Our Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak
OCP serves populations that are at high-risk for death from the coronavirus, including those who are homeless, elderly, and who have chronic and serious illnesses. OCP takes our responsibility seriously to protect our community members from outside infection, and to protect the larger community from spread through the homeless population. We have developed the following plan and protocols to accomplish these goals.
Phase 1 – Precautionary (before confirmed cases of COVID-19 show up in Harrisonburg)
1) Required hand-washing/sanitizing upon entering the facility
2) Provide extra hand sanitizer in community center.
3) Disinfect tables, door knobs, handles, etc., 2-3 times per shift using bleach solution or alcohol wipes.
4) Provide face masks for those exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
5) Contact the Health Department to be advised of community-wide response plans that may affect the homeless population.
Phase 2 – Pre-Quarantine (Confirmed Local Cases/Community Spread)
In addition to the above protocols, we will:
1) Request that non-essential volunteers and non-community members stay away from OCP
2) Encourage community members with housing to remain in their housing and not come to OCP.
3) Any staff who exhibit flu-like symptoms will self-quarantine for at least 10-days and not come to work.
4) Staff will implement a modified shift schedule to accommodate those who are out sick and to spread out the risk of infection among staff.
5) Contact the Health Department to request testing and quarantine plans for unhoused individuals who may present with symptoms.
Phase 3 – Quarantine (Spreading Within OCP Community)
1) Only unhoused community members allowed at OCP; no outside volunteers; staff on split shift.
2) Isolate community members who present with symptoms (if possible) and contact Health Department and/or RMH and follow Sentara guidelines for testing and treatment.
3) May consider closing down and providing bag lunches to-go; or providing services to only the most ill and most vulnerable.
This outbreak is a rapidly developing situation, and we may be revising these protocols in order to appropriately adapt. We will continue to post updates on our website and through social media. Our vulnerable community members rely on all of us to keep them safe, so we ask that you follow all instructions from local public health officials and respect OCP’s guidelines in order to prevent the spread of this virus into our streets, shelters, and service agencies.
New Position Available!
OCP is currently seeking an organized, energetic, quick-learning, deeply motivated, and creative team player to serve as Case Manager. Interested? Please check the full post at http://ourcommunityplace.org/job-announcement/.
Firewood Needed
During the winter months we use firewood to heat our building. Have some to spare? Please contact us at [email protected]
Volunteer of the Month
blog by Leons Kabongo“Just because anger or hate is present does not mean that the capacity to love and accept is not there; love is always in you.” –Thich Nat Hanh Born in Brooklyn New York, Mr. Perry Bellamy is the eighth of nine children from his mother's second...
Featured Volunteer of the month Douglas Lavery
“Love all. Serve all. Help ever. Hurt never.” Sri Sathya Sai Baba Born in Newark, New Jersey, our featured volunteer of the month, Mr. Douglas Lavery, spent most of his childhood near Pittsburg, PA. When I asked if he recalled...
Box Lunch Catering
Help support OCP! We can cater your next luncheon!
