The continued spread of COVID-19 brought new guidance from national, state, and local levels of government this week. Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities is focused on implementing those measures directed by the Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health to prevent transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
As an active member of Ramsey County’s People Experiencing Homelessness Coordinated Response, the Mission’s Response Team is rapidly incorporating the county, healthcare, and shelter community’s best ideas and resources into our operational response to COVID-19.
Actions Taken to Ensure Safety
The Mission’s priority remains the safety and well-being of our staff, students, and guests. As a result of the ongoing concern about COVID-19, we have taken the following actions, among others:
- The Adult Education and Training program will be suspended as of March 23. We made this decision to mitigate unnecessary risk for both students and staff. The staff are exploring ways to deliver and education and training digitally.
- We have implemented screening of all staff, students, and visitors at our Naomi Family Residence as they enter the facility.
- We have created a single entry access point for each facility at the Men’s Campus. Students, staff, and visitors will be screened once per day beginning on March 23. Everyone passing the screening will receive a wristband for the day, with new colors used each day to ensure compliance.
- Students in our full time Christ Recovery Center and Discipleship programs will be screened once per day.
- Christ Recovery Center and Discipleship students will receive meals in their respective program areas, not in the Dining Room.
- Every program and administrative department is reviewing their staffing coverage. The Mission may temporarily reassign employees from programs that have been suspended to help with staffing needs in other areas.
We thank you for your continued prayers and support through this crisis. Your donations right now will also help with ongoing needs.