Immediately funded effort will help those most vulnerable to COVID-19 in Snohomish County

Snohomish County, Providence Institute for a Healthier Community (PIHC), and the Community Foundation of Snohomish County (CFSC) announced March 17 immediate actions to help those most at risk of exposure to Covid-19. The funds will target those who are experiencing homelessness and are:

• Parents with children
• Veterans
• Other vulnerable individuals

“The entire community is coming together to help some of our most vulnerable residents,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “This is a tough time for everyone, and I am very grateful for those that have come forward to support our residents with the greatest needs. Together, we will make a difference.”

“Working together with the county and local lodgings, we will increase protection this week for vulnerable individuals and families, and the community at large, by providing separate quarters for community members at high risk who are experiencing homelessness,” said Scott Forslund, Executive Director for the Providence Institute for a Healthier Community. “This immediate upstream action is also one component of a broader strategy to help preserve critical medical facilities against a potential medical surge. We are indebted to the county team, and a range of organizations are collaborating rapidly with local funding and matching funds.”

CFSC is the designated community funding arm for Snohomish County’s COVID-19 response, working closely with the Snohomish County Executive’s Office, Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management, and other partners providing emergency response. Providence NWSA through Providence Institute for a Healthier Community is partnering with CFSC to provide centralized online hub for COVID- 19 Community Needs/Resources Exchange. See linkage on GiveWellLOCAL.org.

An initial $20,000 seed grant from the Providence Institute for a Healthier Community is leveraged by $80,000 from Snohomish County for Phase One Homeless Community Containment/Protection Program to establish housing for initially 1000 bed nights, currently expected to house approximately 33 families per night for the next 30 days.

“By providing non-group housing options, we can eliminate some of the risk of an entire group contracting the disease,” Forslund said. “This need is urgent and evolving.”