Because of rapid on-the-ground changes and new information related to COVID-19, we added a short special meeting to bridge the long weeks between our information-packed April 16 membership meeting (see notes here) and our next regular membership meeting on Thursday, May 21. This meeting is intended for front line and program staff in homeless services and housing organizations.
Agenda for meeting
- 9:00 – Welcome and Introduction
- Holding respectful silence for residents and guests who have lost their lives during the pandemic, and others who have died.
- Information about how to help people access stimulus payments (see more here).
- Nicole Palczewski, Annual Fund Manager, DESC
- Update on public benefits changes (see more here)
- Eric Tayag, Social Service Training Specialist, DSHS
- Grete Shultz, Benefits Attorney, Solid Ground
- CEA Policy Change Update
- Homeless Service Change Tracker: http://homelessinfo.org/resource/covid/
- Update on efforts to expand hygiene access for those living unsheltered
- Shared learning:
- We hope this conversation will move beyond what programmatic changes are happening to cover what program staff are learning as you do your work in the midst of major changes.
- What is one thing you have learned during the coronavirus outbreak as you engage with people to offer outreach, hygiene, or health services; operate shelter or manage housing under new conditions, or balance your work with suddenly homeschooling?
- What is your favorite way to talk about social distancing with people you serve?
- We hope this conversation will move beyond what programmatic changes are happening to cover what program staff are learning as you do your work in the midst of major changes.
- Experiences from the front lines: Reflections on Service Changes – staff from DESC, Catholic Community Services, Mary’s Place
- Resources for taking care of ourselves and taking care of each other
What are you doing to take care of yourself, keep perspective, or connect with people and community outside of work?
The Coalition has been compiling a variety of resources to support our members in caring for ourselves and others. Taking care of ourselves can look for different people, here are some examples:
•Take a virtual tour of the Smithsonian: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour/current-exhibits
•Practice yoga at home with free classes: https://www.thecut.com/2016/01/best-free-yoga-classes-online.html
•Play games like Pictionary, card games, Scattegories, etc: http://playingcards.io https://skribbl.io
•Host a Virtual Murder Mystery Party! https://murdermystery.com.au/how-to-host-a-virtual-murder-mystery-party-online
Have your own idea that should be added to our list? We want to hear from you, if you have creative suggestions please email Jason