The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless released recommendations for state and local governmental response to COVID-19 among people experiencing homelessness.
The coalition urges the City of Chicago to immediately identify government resources (city, county, state, federal) to create isolation/prevention housing with supportive services in hotels or federal/military facilities for the following groups:
—Individuals who are staying on the street during the social distancing period, prioritizing those of vulnerable populations (age 60+ or with underlying health conditions);
—Individuals staying in shelter, especially large congregate dormitory type settings, or doubling up and exhibiting symptoms;
—Individuals of vulnerable populations (age 60+ or with underlying health conditions) staying in shelters, even if they are asymptomatic; and
—Individuals who contracted COVID-19 and are discharged from the hospital, but still need to rehabilitate and/or isolate.
Additional recommendations involve access to supplies; educational materials; staffing concerns; guidance on outstanding questions; impact on future funding; screening measures; encampment recommendations; students experiencing homelessness; other systems; and public benefits.
See http://ChicagoHomeless.org.