{"id":384,"date":"2020-05-28T21:35:44","date_gmt":"2020-05-28T21:35:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bowery.org\/updates\/?p=384"},"modified":"2026-01-28T15:07:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T15:07:09","slug":"caring-for-people-in-need-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bowery.org\/updates\/2020\/05\/caring-for-people-in-need-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"Caring for people in need during the coronavirus pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Bowery Mission is familiar with helping neighbors through crisis. From the 1918 flu pandemic to the Great Depression to Hurricane Sandy, we\u2019ve served our city\u2019s most vulnerable through hard seasons. Now during the current pandemic, and throughout our nearly 150 years of outreach, generous supporters, partners and volunteers have been committed to care for neighbors who have been overlooked or forgotten \u2014 those who don\u2019t have a home in which to shelter in place. Their courage and compassion have allowed The Bowery Mission to continue demonstrating God\u2019s love to New Yorkers during these unique times, by providing meals, hygiene, shelter and much needed care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“In the midst of this virus, we all need love and compassion. We are here for our guests, no matter what, to provide prayer, support, joy and smiles.”<\/em> \u2014 Julie, staff<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Keeping neighbors nourished<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"To-go<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It is critically important for neighbors without a home or income to access life-sustaining meals. Healthy food boosts energy, nutrition and immunity. Since mid-March, to ensure health and safety, The Bowery Mission has modified meal service at our front-door campus on the Bowery, providing \u201cto-go\u201d meals outside our Red Doors for breakfast and lunch. We are serving an average of 1,100 meals each day across our five locations that remain open \u2014 for those without a home as well as many who are newly unemployed. Street permits and barricades were quickly secured to help manage lines and allow social distancing. Whenever it rains, tents are set up to keep our guests dry and healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Staff<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Our staff also take the opportunity to care for guests as they wait on line. They conduct health and safety screenings, provide education and also offer needs assessments. The Bowery Mission knows that these individuals may have needs that extend beyond just a meal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Pantry<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We continue to distribute food pantry bags as needed, which is a huge blessing for people newly unemployed and families with children home from school. Each bag contains an average of 8-10 pounds of food items like canned tuna, rice, pasta, beans, vegetables, fruit and other staples. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sheltering the weary and providing for hygiene<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For people struggling with homelessness, the directive to \u201cstay at home\u201d is a challenge. Thanks to generous supporters, we continue to offer residential and overnight emergency shelter programs for over 250 men and women each night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’re continuously screening the people we serve to ensure health and safety. This includes reviewing a questionnaire with emergency shelter guests and monitoring their temperatures. The dormitory spaces have also been modified to allow for proper social distancing and isolation areas, and we are educating guests and clients to care for the well-being of all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Temperature<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Handwashing<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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#MotivationMonday<\/a> Messages like this from our guests and clients, especially during this crisis, keep us focused on our goal \u2013 to be the most effective provider of compassionate care and life transformation for people in need in the New York metro area! pic.twitter.com\/3xGVly73PE<\/a><\/p>— The Bowery Mission (@BoweryMission) May 11, 2020<\/a><\/blockquote>