A pandemic changes the approach, not the work
The COVID-19 Frontline: Working to house vulnerable populations during a pandemic
Essential frontline workers continue to safeguard the well-being of Edmontonians experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak. This story is the first in a series showcasing how these dedicated individuals are continuing to support our community’s most vulnerable on their journey towards a permanent home.
“The priority is getting people housed. Period,” says Jess, a Housing Outreach Worker at Homeward Trust. Finding new ways to complete routine tasks, applications and paperwork is imperative to ensuring they do not become barriers to accessing housing, especially during a public health crisis.
Jess had been working closely with two male youth in need of stable housing when COVID-19 began to have significant implications for the community. “The youth were staying in the shelter system and one of them had asthma. It was pretty crucial that they were housed as soon as possible given their vulnerability to the virus,” Jess recalled. The urgency of their situation made it important to find new ways to engage in the process of finding suitable housing for them.
Successfully housing someone experiencing homelessness often requires an adaptive and fluid approach to address the unique situations of unique individuals. The current restrictions and social changes necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic serve to highlight just how important being innovative and adaptable is to the work of Housing Supports and related Programs.
By utilizing virtual tours and accessible social tools like Facebook Messenger, Jess was able to set up viewings of potential rental suites. The same tools also facilitated a crucial meeting between the youth and their new landlord during the application process, all while adhering to the current social distancing requirements and helping to expedite the process of getting them housed.
“Move-in day was a challenge with so many moving pieces,” Jess said, “but the boys stayed in one room as furniture was delivered to ensure proper social distancing.”
Supports for individuals moving out of homelessness do not end on move-in day. Donning gloves and a mask (knowing the youth had no access to personal protective equipment), Jess did an initial grocery shop for them and delivered the groceries to their new home, and also set them up with an online grocery ordering and delivery service to help keep them safe going forward. Jess and additional support workers continue to use video calls and online social tools for check-ins and follow-up assessments in lieu of in-person appointments.
Between March 1 and April 30, 199 individuals have been successfully housed in Edmonton during the worst global public health crisis in more than a century. During a time when many services were being shut down or significantly reduced, Housing Outreach Workers like Jess adapted and found innovative ways to provide what truly is an essential service, while still protecting the health and safety of everyone involved.
