The pandemic presents unique challenges to those who are experiencing homelessness and the organizations that support them. The Detroit News reported that the city’s homeless shelters face additional costs to limit the spread of the virus among residents. In fact, vacant shelters have re-opened to accommodate increased housing needs.­­ MLive reported that families experiencing homelessness are being sheltered in hotels to save space in shelters in Grand Rapids.

Nonprofits serving the homeless population rely on one another for strategies and best practices.

“Nonprofits in the city recognize that it takes a village to do the work, and they should reach out to others to collaborate and support one another,” Celia Thomas, chief operating officer, Alternatives for Girls, an organization in Detroit that provides shelter and basic needs to the city’s homeless youth told The Skillman Foundation and the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “For example, if someone donates an item that we can’t use, we will gladly pass that item along to other nonprofits who can use it.”

The National Alliance to End Homelessness released a suggested framework for communities to support the homeless population during the pandemic. Some immediate actions suggested in the framework include:

• Implement outreach and testing for unsheltered populations.

• Provide hygiene resources, such as handwashing stations and laundry services, for those in unsheltered environments.

• Equip shelter staff with Personal Protection Equipment and provide special training to support unsheltered populations.

Funders Together to End Homelessness, a national network of philanthropic organizations supporting homeless populations, published a list of resources and best practices to help guide foundations looking to meet the needs of homeless populations during the pandemic.

“People experiencing homelessness are uniquely at risk of being exposed to and contracting COVID-19, but we know that safe, stable housing is a key to saving lives and keeping communities healthy,” Funders Together to End Homelessness wrote in its COVID-19 Response and Recovery: Recommendations for Philanthropy. “If we are thoughtful and intentional about how we act now, we can end homelessness.”

In southeastern Michigan, The McGregor Fund works deeply in the area of supporting metro Detroit’s homeless population. This year, McGregor has funded six organizations serving those experiencing homelessness, totaling over $1.1 million in grants. Meanwhile, the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan (CFSEM) partnered with the Detroit Medical Center (DMC) Foundation, Wayne State University, and the city of Detroit to provide testing kits at Detroit’s Salvation Army shelter.

“On behalf of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, DMC Foundation and our many donors, we commend the city, Wayne State University and others moving to protect some of our most vulnerable residents,” Mariam Noland, president, CFSEM said. “We are working across philanthropy, government and business to help in this evolving crisis.”

Want more?

View the list of resources from Funders Together to End Homelessness.