Maya McFadden Photo
The Columbus House, which runs emergency shelters and other programs for the homeless, will keep alive a Covid-19 drop-in triage tent erected on East Rock’s Blake Field.
The city put up the tent (pictured above) on May 4 to offer food, clothing, coronavirus testing, and counseling for homeless people during the pandemic, as well as showers at the nearby East Rock Magnet School. Columbus House and other social-service agencies worked on the project with the city.
Amid the coronavirus’s wane, the city announced it would close the operation this Friday.
The hours will remain the same — noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday — as Columbus House assumes oversight of the project. Columbus House Senior Manager of Outreach & Engagement Lisbette De La Cruz will be in charge.
“The Drop-In Center is such an innovative idea designed to provide vital assistance to those who literally have nowhere else to turn during this unprecedented health crisis. When the city asked Columbus House to take the lead after the 26th, we jumped at the chance to keep this vital lifeline for those experiencing homelessness open,” Columbus House CEO Margaret Middletown stated in a release.
Thank you to Columbus House for stepping up and taking over the drop in support center for the homeless during the pandemic. There should be a permanent drop in support center in the center of the city where homeless people can get support and services.