Isolation and Quarantine Program

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

Hennepin County’s quick action in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic prevented deaths and widespread illness among people experiencing homelessness in our community. Over the course of the 11-month program, we sheltered used area hotels to shelter 1,118 elders and others whose serious medical conditions put them at high risk for severe illness or death from coronavirus. This program has saved lives among our most vulnerable and has allowed our contracted partners to deconcentrate shelters to the extent that they can operate in accordance with CDC guidelines for the safety of those who remain. In addition, physical modifications have made the shelters safer. During this year of the pandemic, we have seen localized cases of COVID-19 in the shelters and in the hotels. Those cases have not resulted in virus clusters among residents or staff. Overall, infection rates have been low, and we have not traced any fatal cases directly to our contracted shelters or protective shelter facilities. Additional investments in 24/7 accommodations at the shelters, and in increased case management there and at the hotels has supported our goal to support the transition of as many hotel residents as possible into permanent housing.