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LEWISTON — The city of Lewiston and Community Concepts have joined forces with support from MaineHousing, Department of Health and Human Services and several other state and local organizations to address a critical public health need — helping people with no permanent home to shelter in a safe place during this global pandemic. There are an estimated 150 people currently without shelter in the community.
According to Mayor Mark Cayer, “The current health emergency is a particular concern for individuals who are currently in shelters without adequate space for social distancing or who have no place to stay, potentially presenting a risk to both themselves and others in the community. Housing them safely is essential to the health of this population and to protect the entire community from the potential for community spread.”
“The homeless community is a forgotten community and during this global pandemic, people need a safe place to shelter in place to help fight the spread of the coronavirus,” added Shawn Yardley, chief executive officer of Community Concepts. “When city officials reached out and asked for help, my answer was ‘how can we help?'”
To help flatten the curve and address this public health need, the City of Lewiston is working to use the Lewiston armory as a temporary, adults-only wellness shelter. Anyone coming into the building will be screened daily, following CDC guidelines and anyone who exhibits signs of illness will be immediately isolated and referred to the appropriate medical staff.
“Social distancing, especially in a vulnerable population as the homeless, is key to preventing the spread of COVID-19. I commend the Lewiston community for coming together with compassion and foresight. I am proud to be part of this effort,” said Dan Brennan, director of MaineHousing.
“In addition to a warm, dry bed and clean restroom facilities, we will provide three meals a day,” noted Yardley. “All staff and guests will maintain safe social distancing and be provided with the proper protective equipment as recommended by the CDC.”
Community Concepts staff will be handling the day-to-day operations of the wellness shelter and are looking for temporary workers with experience in health care, social work or other areas of human service. The facility will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week as soon as appropriate staff are in place, including an individual to provide security. It’s projected to operate through June 30.
“Please consider joining our team temporarily and helping the community during this difficult time,” added Yardley. The starting hourly rate for workers is expected to be at least $18 an hour. Anyone interested in a temporary position can find more information on Community Concepts’ website, ccimaine.org or call 207.739.6522.
