Protecting the homeless population, busy shelters during coronavirus pandemic

While the City of Durham and Mecklenburg County have joined much of the county in 'shelter-in-place' orders, sheltering in place can be a challenge when you don't have a permanent place of residence.

Officials at Wake County said they have been focusing on keeping residents well-informed and safe--a strategy which includes paying close attention to supporting vulnerable populations like the local homeless community.

'Stay-at-home' order makes it more difficult for domestic violence victims to seek help

The county said they have taken steps at the South Wilmington Street Center to reduce the risk of COVID-19 for residents who depend on the county for a place to sleep at night.

"These residents are vulnerable all the time, but they are especially vulnerable right now," said Lorena McDowell, director of Wake County's Housing Affordability and Community Revitalization Department.

"We understand that we have to think differently to protect them, and that's what we're doing," she said.

Like everyone else, the shelter is working to promote social distancing. Guests are assigned to specific dorms, and meals are served room by room, instead of having the entire population gather to eat in the dining hall.

Before the coronavirus threat, guests were encouraged to get outside during the day to look for work or attend appointments, but last week the shelter added a lunch service in an effort to keep guests at the shelter--their temporary home--and away from germs in the community.

16 states under 'stay at home' guidelines, NC hospitals ask governor for shelter in place order

Guests have also taken a Slow the Spread Pledge, which asks them to commit to hand washing, social distancing, supporting each other and reporting any symptoms they experience to staff.

If a guest starts showing symptoms of illness, he or she will be moved to a mitigation dorm, and staff will call Wake County EMS.

Wake County officials said they are thinking creatively about how to support new guests who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 and now face homelessness. Details on these expanded efforts will be provided in the coming days, officials said.