covid-19 response

11/11/2020 - COVID RESPONSE UPDATE


Amidst rising cases in Gratiot County and a lack of volunteers due to the spread of COVID-19, we have limited our operations in the following ways:

 

Þ We have limited our capacity to 4 individuals to ensure each guest has their own room.

Þ We are not allowing volunteers in the shelter.  Staff is supervising guests.

Þ We are continuing to provide meals for guests

Þ We are continuing to provide case management services to guests.

Þ The shelter will also continue to be professionally cleaned.

 

At this time it is our intention to reopen the shelter to volunteers and to increase our capacity to 10 guests once again on January 10, 2021.

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It is inevitable that things will look and feel differently around Hope House this upcoming season.  The upcoming season will be a new experience for all of us, so please bear with us be patient as we navigate this together.  This section of our website details our most current COVID-19 response protocols.  Be sure to check this space before consulting other areas of our website and know that when you find conflicting information, you should follow the guidelines listed here. 


In an effort to provide a safe and healthy environment during this time we have reduced our shelter capacity to 10 guests and we have reduced the number of volunteers needed each day. 


Upon entering the shelter all guests and volunteers will undergo a health screening at which time you will be asked a series of questions related to the COVID-19 symptoms.  Your temperature will be taken.  Masks and social distancing will be required while in the common areas of the shelter.  Guests may remove their masks while in their room or in the shower rooms.  Volunteers may remove their masks while in the volunteer lounge. 


Guests should plan to spend the majority of their time in their rooms and may only eat with their roommates.  Socializing in the Gathering Place will be limited.  Laundry and shower facilities will be available during select hours and must be signed up for in advance. 


Guests are encourage not to leave during the day; if they do leave they are not permitted reentry to the shelter until the 6pm check-in where they will undergo a health screening. 


Meals are being prepared by a select team of individuals working in pairs of two.  Meals will be pre-packaged in reusable to go containers and will be delivered the shelter contactlessly.  A meal will be provided for those working the evening shift.  Once the meal is over, the kitchen must close and no eating or drinking will be permitted.