AUSTIN, TX — The Austin-Travis County EMS Explorer Post 247 , an organizations working with Central Texas youth aged 14-21 learning about careers in Emergency Medical Services through classes and ambulance ride-alongs, is working toward raising funds to provide essential supplies Austin's homeless community. Amid coronavirus, or COVID-19, homeless individuals are especially vulnerable during these challenging times. The goal of the organization is to raise enough funding to provide supplies to 10,000 individuals across the city.

The community is invited to offer monetary donations so that explorers may go purchase the needed items. Those interested in helping the effort may donate via Venmo account (Explorer_Post_247). When items are purchased, they will be given to the Community Health Paramedic Unit (CHP) who works to provide direct services to the homeless community.

For its part, the City of Austin has implemented efforts to try to mitigate the spread of the diseaseand is providing access to services including basic hygiene, social services, and food. Portable toilets and handwashing stations have been placed in 20 areas across town, aligning with current Violet Bag sites and near areas of known encampments.