Homeless are hurting, too

There is a lack of volunteers in food banks due to social distancing and sending older volunteers home. This is causing less food and cleaning supplies to be distributed to those in need. Not only do the homeless not have shelters, now they do not have as much food nor supplies.

The media warns people to stock up on food, supplies and give back by donating. This panic of food and supplies running out is not only affecting those who are less fortunate and struggle to feed their family but also decreases the amount of food donated to food banks.

The health care system needs to encourage those who do not have symptoms to contribute and volunteer to help distribute food to shelters. Social distancing and checking fevers before volunteering would help increase the amount of volunteers and warn people about the effect on the homeless and less fortunate of hoarding foods.

With an increase in volunteerism and food donations, the homeless will not only get more food but will get it more frequently in these trying times. With the increase in workers there is always the possibility that increasing the number of volunteers will increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Elizabeth T. Prouty

Cheney