As the new coronavirus spreads through Austin, many in our community are struggling to cope with forced isolation and social distancing measures, but most are able to meet their basic needs. The situation is much different for our unhoused neighbors.
Already vulnerable – and in some cases, more susceptible to the respiratory illness that can accompany COVID-19 due to underlying health issues – people experiencing homelessness are wondering where they should go if they need to quarantine. Some, more than usual, are wondering where their next meal will come from.
Shelters and the service providers that help people experiencing homelessness are also wondering how much longer they’ll be able to continue their work, and what changes will come to the assistance they provide. (Read more about the concerns of people experiencing homelessness and the provider system in this week’s issue: “People Experiencing Homelessness Brace for More Changes in Support Systems.”)