Local Organizations Join Forces to Support Macon’s Homeless Population
Though Georgia’s governor is loosening some pieces of the state’s shelter-in-place order, many Georgians are opting to stay home a little longer. For others, staying at home isn’t an option. What does this mean for Macon’s homeless population?”
DePaul USA’s Daybreak Day Resource Center is just one of the local organizations continuing to provide support services to Macon’s homeless population.
Sister Theresa Sullivan, director of DePaul USA Daybreak, said they are providing all of their previous resources, and more.
“One of the big things we’re doing is educating them on the coronavirus,” she said. “Educating on the importance of handwashing, on distancing. People are making homemade masks and we are giving them out as people come in.”
In addition, Daybreak has moved their services outside. Some services that require indoor access including open showers, restrooms and food, are still being offered. To reduce human interaction, the organization has limited the number of people in the building at one time.
In order to further pinpoint local needs, Daybreak has been participating in a community assessment forum.
The Community Foundation of Central Georgia and United Way of Central Georgia have partnered to host eight conference calls with local nonprofit organization leaders to “assess the immediate and future impact of the COVID-19 disruption on our communities.” Topics discussed include food insecurity, childcare, health, shelter and arts and culture.
“We get together and talk so we know what others are doing and how we can help others out with things they can’t do,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan said the talks have already resulted in some community problem solving for everyday issues that the homeless are facing during this time. For example, with the help of local organizations, the health department has installed three sets of portable bathrooms and sinks in different locations in downtown Macon for the homeless.
Though they are finding strategic ways to continue serving the community, the virus has affected Daybreak’s volunteer support, losing about 80 percent of volunteers, Sister Sullivan added.
Along with Daybreak, here are some local organizations you can support during this time:
