Springs Rescue Mission



Springs Rescue Mission responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, sees increase in daytime-service seekers INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET Springs Rescue Mission has transitioned to "emergency response" mode, implementing strategies designed to prevent and reduce the transmission of COVID-19 among the homeless population in Colorado Springs.“Since we opened the doors of our shelter in 2016, we have been dedicated and determined to create a clean, healthy and dignified environment for those struggling with homelessness," said President & CEO Larry Yonker. "Knowing we serve a vulnerable population, our mission is to continue prioritizing their health, safety and wellbeing during this sensitive time.”According to experts, the U.S. homeless population is among the most vulnerable in the country to COVID-19 and could be twice as likely to contract the virus.While local businesses, nonprofits and government programs are shutting down, SRM is choosing to stay open to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of this community's neighbors in need. Due to reductions in other homeless services, the number of individuals seeking daytime shelter in our Resource Center has more than doubled — from 160 to 350 on Tuesday, March 17 — requiring the use of other facilities on campus to accomodate overflow. That is a record for the organization. Additionally, close to 400 individuals are finding shelter at the Mission each night.“We’re doing our very best with the information we have to keep our staff, guests and volunteers as safe and healthy as possible," said Chief Development Officer Travis Williams. "We want to continue, as best we can, to Love Bigger and help those who need it most."Essential services at Springs Rescue Mission remain in operation. Those include shelter programs, feeding operations and access to our Resource Center, where guests can seek daytime shelter, take showers and do laundry.At the recommendation of the City of Colorado Springs and local health agencies, Springs Rescue Mission has also implemented the following health and safety precautions:adding hand sanitizer/hand wipe stations at all points of entry;increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting;encouraging “social distancing” and other CDC-recommended selfcare techniques;implementing head-to-toe sleeping strategies in all shelter programs;posting signage related to and encouraging best practices in cleanliness and safety;requiring all staff, guests and clients to wash and sanitize hands upon entry;referring anyone with symptoms to seek appropriate medical attention; andrequiring all volunteers and non-essential staff to remain home/work remotely.This is not an exhaustive list of precautions and will remain in effect until further notice (a re-evaluation of these guidelines will occur March 31).Springs Rescue Mission needs community support now more than ever. Those interested in making a financial contribution or becoming a monthly donor can do so by visiting . We are also in urgent need of the following items:hand sanitizer (bulk)laundry pods (bulk)infared (8-10) or disposable forehead (bulk) thermometerspaper plate and bowls (10,000)foam cups (10,000)napkins (10,000)plastic folks and spoons (10,000)toilet paper (bulk)bath towels (bulk)For more information and/or to schedule an interview with a Springs Rescue Mission spokesperson, contact Cameron Moix by phone at 719-351-8508 or by email at cameronm@.To receive updates related to the organization's COVID-19 response, and for stories about the people we help, subscribe to the Mission blog HERE.From everyone at Springs Rescue Mission, we thank you for keeping our community informed! ................
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