Heading Home is part of a concerted effort to mitigate COVID-19 infection. Our primary aim is to keep both our clients and staff safely supported at this time, and to ensure that protocols are in place should anyone need testing, self-monitoring isolation, or treatment. We are acting on all recommended practices as the latest information becomes available to us from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NM Department of Health and all other relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies.
As of this time, we do not have any reports of our clients or staff diagnosed with COVID-19. Together, Heading Home with the City of Albuquerque, Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless, HopeWorks, Barrett Foundation and The Rock at NoonDay, among others, we have procedures in place to protect and serve one of our most vulnerable populations.
We have established isolation locations should these be needed. Out of an abundance of caution, we have increased cleaning measures; new screening actions; decreased personal contact and large-group activities; and we have a progressive step-down plan to reduce staffing. This will protect our staff—while also maintaining our critical service provision.
Our shelters will remain open.
- The Westside Emergency Housing Center will continue to give families, women and men a safe place to stay.
- Albuquerque Opportunity Center will continue to provide safety and shelter to men.
- Other supportive services for our clients served through outreach and those who are housed will continue at a reduced level. Essential services such as food, rent payments and emergency support will continue.
While this time of intensity endures, we are deeply appreciative and proud of our team and the community in which we live. Burqueños always step up and help one another through challenging times. This moment is no different. Please know that Heading Home is proactive in working to achieve our vision that experiences of homelessness are rare, short-lived and nonrecurring…even during times of external and large-scale crises such as this.
As always, I thank you for your ongoing support of Heading Home and our work.
Sincerely,
Dennis R. Plummer, CEO
*For additional Heading Home COVID-19 information click here.
