The City of Seattle recently directed an additional $11.6 million to help continue ensuring a minimal spread of the novel coronavirus among the city’s homeless residents. | Stock photo
The City of Seattle recently directed an additional $11.6 million to help continue ensuring a minimal spread of the novel coronavirus among the city’s homeless residents. | Stock photo
The City of Seattle recently approved the use of up to $11.6 million in funds to continue reimbursement and contract efforts that enable organizations serving the city’s homeless population to make modifications to their services that contribute to lowered transmission of COVID-19.
The funding was approved for multiple facilities and programs, including day centers, shelters and permanent supportive housing, according to a release from the city. These are the latest in expenditures by the city – expected to total $150 million for 2020 – in an effort that has resulted in a coronavirus transmission rate among the city’s homeless population that is in line with the rate for the general population.
The city’s expenditures during the pandemic have included ensuring there is additional space in shelters to prevent transmission due to overcrowding, deploying hand-washing stations, and making mobile shower units available, according to the release.
“COVID-19 has laid bare the systemic inequities of our systems, forcing us to redefine how we care for our most vulnerable, especially individuals experiencing homelessness who are at some of the highest risks for COVID-19,” Mayor Jenny Durkan said in the press release.
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