COVID-19 Efforts

People experiencing homelessness are especially vulnerable to viruses…

Those without homes need us more than ever. Therefore all Joppa Homeless Services will continue without interruption including weekly Outreach and Aftercare.

Joppa volunteers have been visiting people living under bridges, in tents, and in vehicles every single week for the past 599 weeks (that’s almost 12 years).

They know they can count on Joppa and we won’t let them down now!  In fact, we’re gearing up to do even more from our new location at 2326 Euclid Ave.

What we’re doing to help fight Coronavirus:

We’re making every effort to help those we serve and our volunteers stay safe by informing and preparing through:

• Specific volunteer instructions and client handouts
• Distributing soap, water, and hand sanitizer
• Recommending testing and seeking help upon symptoms

You can help by donating at the link above as well as by bringing critical supplies, such as hand sanitizer, water, TP and tissues to Joppa at 2326 Euclid Avenue, Monday–Friday, between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM.

Specific volunteer instructions for Food Prep, Outreach, Aftercare, and Winter Survival:

1) Food Safety & Preparation

In order to maintain the health and safety of our clients and volunteers, it is imperative that we adhere to these precautions as we continue to serve those in need:

If you have a cold, runny nose, sore throat or fever, please tell us ASAP and stay home!  Yes, we love having you serve with Joppa and we will miss you. Take care of yourself and get better so you can join us in the future.

Before and while preparing and packaging food:

• Do not prepare food if you are not well.
• Keep food prep and packaging areas sanitized: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html

Thank you for serving!

2) Outreach, Aftercare & Winter Survival Volunteers:

In order to maintain the health and safety of our clients and volunteers, it is imperative that we adhere to these precautions as we continue to serve those in need:

If you have a cold, runny nose, sore throat or fever, please tell us ASAP and stay home!  Yes, we love having you serve with Joppa and we will miss you. Take care of yourself and get better so you can join us in the future.

Although Joppa is all about building relationships, we must keep ourselves and those we serve safe:

• All Outreach, Aftercare & Winter Heat Teams will load and unload from drive-up outside the Joppa Center.
• Model social distancing: Do not shake hands, hug or make direct physical contact with other volunteers or with clients.
• Continue to build relationships with lively discussions, looking clients in the eye, and providing what they need with a smile.
• Review the Joppa Virus Safety handout and go over it with clients.
• Keep your hands away from your face.
• If you encounter someone who is coughing or appears sick, remember to keep your distance. Ask about their symptoms and if they have sought medical help.
• Call 211 if they have fever, cough or shortness of breath.
• Please report concerns to Joppa.

Distributing Hand Sanitizer:

• Each volunteer team should take one larger bottle to use frequently during outreach.
• Please bring this bottle back to Joppa as our supply is almost gone.
• Ask each client: “Do you have enough hand sanitizer for the coming week?”
• Give one bottle of hand sanitizer or Virus Safety Package to each client that needs it.

Thank you for serving!

Joppa Staff