Press release from Western Carolina Rescue Ministries:
Western Carolina Rescue Ministries (WCRM) is the largest overnight emergency shelter which serves the homeless, poor and addicted populations of Western North Carolina. Research indicates that our homeless population could be at a higher risk for infection of the coronavirus, as they often live in crowded conditions and do not seek medical attention until very sick.
WCRM has taken preemptive action on our campus by posting signs at entrances and in strategic places providing instruction on hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette. In addition, hand washing stations and hand sanitizer is readily available for anyone accessing our campus and utilizing our services. Finally a more aggressive cleaning/ sanitation routine has been implemented for high traffic areas such as door knobs, hand rails, etc.
In response to COVID -19, WCRM will now be operating on “restricted access” until further notice. Restricted access will be defined as the following: our clothing closet and public showers for the general public will be closed until further notice. May’s care center, our medical care clinic at WCRM, will operate on an appointment-only basis. Finally, all meals (lunch and dinner) provided for the public will be distributed outside. There will be no outside volunteers until further notice.
In addition, WCRM has been actively in communication with local government agencies regarding preparation and response to a COVID-19 outbreak within the homeless population.
Donations of paper towels, toilet paper, disinfecting wipes, bleach-based sprays, disinfecting bleach, disposable plates and cutlery are welcome at 225 Patton Avenue, Asheville NC.
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