Joppa Homeless Services Continue With COVID-19 Safety Measures

No mask. No gloves. No home.

The unsheltered are especially vulnerable to viruses, and those without homes need help now more than ever. All Homeless Services offered by Joppa continue without interruption, including weekly outreach and aftercare programs.

Trained Joppa volunteers and staff have been visiting people living under bridges, in tents and in vehicles weekly for 600+ consecutive weeks. This weekly outreach builds relationships that has helped more than 400 families and individuals being helped off the streets in Polk County. Over 80% of these men, women and children remaining in housing today.

We’re making every effort to fight the spread of COVID-19, help those we serve, and keep our clients, volunteers and staff stay safe. Our safety measures include:

• Following all CDC and state guidelines
• Providing specific volunteer COVID safety training and instructions
• Providing information and COVID safety handouts to homeless clients
• Delivering soap, gallons of water, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, food, etc.
• Providing referrals for testing and seeking medical help upon symptoms

Joppa has temporarily suspended all meal preparation activities performed by volunteers, though we continue to deliver more than 100 warm meals each week to people living under bridges, in tents and in vehicles. Long-time Joppa partner, Gusto Pizza Co., prepares the meals at its restaurant, which provides an extra measure of safety because commercial kitchens are required to follow FDA and USDA food safety rules.

How you can help:

Give to Joppa by clicking the “Donate” tab above, or drop off critical supplies such as soap, water, hand sanitizer, toilet paper and tissues to the new Joppa Center at 2326 Euclid Avenue, Monday–Friday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. We will meet you outside and stay socially distanced.