Austin’s homeless shelters are facing major challenges with the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak as they work to serve the most vulnerable.
“We’re working with individuals who when you say go isolate yourself in your home, our individuals don’t have homes,” said Front Steps Executive Director Greg McCormack, who also manages the ARCH homeless shelter downtown.
McCormack says they’re taking as many precautions as they can. Hand washing, social distancing, and self-isolation are tips he says are easier said than done for someone experiencing homelessness. “There are lots of discussions going on about what to do specifically, about the homeless population — how to continue to serve them when things are closing down all throughout the city,” he said.