By Toni Dixon | Senior Development Officer
When we began the year in January, no one had any idea about the coming pandemic that would impact all of our lives. We were told to stay at home where we would be safe. But so many in our community don’t have a place to call home. Atlanta Mission has been and continues to be that home for hundreds of men, women, and children facing homelessness. We are able to continue this essential work because of you. Because of your generosity and partnership, we provide a home-- and hope for the future for those who are in desperate need. Throughout this pandemic, God has been faithful. We have continued to transform the lives of men facing addiction, of children who need a safe place to learn, and of women who are coping with immense trauma. Because of you, Atlanta Mission has been a safe haven in this storm.
YOUR IMPACT DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
As Atlanta Mission cares for hundreds of those experiencing homelessness amidst concerns of COVID-19, the health and safety of our staff and clients remain our top priority.
We are continuously taking proactive measures with full adherence to CDC and DPH guidelines, updating protocols as our state and city begin reopening. Throughout this crisis, the focus of our programs and services has been and is basic emergency needs: meals, shelter, childcare, facility sanitation, client education and screenings, security, and maintenance. Earlier in the year, the CDC and Mercy Care came to our campuses to test all clients for COVID-19. We were fortunate that only four clients at our downtown campuses tested positive and were appropriately quarantined off-site. One of the doctors from the CDC said our shelters were among the safest places in Atlanta due to our implementation of safety and sanitation procedures. Mercy Care is working with us to come back and do some additional targeted follow up testing as part of the continual learning that was gained from initial testing.
The Mobile Health Clinic in Athens tested clients at The Potter’s House who are employed off-campus on May 30th. We had four positive cases on campus-- two asymptomatic and two symptomatic. These individuals were immediately isolated on campus for 14 days and monitored by the Mobile Health Clinic, and staff and clients who were in contact with these individuals were also isolated for 14 days.
We conducted a second round of testing on June 3rd, with no new positive cases. All positive cases have fully recovered, tested negative, and returned to work. The Mobile Health Clinic will continue to provide testing for all new clients entering our program. All working staff are provided with masks and gloves and we are deep cleaning our campuses daily while educating clients on proper hygiene and cleaning protocols. We continue to screen each of our clients 2x per day; clients with symptoms are given facemasks, isolated, and transported via emergency services to medical facilities for further testing.
We are humbled and overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and generosity from our community during these challenging times. Thank you for believing in what we do.
As COVID-19 continues to affect our world, we’re so moved by the heart of people doing what they can to help. We need community now more than ever, and we are grateful for the powerful ways that our community partners have shown up.
We are continuing to be a beacon of hope and safety for the hundreds of men, women, and children experiencing homelessness currently in our care because of heroes in our local community.
See our Impact Report for more information.
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