Community Change In The Time Of COVID

Homelessness in the age of Coronavirus brings a unique set of difficulties, above and beyond the overwhelming challenges that one typically faces without shelter. Research suggests up to 40% of homeless individuals could contract COVID-19 with 10% of those individuals needing hospitalization. Without access to health care, and often residing in groups, the homeless population of the Big Bend are acutely vulnerable. Not only is this community particularly exposed to COVID-19, they are often looked down on, seen as less worthy or lazy, because they simply cannot make ends meet. When in reality 1 in 5 Tallahassee residents–Florida’s capitol city–currently lives below the poverty line. Poverty and homelessness affect minority populations acutely, even here. Just over 40% of Florida’s homeless population is African American. We know from recent events that this group especially faces even more daily discrimination and hurdles to success than their Caucasian counterparts would under the same circumstances. 

But The Kearney Center is here to help! Located in Tallahassee’s poorest zip code (that happens to be populated with over 31% African American residents) is on a mission to set the poverty stricken back on a path to self-sufficiency. Historically a shared living space providing the necessities for shelterless clients, The Kearney Center is one of the first building blocks for clients on the path back to independence. In light of the risks presented by COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, The Kearney Center has moved all of its 370 clients to motels and apartments and out of congregate home settings. Each client still receives meal services, the assistance of case managers, hygiene supplies and the care they need to remain safe and healthy. Rick Kearney, chairman of the board, says "moving clients into non-congregate housing–like apartments or motels–is the best practice in health safety. We're committed to our clients, staff, and our community's safety." This decision was based on findings such as a CDC report showing a high prevalence of the novel Coronavirus within congregate homeless shelters. 

They are of the opinion that ‘when we help one…we help everyone’. So, their staff has tirelessly provided meals, supplies and health care to their clients, even though they are in multiple locations, The Kearney Center is still providing help, hope, and safe housing to those in poverty. Sheltering, feeding, and supporting their clients in safe, non-congregate environments costs The Kearney Center an additional $200,000 per month. They are currently seeking Federal and private funding, but need our help to fill in the gaps. Donate at the co-op all month long by rounding up your transactions! Learn more about The Kearney Center, and find volunteer opportunities here: kearneycenter.org.