Homeless shelter in Lexington adjusts to keep people safe during pandemic

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Hope Center homeless shelter in Lexington saw an increase of COVID-19 cases after the holiday season.  The facility says even though it has protocols in place to keep clients safe and those clients are now in the clear, it’s taking action to continue to protect those who need help.

According to the Director of Development, Carrie Thayer, the center just did a round of coronavirus tests this week and saw all negative results.

Some of the protocols in place at the emergency shelter include social distancing and PPE, but there are also daily and weekly testing in all of its programs along with restrictions for clients, including leaving the facilities only for medical and vital appointments.

“Clients here at the Hope Center are very grateful to have somewhere safe to go. Those that come to us for help are receiving a place to sleep, and three meals a day and plus all the services that they would need to live a different life if that’s the path they want to go down, but COVID has brought in a whole other challenge of doing that and at the same time keeping everyone safe,” Thayer said.

She added the shelter has been adjusting protocols throughout the pandemic.

The Hope Center also found a way to increase its efforts with the street outreach team.  Staff visit people who don’t have shelter and provide basic necessities and connect them with needed resources.