b)reinforce that we are connected - even as this pandemic virus highlights some of our societal fissures [Photo ethics at the end]
![1/Yesterday, I chatted with 4 men clustered under an eave. I& #39;ll share what I learned in order to(a)energize #COVID19 #homeless responses &(b)reinforce that we are connected - even as this pandemic virus highlights some of our societal fissures [Photo ethics at the end]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EVR0--MXgAEJSZ5.jpg "1/Yesterday, I chatted with 4 men clustered under an eave. I& #39;ll share what I learned in order to(a)energize #COVID19 #homeless responses &(b)reinforce that we are connected - even as this pandemic virus highlights some of our societal fissures [Photo ethics at the end]")
(a)energize #COVID19 #homeless responses &
(b)reinforce that we are connected - even as this pandemic virus highlights some of our societal fissures [Photo ethics at the end]
2/ #COVID19 will be more prevalent in #homeless pops (7x higher than general rate in Mass.) MANY will have no fever/cough,even though they may transmit to others who DO get sick. We SHOULD be testing (& safely sheltering) all who are homeless @jabarocas : https://www.wbur.org/commonhealth/2020/04/06/massachusetts-homeless-covid-19-coronavirus">https://www.wbur.org/commonhea...
3/So I got out of my car & chatted with 4 men. All > 40 years, 3> 60, 1> 70. Older age is KEY for medical risk. 2 were retired, on Medicare!
Insured but not protected.
Note: these men are white. But African-Americans are disproportionately affected by home loss (h/t @MKushel ).
Insured but not protected.
Note: these men are white. But African-Americans are disproportionately affected by home loss (h/t @MKushel ).
4/I asked about going to a protective space, as my community is considering (a pop-up tent like Boston, @jessiegaeta). Two were instantly interested because they are worried about their HEALTH & SAFETY, as they should be. Our shelters are too crowded for #COVID19 safety
5/But these men also asked key questions: whether the protective spaces will be SAFE for them (so as to not catch #COVID19, or be subject to violence), and whether there will be adequate safeguards against THEFT. Optimal space should have a locked box for meds & documents
6/As part of the Birmingham response, under leadership of people like @drmarkewilson @DrEllenEaton #BhamStrong, I& #39;ve helped in discussions around how such spaces would address addiction. We will have to ask up front if the client expects to go into withdrawal.
7/As a matter of projecting "how many extra/new" tent spaces will we need? The answer is it& #39;s hard to know. There is an estimating tool for all communities from credible scholars. I& #39;m still trying to assess its pros and cons for my city https://tomhbyrne.shinyapps.io/covid19_homeless_dashboard/">https://tomhbyrne.shinyapps.io/covid19_h...
8/Finally, ethics: These men were generous with their time & ideas. I paid them(mask + $20). I asked about the photo: whether to take it, or post it. They said "post it". I keep myself in the photo to avoid "otherizing". This was a meeting of 5 people in Birmingham.
9/I know that all the people who care about Birmingham and Jefferson County will continue in this, with splendid hearts &minds to guide us @randallwoodfin @drmarkewilson @DrEllenEaton @OneRoofBham @uabmedicine (esp. ID) @ChristHealth @UABSON @jcdhtweets @uabMHRC @SonyaHeathMD
