Volunteer Opportunity: COVID-19 Homeless Isolation Facility

15 East Church Street,Jacksonville FL 32202

12 September, 2021

Description

Help us keep our unhoused neighbors safe! Volunteer to help set up the COVID-19 isolation facility today! Our coalition of homeless services providers has been working tirelessly over the last 18 months to keep our unhoused neighbors safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, but now we need YOUR help. Those experiencing homelessness are extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. We've established a large isolation facility for anyone who tests positive while experiencing homelessness so they can safely self-isolate. Over the next few weeks, we need the community's help to prepare this space before anyone can move into it. Details: We've got a huge facility to clear and prepare before anyone can temporarily move in! Volunteer shifts will happen over the course of two weekends. During the first weekend, volunteers will be lifting and moving items that are currently being stored in the isolation facility, and will help load them into a box truck on-site. This includes bins full of clothes, toys, bicycles, etc. During the second weekend, volunteers will be assisting with setting up the space for COVID-19 positive clients to move into. This includes setting up beds, distributing essential supplies, etc. You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer. If you are under the age of 18, we will require a signature from a parent or legal guardian. Waivers will be sent via email prior to volunteer shifts. Please print the completed and signed waiver out and bring it with you. Volunteer hours can be applied toward school or community requirements. Volunteers will not be directly interacting with clients experiencing homelessness who have tested positive for COVID-19. Before entering the facility, everyone will be required to: 1. Show proof of vaccination, take a rapid COVID-19 test, and have your temperature checked OR 2. Show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to your volunteer shift, take a rapid COVID-19 test, and have your temperature checked Volunteer shifts: First weekend: Saturday, September 11th, 8 AM - 12 PM and Sunday, September 12th, 8 AM - 12 PM Second weekend: Saturday, September 18th, 8 AM - 12 PM and Sunday, September 19th, 8 AM - 12 PM Disclaimer: To prevent the spread of COVID, CDC guidelines will be in place at the isolation facility. Volunteers will be required to wear masks at all times, keep a distance of 6 feet from others (when applicable), and wash their hands regularly. Due to COVID-19, volunteers will be required to sign and submit a waiver prior to their selected shifts. Please refer to the CDC's How To Protect Yourself and Others. About Changing Homelessness: Changing Homelessness guides the community effort and builds capacity to prevent and end homelessness. As the Lead Agency for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Continuum of Care (CoC) Grant in Northeast Florida, we provide training and foster communications between our 40+ member agencies that provide direct service to those in need. Our vision: an end to homelessness. As the Lead Agency for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Continuum of Care (CoC) Grant, Changing Homelessness provides training and fosters communication between our 50 member agencies that provide direct service to those in need.