Across the world, people are sheltering in the comfort of their homes, hoping self-isolation will keep them safe from the coronavirus. However, homeless people don’t have that luxury as an option. In response to this, the Floridian city of Tampa set up a tent city called ‘Hillsborough Hope‘ that holds up to 100 homeless people.
On March 30, the homeless camp opened, and in less than two days, the camp filled up. About 40% of the homeless people who showed up were age 55 and older. Most of the tents were occupied by men, with only 15 women living there.
The city is paying the Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg $120,000 to run the camp till the end of April. One hundred lime-green tents are set up on a site that also includes six portable toilets, mobile shower trailers, and a mobile laundromat. Its residents get three meals a day, and, for emergencies, they are provided medical treatment.
Most homeless people have poor health and are considered at high risk for serious COVID-19 complications. Additionally, they do most of their washing in park restrooms, gyms, and libraries, which are all closed. “We realized we had homeless people on the street as resources started drying up, and they would not be able to access food and things they need,” said Tampa’s housing and community development manager, Vanessa McCleary.
Jane Castor, the Mayor of Tampa, said:
In Tampa, we help each other in times of need, and Hillsborough Hope is a perfect example. As we all stay safe at home, Hillsborough Hope, in coordination with a host of community partners, is providing shelter to 100 homeless individuals in our community that have no place to go. The sooner we start taking care of each other, the sooner we can get through this together.
The camp welcomes any homeless person, except for registered sex offenders. Homeless people were referred to the camp by law enforcement officials. Anyone who comes to the site gets screened for the virus, and if someone shows signs of symptoms, they will go to the BayCare Health System, which has a stash of test kits reserved for the homeless population.
Those accepted are given a wrist band with a number on it that matches the number of their tent. Catholic Charities is also supplying them with hand sanitizer, deodorant, soap, and water bottles. The camp has a daily 5 p.m. curfew, and residents are advised to obey the Safer at Home order. “They will be told if you don’t return tonight, someone else will want your bed,” added Rogers.
Drugs and Alcohol are prohibited in the camp. If anyone brings such items, they will be kicked out of the shelter. The Tampa Police Department will be providing security on the site, to ensure that residents follow the rules and are safe.
Catholic Charities doesn’t plan to put their guests back on the street once the pandemic is finally over. This week, six case managers will interview the residents and assess how they can be permanently housed. The non-profit is also looking for a site to make Hillsborough Hope permanent; it would include both tent accommodation and real housing.
Catholic Charities is asking for help from anyone who can. Those who want to help the residents of Hillsborough Hope can donate the following:
- Toiletries;
- Underwear;
- Shoes;
- Deodorant;
- Toilet paper;
- Cleaning supplies;
- prepared lunch meals;
- ready-to-eat breakfast, including granola bars and cereal.
All donations can be dropped off at 2021 E Busch Blvd. from 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Those who want to donate money go to www.ccdosp.org/covid19/.
