COVID-19 Relief for Homeless Communities

Homelessness is inherently a public health crisis, and as COVID-19 continues to spread across the globe, there is a dire need to insure that people who are forced to live on the streets have the necessary resources to protect themselves and others. Homeless people are some of the most vulnerable to infection and without proper support from city and state governments, many are left without the basic means to prevent contamination. Due to these circumstances, we must take it upon ourselves as neighbors, activists, and community members to provide material assistance to the homeless. 

The United Front Against Displacement, a homeless rights advocacy organization composed of housed and unhoused activists, has launched this GoFundMe campaign to support the Wood Street Community during the COVID-19 outbreak. Located in West Oakland, the Wood Street Community is composed of approximately 250 people who live in RVs, trailers, tents, or other hand made structures. This community has long been neglected by the City of Oakland, which has failed to provide basic resources such as porto potties, hand washing stations, or dumpsters for the residents of Wood Street. In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, there are no signs of the city offering to  provide residents with resources such as masks or hand sanitizer, which have been deemed crucial for preventing the spread of the virus. Many residents also do not have the means to self-isolate as recommended due to the social nature of living conditions and the fact that many residents need to come and go for work and other important activities. These conditions put residents at extreme risk of general health issues and, more specifically, of contracting the COVID-19 virus.

The COVID-19 virus has spread rapidly throughout the globe with confirmed cases on the rise. Worldwide there are now over 150,000 confirmed cases with 5,735 deaths. In the state of California alone there are now officially 511 confirmed cases and in the Bay Area in particular there are 272 cases confirmed with San Francisco confirming 37 cases, Santa Clara 114, and Alameda County 11. Due to a lack of testing and an overall inefficient response to the outbreak from the state, these numbers are low. It is likely that in Oakland alone there are hundreds of cases and throughout the Bay Area thousands. With homeless people being the most vulnerable to the expanding spread of the virus, it is crucial to offer material support.

While these conditions paint a grim picture it must not be lost that through collective effort we can make sure that people are better prepared to overcome this crisis. The funds donated to this campaign will go towards providing resources for residents of the Wood Street Community such as masks, hand sanitizer, and materials to waterproof and renovate the structures that people live in. Wood Street residents are greatly appreciative of material support and we can assure you that the money you donate will be put to the best use possible! 

Thank you so much for your contributions!

In Solidarity,
The United Front Against Displacement
https://twitter.com/TheUfad