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The housing shortage has made us incredibly vulnerable to a virus like covid-19. People are forced into overcrowded conditions, living in communal shelters, and living on the streets.
If we don't move faster, we are going to see more outbreaks like this. https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/explosive-catastrophe-70-test-positive-for-covid-19-at-sf-homeless-shelter/
If we don't move faster, we are going to see more outbreaks like this. https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/explosive-catastrophe-70-test-positive-for-covid-19-at-sf-homeless-shelter/
This population is INCREDIBLY vulnerable. Washing up and maintaining good hygiene is challenging on the streets. Studies have shown homeless people age faster than housed people, exacerbating the effects covid-19. This population is already more likely to need hospitalization.
The increased urgency for getting people off of the streets and out of crowded conditions, into more isolated housing, is clear.
Simultaneously, local governments have been sent into immediate budget crisis, making things even more complicated.
Simultaneously, local governments have been sent into immediate budget crisis, making things even more complicated.
This is a clear role for the federal government.
But @fema FEMA thus far has only been willing to pay for hotel stays for homeless people 65+, those with underlying heath conditions, and those who have had direct exposure.
This is not enough.
But @fema FEMA thus far has only been willing to pay for hotel stays for homeless people 65+, those with underlying heath conditions, and those who have had direct exposure.
This is not enough.
Covid-19 is tearing through our homeless population. This should terrify us both because this population is more vulnerable and because they will require more healthcare resources.
We fear the scale of this is being underestimated. https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2020/04/07/one-in-three-among-boston-homeless-have-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-city-officials-say
We fear the scale of this is being underestimated. https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2020/04/07/one-in-three-among-boston-homeless-have-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-city-officials-say
We need to be moving faster on this. So, what are some solutions?
@fema should expand funding for hotel beds to all homeless people. Speaker @SpeakerPelosi should prioritize this.
Meanwhile, Governors like @GavinNewsom need to find funds for emergency housing and hotel rooms.
@fema should expand funding for hotel beds to all homeless people. Speaker @SpeakerPelosi should prioritize this.
Meanwhile, Governors like @GavinNewsom need to find funds for emergency housing and hotel rooms.
Local governments are struggling to fill this gap, and should explore emergency measures. For instance, taking all budget set-asides and putting them into the general fund for increased flexibility to be spent on this emergency.
Homeless activists have done incredible work to put a face to this population. Now it's time for every level of our government to respond FASTER.
As we have seen with every aspect of this crisis, every day counts.
Please reply with other ways to help this vulnerable population.
As we have seen with every aspect of this crisis, every day counts.
Please reply with other ways to help this vulnerable population.
