How COVID-19 has increased difficulties for Athens´ homeless population

By Campbell Hauschild

During this pandemic, the lives of many have been dramatically changed, whether it be COVID-19 itself, job opportunities, housing, or a plethora of other serious impacts. Yet few recognize how the devastating change and struggle faced by the homeless population has only exacerbated their struggles.

Keith Wasserman, the founder of a nonprofit called Good Works that provides shelter for Athens and the surrounding nine counties through their Timothy House, answered questions about their situation during this pandemic.

When asked about the exacerbated circumstances regarding health vulnerabilities, Wasserman talked about the increased risk that naturally exists for the homeless. ¨People without homes are already at high risks for health vulnerabilities. COVID has made the situation much worse for many people who do not have a home or a stable place to live.¨ With Wasserman highlighting the exponential increase in infection risk compared to those who are fortunate.

When responding to the necessary changes they've had to make for COVID-19, the director responded,¨While all the Good Works staff are well-trained...they are not health care professionals... we do have limits.¨ As he recognizes that not only are these people putting themselves at considerable risk just like health care professionals but without preparation. On the topic of worker changes, Wasserman talked about the repeated ¨ wiping down the entire house on a regular basis with appropriate disinfectant cleaning spray each day.¨ Even with such tedious work, within this job transmission is all too easy. As residents are given bus tickets to get around Athens, the possibility of exposure is high. And when asked about testing, the lack of aid offered has been difficult.

¨Any resident of Good Works who has COVID symptoms and would like a test must contact their primary care doctor or call the Ohio Health O’Blenness Hospital. Most residents who stay at The Good Works Timothy House do not have a primary care physician.¨

Wasserman was told this by the Athens County health department in regards to providing testing. Yet no solution has come as most residents at the Timothy House do not have a primary care physician accessible to them. The director also stated that the Health Department requested that if a resident gets COVID-19 to be isolated in the house. ¨I was very clear that my staff and I will not do that. We are not health care professionals,¨ said Wasserman.

The equipment provided to them by the Health Department has not had N-95 masks, only providing disposable masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning spray. This lack of comprehensive and high-grade equipment is shocking regarding the risk that their work exposes them too, especially with being understaffed. ¨We stopped having volunteers in March because we felt like the risks were too high for those volunteers,¨ said Wasserman. With such dangerous and careful work, a smaller team has proven a challenge.

Wasserman also spoke on his concern regarding the winter seasons spike in cases, saying,¨ Many places our residents used to go inside are not available...or are not open. This is very distressing, especially when our residents have small children and have nowhere to go.¨ This worrying thought shows their need for support this holiday season.

Being conscious of others is always important especially during a pandemic. Informing oneself is more important than even in both the pandemic and homelessness. You can find more information at https://good-works.net/.