With the goal of limiting the spread of COVID-19, the City of Eugene has started an outreach program to ensure basic needs are being met for those experiencing homelessness as this allows them to stay in place as much as possible.
The outreach teams started canvassing the parks and rights-of-way this week. The teams, which consists of 2 to 4 people, are passing out food, water and hygiene supplies, providing tents to individuals who can’t find shelter as well as providing education and up-to-date information on COVID-19.
Teams are also monitoring the current situation throughout the unhoused community and providing information regarding available shelter options. In the coming days the City will provide information about the creation of a centralized distribution site where unhoused individuals can get necessary supplies to shelter in place.
The City is focused on strategies that support efforts to “flatten the curve” by reducing the need for people to travel around the community to access basic needs and shelter. These efforts, which are consistent with CDC guidelines around people who are unsheltered, will evolve and adapt as we continue to learn more and respond to this dynamic situation.
See the most up-to-date information on the City’s efforts regarding the unhoused and the City’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.