After spending weeks trying to aid in support of the unhoused population in #STL, I have revisited this public health guidance from @CDCgov.

“If individual housing options are not available, allow people who are living unsheltered or in encampments to remain where they are.”

It goes on to say:

“Clearing encampments can cause people to disperse throughout the community and break connections with service providers. This increases the potential for infectious disease spread.”

Having visited two encampments and engaged in numerous meetings and conversations with dedicated health care providers, outreach workers, and other partners, I have a better understanding of the complexities than I did prior to COVID.

There are medical, substance abuse, mental health, sanitation, safety, and other issues to be considered.

But we have to do a better job coordinating, communicating, and problem solving to get to better outcomes for the unhoused. The current approach is not adequate.

I deeply appreciate the people who have dedicated themselves to caring for this most vulnerable of vulnerable populations during this pandemic. They need more of us to help them.