Thinking Outside the Box: T hrough the Pandemic Housing the Homeless A Snapshot of New Vision House of Hope During the COVID Shutdown
W hen the COVID pandemic shut down the rest of the world, New Vision House of Hope never had that option. After all, the homeless had to have somewhere to go. President Charles Culver, Sr, said, “We survived the COVID pandemic by the grace of God. We are an organization where clients come in the door from the streets, prisons, and hospitals. We had to be authorized to do COVID tests through the city health department, which could give us the results within 48 hours.” Isolating in the homes would be difficult. So, they came up with a solution. “We were allowed to put them up in hotels, but the staff still needed to bring them food and to make sure they got their vaccines. I really commend my excellent staff. I couldn't ask for a better staff.”
Darren Cole, Transitional Housing Coordinator, says, “We were hands-on, making sure all their needs were met. We were there every day— it was draining. The homeless can’t go on Zoom.” Kenny Thomas, a case manager for SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families), says, “Through the CARES act, we placed them in various hotels to get them off the streets. Other shelters and other avenues weren’t available. We were in constant contact [with our clients] because NVHOH worked straight through the pandemic. Working from home or out in the field, there was never a pause; we were always working.” Understanding that the homeless often struggle with addiction and behavioral health issues and do not do well with Zoom,
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