Simply the Basics COVID-19 Preparedness Plan & Increased Community Support
At Simply the Basics, we have a Mission to support the health of the community and reduce the risks of infections. As such, in public health emergencies such as the one we are experiencing right now with COVID-19, it is that much more important that we increase our reach and provide the support necessary to the community.
Prevention measures are clear: Wash hands, stay home if sick, and limit exposure to other people. However a person experiencing homelessness is unable to follow these guidelines without access to bathrooms, with no home to quarantine, and when often living in community settings.
In the last 2 weeks, Simply the Basics has distributed to people in need:
3,120 Showerless Body Wipes
1,970 Hand Sanitizing Wipes
13 Hand Sanitizers/Sanitizing Stations
300 Antibiotic Ointment Wipes
100 Clorox/Surface Wipes
500 Soap Bars/Wash
300 Face Masks
2,500 Hygiene Kits
But there is much more to be done in order to support the prevention of the spread of the virus amongst our most vulnerable communities! We have set a goal to distribute Our goal is to distribute a minimum of 15,000 sanitation products in the month of March, currently at an increased cost to order online. (Thus far, we are at 6,303 items - many more to go!).
Simply the Basics keeps the health and safety of the community at the forefront of everything we do. Below is more information on our plan to support the community, prevent the spread of the virus, and play our part in creating a healthful and safe environment.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT & PREVENTION
We know that people experiencing homelessness, people who are economically vulnerable, and those with chronic health conditions are at a greater risk of being impacted by COVID-19. We also know that many of our nonprofit partners are facing extreme operational challenges in their Missions to provide essential services and need to reduce in-person contact with limited supplies for sanitation available.
Simply the Basics is dedicated to our goals to provide basic hygiene needs for health and wellness for people experiencing homelessness and to support our Nonprofit Partners so that they can focus on their Missions.
As such, we will be increasing our distribution to the community and to our partners with more hand sanitizers, showerless body wipes, and sanitizing wipes, soap, and household cleaners.
Increased Sanitizing Distribution
At this time, Simply the Basics is increasing our distribution of Hand Sanitizers, Sanitizing Stations, Sanitizing Wipes, and other hygiene/cleansing products throughout our communities.
We are encouraging companies and venues that are canceling events or working remotely to let us know of their access to sanitizing stations so that we can have them loaned to shelters and service sites.
Household Cleaners
We will be sending to our Partner Nonprofits, particularly those with shelter programs, additional household cleaners and sanitizing stations so that they can continue to house people in need with reduced risk of spreading the infection.
Information Sharing
In all of our Hygiene Kits, we are including helpful information on Prevention Tips, COVID-19 Facts and Information, and Resources on where people can wash their hands in public spaces in their communities.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Please consider making a gift to Simply the Basics so that we can keep up with the great demand for people in need and our nonprofit receiving partners. Our goal is to distribute a minimum of 15,000 sanitation products in the month of March, currently at an increased cost to order online. (Thus far, we are at 6,303 items - many more to go!).
We have seen a great reduction in volunteerism as people are reducing in-person contact and closing offices to work from home. Fortunately - we have many opportunities to support Virtually! Volunteer opportunities with Simply the Basics can be done anywhere, at anytime! You don’t even need to leave your home to support Simply the Basics. Please learn more about the various ways to continue volunteering below:
Provide hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and household cleaning materials to people in need. If you have items that you are able to donate, please fill out the form below.
COVID-19 Resource Information:
FAQ to Reduce the risk of spreading the virus
Preventing Spread of COVID-19 among Persons Experiencing Homelessness
Bathroom & Hand-washing Access in San Francisco
Webinar on Infectious Disease and Preparedness amongst homeless service providers
If you are experiencing symptoms and do not have a primary care provider in San Francisco, you can go to Urgent Care at 50 Ivy Street (also called Whole Person Integrated Care – Urgent Care) Monday-Thursday 8:00-6:30, Friday 8:00-5:00, Saturday 9:00-5:00.
If you are not located in San Francisco, the recommendation is to immediately talk to your primary care provider, an Urgent Care Clinic, or a Free Clinic in your area to determine the best next steps. Your local Department of Public Health should have helpful information made available on their website.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek care at any emergency department.