NC Counties Take Steps To Keep Homeless Safe During COVID-19 Pandemic

It's hard to shelter in place when you have no place to call home. 

Public health workers across the state are visiting local homeless shelters to provide guidance on social distancing and cleaning protocols to mitigate community spread and maximize shelter operations.

In Forsyth County, the Board of Commissioners recently approved $375,000 in additional emergency funding for COVID-19 response. A portion of that will assist homeless individuals who are thought to have the virus or may have been exposed.

Based on a community spread formula, they project that 115 homeless individuals will be served over the next 90 days.

“Right now, it really is just getting a hotel, motel, or getting another to commit to housing this category of individuals," says Shontell Robinson, Assistant County Manager. "That has been our biggest challenge at the moment. But we are optimistic and we are continuing to work on that."

She says the funding will also be used for medical support and food service for this vulnerable population.

Currently, there are around 1,900 homeless individuals in Forsyth County.

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.

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