Virginia offers hotel rooms to homeless to curb coronavirus outbreak

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced $2.5 million in emergency funding that would go to serving the state’s homeless population. The money will go to temporarily housing 1,500 Virginians who are currently in shelters, have no shelter or are in situations where social distancing isn’t possible.

Northam said in a statement that as they battle this unprecedented public health crisis, they must make sure no one is left behind. The Government of Virginia has issued a statewide Stay At Home order, but they know there are many Virginians with no home to stay in,” he added. “With this funding, we will ensure people experiencing homelessness have access to immediate housing options and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Designated Virginians will receive hotel and motel vouchers, food, cleaning supplies, and, if needed, medical transportation.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will also provide aid to people experiencing homelessness who are 65 and older, those with preexisting conditions, and those who have tested positive for COVID-19.

People experiencing homelessness are more likely to have chronic health conditions that go untreated, and are among the populations most vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19,” Northam’s statement said.

According to the statement, Virginia has a seen an uptick in the number of homeless older adults.

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