COVID has brought us all up short. Plans were or are changed because of the virus. I have heard about weddings postponed, once in a lifetime vacations rescheduled. In many ways this pandemic is like a major earthquake that has changed the landscape forever. The landmarks we used in the past no longer exist.
Severe Weather Shelter Network had to discontinue providing emergency shelter as of March 8th. Six weeks ahead of our normal end to the season. There were 12 more nights that would have been shelter nights. I celebrate our Leadership Team and volunteers that stepped up to provide necessary emergency supplies at 12 different outreach events. More than 200 individuals received supplies that allowed them to “shelter in place” safely through the end of the season.
Even in March we began looking to our next shelter season. We have worked closely with Public Health to learn what changes we need to make in our shelter experience. Celebration again! We have been told we have an excellent plan in place to provide the safest possible shelter experience!
Unfortunately, one of those items is reducing our capacity by one-third in order to accommodate social distancing. That means as many as 35 individuals who would normally shelter with us will need other accommodations.
Check out our new COVID Response page on the website. New partnerships with the Counties and medical providers will help all of us be together in the best way possible for safety and health.
Stay tuned for further updates regarding the new season. Your time and energy will be needed more than ever!
Lynn Ann Huizingh/ Executive Director