By Sheldon Spackman

helping those in need

CMHA assisting local homeless being tested for COVID-19

Apr 13, 2020 | 3:10 PM

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Central Alberta has been tasked with helping house local individuals struggling with homelessness while they are being tested for COVID-19.

As a result, the organization is seeking three new temporary full-time staff for evening and overnight hours, as well as some casual staff through September of this year.

Christine Stewart, executive director for CMHA Central Alberta, says they have been assisting the City of Red Deer and AHS in providing spaces for these individuals to isolate if they are showing novel coronavirus symptoms.

“This initiative is essential in minimizing the spread of COVID-19, not just to other people without homes but to the entire community,” says Stewart. “We can’t flatten the curve if people with symptoms are roaming the community looking for food and shelter and resources.”

Stewart says individuals who are currently experiencing homelessness are at a huge risk during this time.

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“This population of people generally struggle with much higher health issues already, due to lack of medical care, harsh environments, and lack of healthy diet,” she suggests. “The potential for COVID-19 to spread quickly is even greater for those with the inability to isolate – either away from others with COVID-19 or to isolate themselves so that others don’t get it.”

Stewart says individuals go through the regular AHS channels for symptoms and testing, with anyone identified as currently homeless and unable to isolate referred to the intake number provided to the shelters and medical teams doing the testing.

“The intake line staff call me to check on availability and timing for their arrival,” she explains. “We provide a room without access to other guests, we provide meals and support during the 10-day isolation to encourage people to stay isolated. We have 14 spaces for individuals with higher needs who are less likely to self-isolate and 20 spaces for lower need individuals and families who are more likely to stay isolated.”

Stewart says they have not been full as of yet, but that if the need is there, they’ll be ready.

“So far, our numbers have not multiplied as quickly as anticipated – which is a wonderful thing – and we have helped to isolate around 20 individuals,” admits Stewart. “I am very grateful to our staff team pulling together on this. I had been worried about staffing, but everyone who is able to work is doing so.”

Stewart says their job post has received over 300 applications from people willing to work, in spite of the COVID-19 risk.

“We have protective gear on site for all staff and have a lot of precautions in place to ensure staff safety,” she continues. “But it is still a risk and I’m grateful for our team, both old and new, who are willing to help where it is needed!”

She says in times like these, they are reminded it takes the entire community working together to get through this.

“We can’t just look after some of the people – this thing spreads too quickly and crosses all demographics,” she points out. “It is difficult to isolate when you don’t have on-line banking, when you can’t afford to stock up on things, when you require regular trips to the pharmacy, or when you live in congregate housing. If you are able to isolate, please remember to be grateful.”