BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – New measures are being taken in Raleigh County to help slow down the spread of COVID-19 in the homeless community.
For those without a home, safety measures are not only out of reach; it’s not even an option. The Executive Director of Raleigh County Community Action Association Ron Cantley, says they’re using their resources to provide housing for the homeless COVID-19 positive or not.
“If someone comes to Pine Haven homeless shelter and is Asymptomatic and has no reason to be tested, we will still isolate them for 14 days before they come in the shelter. As far as people being symptomatic or positive, we will add in the direction of the health department,” said Cantley.
If a person is symptomatic, the shelter will not turn them away, but instead, redirect them to a place where they can safely self-quarantine without spreading the virus.
“We want to make sure to the best of our ability that we prevent the spread of this disease if it should become a major major problem in our community and by preparing ahead of time we feel like we have the greatest chance to improve the situation in Raleigh Country,” said Cantley.
Depending on symptoms each person will be separated at different shelters and other locations
“Within the realm of working with the health department, we feel like we have taken every step that we know of for the residents and staff that are in the shelter, and to this point, we have no positive tests. We have nobody that has come symptomatic. We feel like that a blessing, and with the health department, we have put together a pretty good plan,” said Cantley.
For more information on housing, you can contact the Raleigh County Community Action Association.
