Dear providers: As the Coronavirus alters daily life for many, the Office of Homeless Services is facing not one, but two public health challenges: the COVID-19 virus and homelessness. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) has shared tips for helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 which include staying home as much as possible and washing your hands. However, for those who don’t have a home, a sink, or regular access to the most basic hygiene — that advice is difficult to implement. With that in mind, I wanted to provide some resources directly to our providers who are working tirelessly in this very challenging time. Friday, April 3: Next Provider Update for COVID-19Join us this Friday at 11:15 a.m. for our weekly COVID-19 provider update call. Dial 646-558-8656 and use meeting ID 540 843 470. Keep your eyes out for a calendar invite from Nya Sturrup, PR Specialist at OHS. Click here for the notes from the meeting on March 27. Please know that the good work you do every single day doesn't go unnoticed. The Philadelphia Inquirer published an article highlighting professionals who are responding to COVID-19. Mike Hinson from SELF and Clay Ruley from Prevention Point, two of our important provider leaders, are featured. Also, Generocity showcases how Bethesda Project’s Church Shelter Program is continuing to serve the city's most vulnerable residents. Cheers to your peers! Transportation Guide - New! If you need to transport patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, refer to the all-new Transportation Guide to decrease the risk of transmission during transportation, per PDPH. Additional Ready Resources• Guidance for Congregate Settings Regarding Covid-19. • Supplies: We understand it is frustrating and scaring not having access to PPE supplies, or not knowing when those supplies will be available. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of PPE supplies and not even the health system has access to them right now. In the meantime, please feel free to buy your own supplies like trash bags, hand sanitizer, soap, tissues, and trash cans. Please track your COVID-19 expenses. • COVID Testing: Who Should Get Testing and Where Testing is Available. • Looking for provider guidance from PDPH? Call 215-685-6742 during regular business hours and 215-686-4514 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. • Call the Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline at 1800-722-7112 for answers regarding symptoms and risk factors, potential exposures, testing resources, and recommendations for social distancing. • Free meals for people experiencing homelessness. This is just for Center City; we will be updating citywide shortly. • Free meals and safe spaces for students while school is out. • Learn more or donate to PHL COVID-19 FUND, the new local response fund for nonprofits impacted by the virus. • Visit the PHLCOVID-19 website for up-to-date information about what is going on locally. PDPH is not able to get immediate updates out to all of us, but they are updating the website regularly. Help them help you by starting here. It may have the answer you are looking for. • To receive regular text updates sent to your phone, text COVIDPHL to 888-777. • Tune into the Mayor’s daily press briefing on COVID Testing. You can access it via the City's Facebook, PDPH's Facebook, or on PHLGOVTV, formerly Channel 64. • Complete the non-profit survey to allow government, donors, and funders of Greater Philadelphia to better understand the needs of the region’s non-profit sector and the vulnerable populations they serve during the effects of COVID-19. • Need volunteers? Contact the Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Services team by email at volunteer@phila.gov.
In gratitude, Roberta Roberta Cancellier, Deputy for Housing
City of Philadelphia
Office of Homeless Services |
