Grassroots Implements COVID-19 Plan

Counseling Provided by Phone 24-7

Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center is implementing a three-tier plan to respond to the public health threat posed by COVID-19, according to Executive Director Ayesha Holmes. “The purpose of the plan is to ensure we are prepared for every level of the outbreak,” Holmes said. The three tiers include response to staff, residents and the community at large.

In addition to implementing recommended practices regarding social distancing and emphasis on hygiene, Holmes noted, Grassroots is screening all staff members, guests and residents at its entrance, and will be limiting walk-in services to address urgent substance misuse and homelessness. Counseling services will be provided by phone.

Entrance screening will include questioning about recent travel and coronavirus symptoms, as well as a temperature check. No visitors for shelter residents will be allowed at Grassroots, and volunteers are asked to help from home. Community trainings have been cancelled until further notice.

The Grassroots Day Resource Center has cancelled walk-in services at the facility in Jessup as of March 19, and will provide food distribution only starting March 21.

Other policies will be implemented should the situation require them, Holmes said.

To make arrangements for services, call 410-531-6677, at any hour.

About Grassroots

Grassroots provides 24-hour crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and support to individuals and families with a mental health, substance use or homelessness crisis.

Last year Grassroots’ emergency and winter sheltering programs helped 500 men, women and children to achieve stable housing. Another 1,149 people were served at the Day Resource Center, where the chronically homeless have the opportunity to pursue a new path in life.

In addition, Grassroots’ crisis counselors had 3,348 face-to-face contacts last year, received 36,899 calls on the Hotline, and went out on 845 Mobile Crisis Team community emergencies, such as traumatic death events, intense family conflict, psychiatric emergencies and risk of suicide.

Grassroots is located on Freetown Road in Columbia. For information, call 410-531-6006, or visit www.grassrootscrisis.org

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