Dear Helping Up Mission Family,

At Helping Up Mission (HUM), we understand the concern and uncertainty many are experiencing surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We want you to know the health and well-being of our clients, our staff, volunteers, on-site partners, and visitors are top priorities.   Our board and senior leaders, staff, and community partners are committed to being responsive to their needs as this ever-changing situation evolves.

While we deeply value each volunteer, visitor and community partner who come to our facilities to care for the men and women in our care, health and safety in this environment must take precedence.

Therefore, on July 13th we look forward to welcoming back volunteers and we are requiring each volunteer to simply complete the following COVID-19 pre-screening questionnaire prior to returning to HUM for service:

PRESCREEN

Here are the new procedures:

Only 3 volunteers are allowed at a time – individuals or small groups only.
Upon arrival at the 1029 Front Desk/Lobby, you will check-in and your temperature will be taken.
You will be supplied PPE and can then proceed to your designated work area.
All timing/shifts have remained the same.
Gloves, hat, hairnet and mask, if needed, will be provided.

Questions & Answers:

What measures has Helping Up Mission implemented to protect current clients, staff, visitors, and volunteers?

We have distributed information on how to stay safe, and we are reiterating the CDC’s and Baltimore City’s guidelines for hygiene and disease prevention. We ask that everyone take the necessary precautions to keep themselves healthy and protect others.

Has any client or staff member tested positive or asymptomatic? If so, how many and when?

Thanks to our partnerships with Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Mayors Office of Homeless Services, GBMC and Health Care for the Homeless, we were able to universally test our clients at the beginning of May.  Those who tested positive were immediately isolated in hotel rooms provided by the Mayors Office of Homeless Services and closely monitored for symptoms.  They were mostly asymptomatic.  We have not had any confirmed COVID-19 cases at HUM since the third week of May.  We have worked in close coordination with Baltimore City Health Department to monitor possible cases and have implemented social distancing, meeting guidelines and universal mask wearing inside the building to mitigate the risk.

What is the protocol for those testing positive?

HUM staff as well as our on-site primary care provider, GBMC are checking in regularly on client, staff symptoms.  Any showing possible symptoms are immediately isolated in a separate dorm unit and scheduled for testing.  Any testing positive are placed in 10-14 day isolation hotel rooms provided through a partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services.

How is the kitchen staff being trained on COVID-19?

The kitchen staff has attended multiple training webinars on COVID-19 precautions and implemented practices to limit meal lines, wearing masks at all times and has switched to consumables for serving to minimize spread of risk.

How will volunteers be notified of any changes or cancellations?

A communication will be sent out via Helping Up Mission’s office email and social media platforms, in addition to updates posted to our official website.

How often can volunteers expect communication from Helping Up Mission regarding COVID-19 updates?

We will communicate any new information about our programs and protocols directly to volunteers.  Should you have any questions, or wish to speak with someone, please feel free to reach out via e-mail to kanderson@helpingup.org, or through the website.

Each volunteer should keep up to date on the situation, alerts, and communications of Maryland State and Baltimore City health authorities.

Thank you for your service and dedication to our mission.  While we still face challenges and need to remain vigilant with this pandemic, we are grateful for your interest in serving.