As part of the Bowser Administration’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, the District fundamentally transformed how it serves and supports residents experiencing homelessness.
Recognizing the high risk to individuals experiencing homelessness during the public health emergency, especially those living in congregate settings, the District developed a comprehensive strategy to keep vulnerable populations safe. To address the disparate impact on vulnerable populations, Mayor Bowser released an Executive Order outlining measures to protect those living outside, staying in shelters, and residing in supportive housing programs. The District modified operations throughout the emergency shelter system to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and help keep unsheltered residents safe. This storyboard shares key strategies, including:
- Helping prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in low-barrier shelters and responding quickly to positive cases;
- Providing private hotel rooms and services for isolation and quarantine; and,
- Keeping our most vulnerable shelter residents safe from COVID-19.
To view the storyboard, please click here.
Our efforts to protect District residents experiencing homelessness are further shared in DHS Director Laura Zeilinger’s blog post “How DC is protecting and supporting those experiencing homelessness during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.”
For up-to-date information on the District’s coronavirus (COVID-19) response please visit https://coronavirus.dc.gov.
For inquiries related to DHS' coronavirus (COVID-19) response, please contact [email protected].