NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) – As COVID-19 continues to affect everyone, there is encouraging news for members of one of our most vulnerable communities. On Friday, community leaders gathered at a facility to provide a safe place to call home
More than a year after the COVID-19 strike, the celebration in one facility is fine.
“We have had no customer deaths from COVID this year,” said Margaret Middleton.
Margaret Middleton is the executive director of Columbus House, an emergency shelter for the homeless. Due to COVID-19, people seeking protection had to be removed from this location as confined spaces could increase the risk of the virus.
“This year we were able to accommodate people in temporary surroundings in hotel rooms with double occupancy. So two people in one room. And our COVID transmission was almost none, “said Middleton.
It’s all thanks to the Department of Housing, the City of New Haven, and federal funding. A special facility is a longer stay that offers all the comforts of home. It also gives people the opportunity to regain their independence.
“Here they can function as if they were in their own home. You can get up anytime you want, you can start your day, cook your own breakfast, ”said John Sanford, facility manager.
Supporters gathered on Friday to tour the facility and see how this extended stay provides life-saving benefits. Staff say masks are required as soon as a resident leaves their room, along with social distancing. You will also be offered vaccinations.
This is how Raymond Brown described his experience.
“It’s been a blessing, my life has been really missed, I’ve brought my life together,” said Brown.
“It gives them a little normalcy in life,” said Middleton.
