We wanted to update you on how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting WINGS.
Our staff and board have been working around the clock the past weeks to ensure that the safety of our clients remains the top priority during this crisis. On Sunday March 22nd, it was deemed too risky to maintain the 11 families who were sharing common spaces and restrooms in our suburban Safe House.Three of the moms were leaving each day to work in places, such as grocery stores, where they could be exposed to COVID-19 and bring it back into the house, potentially causing other clients and staff to become ill.
To address the problem, staff moved each family into their own hotel suite where they could shelter in place and not interact with the other families.This is an added cost burden to our operational expenses, but we negotiated a great rate with a local hotel so the families could move in and be safe.
For the first time in 15 years, our suburban Safe House went dark as the families moved into their temporary 'homes' with packages of food and a better way to maintain social distancing. Staff are checking on them daily and bringing them food and supplies.
Although it is hard to predict the lasting impact of this pandemic, it is clear that WINGS services to our community are critically needed now. WINGS continues to serve our clients in housing and the community, and remains committed to keeping our doors open to new clients.
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