opinion

Display compassion and caring for every member of our community during this crisis |Opinion

With the outbreak of COVID-19 and the recent declaration that we are now entering a national state of emergency, these are uncertain times for all of us.

However, for families and individuals experiencing homelessness or for those on the threshold of homelessness, the possibility of losing their emergency shelter, home or job compounds this uncertainty.

The effects of coronavirus are far-reaching and go beyond public health. This outbreak will undoubtedly destabilize the housing situation of countless families in our community unless we take proactive steps to mitigate this now.

The impact this outbreak will have on vulnerable families is profound. Hourly workers already have already to see a significant reduction in their paychecks and there is a very real possibility we will begin to see layoffs.

With schools across the state closed, working parents also will struggle with the issue of childcare. Many parents will be forced to make the decision between paying for childcare or taking extended unpaid leave from work. The latest figures from Salem-Keizer Public Schools show that roughly 1,150 students are experiencing homelessness, meaning these closures will have a devastating effect on their way of life.

We understand that securing public health is of the highest importance, however, the economic fallout of this crisis will disproportionately impact the families we serve.

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Over 150,000 Oregon families pay more than 50% of their income to housing, meaning a single unforeseen financial crisis can destabilize them, putting them at risk for homelessness and other life-changing crises.

We want to make sure every precaution possible is taken to prevent this from happening to our most vulnerable neighbors.

In crises such as this one, it is important that we display compassion and caring for every member of our community. While we are not able to physically come together, now is the time to show solidarity in the protection of our most vulnerable citizens.

We believe the best ways to do this are to donate food, supplies and funding to local shelters and service providers along with amplifying their work as they see increased demand for their services.

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You should also reach out to local lawmakers to ensure they pledge to vote for and seek legislation that supports vulnerable families especially by instating a temporary halt on evictions and foreclosures.

If you want to help, please reach out to us at tj@familypromisemwv.org If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to info@familypromisemwv.org.

COVID-19 will change our way of life as we take preventative steps to mitigate its impact. Don’t let it change the lives of vulnerable Oregon families forever.

T.J. Putnam is the executive director of Family Promise of the Mid-Willamette Valley, a local non-profit that envisions a community where every child has a home. Over the past 21 years, On a typical evening, Family Promise provides emergency shelter and housing assistance for 155 homeless families with children. You may reach TJ at tj@familypromisemwv.org