As COVID-19 numbers continue to rise, Chatham Hope Haven is taking every possible step to ensure that the clients they serve, and the volunteers who work hard to support them, are as safe as possible.
Since opening their doors as a cooling station in June 2020, clients and staff are required to wear masks, practice social distancing and wash their hands/use hand sanitizer.
Wallaceburg’s Loree Bailey, the general manager at Hope Haven, wondered if they could be doing more.
“When we decided to open as a daytime reprieve for those experiencing homelessness, we knew there was still a pandemic,” Bailey said in a media release.
“We knew there were risks, and we want to do absolutely everything in our power to mitigate those risks.”
A new restoration company in Wallaceburg approached Hope Haven and asked if they could offer a complimentary thorough cleaning of the facility.
Offering a hospital-grade disinfectant to clean and sanitize all surfaces, PuroClean not only did a pre-clean of all high touch points, but they also applied Aegis Antimichrobial, a surface protectant that stops the growth of microbes for six to 12 months at a time.
“We have a responsibility to do everything we can to stop this virus in its tracks,” Bailey said.
“Our services are in place to help a very vulnerable population. Now, in addition to a hot meal, a shower and laundry, we can add that the environment we are inviting people into, is clean and disinfected to the highest standard.”
Chatham Hope Haven is open three days per week right now, but is in the process of extending their hours.
Hope Haven officials say with over 90 clients coming each week, there is no question that extra cleaning and protection measures had to happen.
These services were provided at no cost to Chatham Hope Haven, officials say.
New business owner David Morrison reached out knowing that there was a need by the small non-profit to protect their clients and wanted to help.
“If there is something that you can do to help stop the spread, you just have to do it,” Morrison said in a media release.
For more details visit: chathamhopehaven.com
