March 30, 2020 — Americans experiencing chronic homelessness have a life expectancy of 56 years (58 for men, 52 for women). Our nation’s failure to address mental illness, substance use, extreme poverty, social isolation, and the daily stress of racism all contribute to this shocking disparity – and will also contribute to heightened challenges for these individuals during this epidemic. Because of these disparities, we expect that COVID-19 will have a much more significant impact on people experiencing homelessness than the general population.
Our work reaching the city’s homeless population is more critical than ever. Our outreach teams are still making daily visits to individuals living in encampments, under viaducts, and otherwise unstably housed. While we maintain best practices for social distancing during these interactions, the importance of connecting with these individuals – while nobody else does – cannot be understated. If someone needs treatment, we have to know it – and so our teams will continue the work.
HEALTH CENTERS REMAIN OPEN
Access to healthcare is obviously one of the most critical needs during this crisis – and so our three healthcare clinics on the North, West, and South Sides – all dedicated to treating those experiencing homelessness – will be a lifeline for many of our city’s most vulnerable.
“Our mission is to provide care to anyone who seeks care from us.” said Evan Lyon, HAH Chief Integrated Health Officer. “If anyone is displaying COVID-19 symptoms, our health centers have begun triaging.”
The labs in each of our health centers have the capacity to test for COVID-19, but that capacity remains limited. Our health centers are screening all participants (checking temperatures, surveying symptoms) to ensure staff and participant safety – and are practicing all preventative measures to reduce new infections.
And above all else, our clinics will remain one of the only places where those experiencing homelessness can feel welcome. As we all become a little more cautious with human interaction, our clinics are becoming spaces where our participants can still feel part of something bigger.
“The people we serve rely on our health centers in unique ways. Many use our sites as their mailing address, we help many people manage their disability payments, and so on. HAH helps our participants manage the most basic of social and economic needs – and those needs have never been harder to manage than during this pandemic.”
See below for our current hours:
PLEASE CALL BEFORE VISITING: 773-275-2586
- Uptown: Monday – Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
- Englewood: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Oral Health service hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 – 11:30am and 1:00 – 3:30pm – FOR EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ONLY
VITAL BRIDGES FOOD PANTRIES MOVING TO DELIVERY
Given the nature of this pandemic, we are starting to change our food pantry service and rebuild our “meals on wheels” model so those with HIV don’t have to further compromise themselves. It’s how we did it 30 years ago during the height of the AIDS crisis, and this pandemic is bringing us back to that work.
While our physical pantries remain open, we have instituted curb-side pickups at our brick and mortar spaces. As we ramp up our delivery and outreach services, Lori Cannon can’t help but reflect on the origins of the program.
“Once again, with another pandemic, the LGBT community has risen to help one another—and the world,” said Cannon. “Our services will not slow down. In fact, we’re going to do more than ever.”
If you can still make it in to pick up food, please see our expanded pantry hours below. Please call 773-275-2586 for further information and/or to make an appointment.
- Westside Service Days- Tues and Friday (10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm)
- Northside Service Days- Tues(12pm-6pm), Thurs(12pm-3pm and 5pm-7pm)
- Southside Service Day- Thurs(11am-2pm and 3:30pm-5pm) and Fridays (11am-2pm)
More ways to get involved
- Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to stay updated on the latest developments with our work.
- Share stories of our courageous participants and employees, and help us spread accurate information about how to keep vulnerable populations safe from COVID-19.
- Make a gift to help employees across the Alliance provide access to critical supportive services to those who are most vulnerable.
- Donate homemade masks to help fight COVID-19.
We are grateful for the support and care you have for the individuals we serve, and for our employees who are on the frontlines every day.
