Shelter strives to keep local homeless safe
Sick clients will be quarantined but no cases reported yet
TRURO, N.S. – Truro’s homeless shelter has closed its doors to new clients as COVID-19 tightens its grip on Nova Scotia.
Truro Homeless Outreach Society (THOS) is still offering beds to its 14 existing clients who must practise social distancing to avoid infection. Board chair Joan Keller said no client is currently sick but anyone who does fall ill will be isolated in a separate room, given a facemask and will undergo a medical assessment.
“Our biggest concern right now is being able to keep the doors open to guests, because it would be detrimental to them to have us close in a pandemic,” Keller said. “Most of the community resources they use are closed.”
This includes the Colchester-east Hants Public Library, where local homeless people often go during the day for a warm place to sit, as well as to conduct job searches.
However, First Baptist Church on Prince Street is allowing THOS clients to stay in its building during the day. Keller said this will help keep them off the streets and reduce their risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Clients cannot stay at THOS during daytime as there are no volunteers available to assist them at that time.
THOS clients must use hand sanitizer every time they step into the building. They are encouraged to wash their hands regularly and Lysol wipes are also offered. The shelter itself is cleaned with a solution of water and bleach to disinfect surfaces.
Keller said some of THOS’S elderly volunteers, who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, are staying away during the pandemic.
“I am happy to report we have had an influx of people wanting to help cover shifts for some of our folks who have chosen to take some space during this very real problem,” Stephanie Watson, navigator/volunteer coordinator, said in an email to volunteers.
Watson also said THOS fully supports the decision of some volunteers to stay away at this time.
THOS is located at 862 Prince St. in Truro. Anyone wishing to volunteer can call 902-843-2538 or 902-9563750.
People can also visit www. trurohomeless.ca or the Truro Homeless Outreach Society Facebook page for more information.