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 ChicagoHomeless.org .