St. Francis Center is committed to continue to serve our community on a daily basis. Due to the risk of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Los Angeles County, we are implementing preventative measures in the operations of our programs. Our priority is to protect the health and safety of our guests, volunteers, partners, and staff. Based on recommendations from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), LA Regional Food Bank and California Association of Food Banks, we have compiled a COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Preparedness Plan for St. Francis center to implement immediately.
Please help support St. Francis Center and our immediate needs services that are critical to maintaining the health and hygiene of our most vulnerable guests by making a donation today at www.sfcla.org.
As of March 11, 2020:
We will continue to provide services to our Los Angeles community in a modified manner.
Currently, we are still offering volunteer opportunities.
Effective immediately, St. Francis Center will modify all services until further notice:
- Breakfast Service
Meals will be distributed on a to-go basis. Meals will continue to be prepared fresh daily, but will be packaged to-go for guests until further notice.
- Resource Office/Case Management
Walk-in services and/or in-person appointments are suspended. Guest will be assisted outside the center. Case management will be shortened to quick check-ins in the dining area or outside on Hope Street.
- Clothing Closet
Walk-in services and/or in-person appointments are suspended. Emergency clothing and shoes will be distributed on a needed basis to guests. Those guests will be serviced outside the Center on Hope Street. We will continue to receive and process clothing donations as usual.
- Showers/Bathroom Services
Shower and bathroom services will continue but with modifications.
Guests will continue to receive mail services but with modifications.
- Pantry Service/Satellite Pantry Sites
Pantry services will either be modified to a pre-bag model of distribution or modified clients’ choice model of distribution.
- CAPP Program
CAPP services will be suspended until further notice.
- Rental and Utility Assistance Program
The Rental and Utility assistance program will continue to be provided at the Cathedral Office. Walk-ins are suspended. All appointments and intakes will be conducted over the phone.
Please contact management with any questions or concerns at management@sfcla.org or 213-747-5347.
St. Francis Center’s ongoing focus is to continue to provide our immediate needs and comprehensive services for the guests we serve, while also adhering to our standard health protocol (in line with the preventative measures to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses including COVID-19, please view St. Francis Center’s Standard Health Protocol at https://www.stfranciscenterla.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SFC-Health-Code-Procedure-Manual-Updated-3.11.20.pdf) to continue to protect our staff, volunteers and guests.
Prevention
The following are strategies in place to prevent and address the spread of potential viruses and infections among staff, volunteers, guests, and partner agency representatives.
Tips and updates include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
- Handwashing signs are posted throughout our site and training on good hand hygiene for staff and clients provided
- Hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol content is available throughout our facility.
- For staff at satellite sites or drivers, distribution of hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol content is provided.
- Frequently touched objects and surfaces are being cleaned and disinfected using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Any suspicious cuts, rashes, abrasions, paleness, sweatiness or other signs of illness among guests, volunteers, staff or partners are to be immediately reported
- Staff and volunteers have access to disposable gloves and are instructed on how to use and discard of them safely.
- Get a flu shot. Since COVID-19 disease symptoms may mimic influenza, getting immunized for flu is very important.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Promote this among guests and fellow staff.
- If you’re sick, stay at home. Experts recommend that staff who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g., cough suppressants).
- Facemasks should be used only by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
