Contra Costa elected officials said they were working to deliver specific items to care for the county’s unhoused residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement Thursday, officials said four portable toilets with attached hand-washing stations had been placed Tuesday at Waterfront Amphitheater in Martinez, with more stations due within the next week after requests from staff in cities such as Antioch, Richmond and Walnut Creek.
Those cities plan to deploy ten more stations in areas often visited by those vulnerable residents, officials said.
“We must work proactively with our homeless population to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and to save lives,” Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chair Candace Andersen said.
“People who lack housing are particularly vulnerable. Without running water, it is very difficult to wash your hands and practice the hygiene needed to reduce your risk of infection.”
County Supervisor Federal Glover said a unified approach to the need was likeliest to help all county residents.
“During this challenging time, we need to support each other. We have been working closely with all cities in Contra Costa to ensure they have what they need to meet the most pressing response needs at the local level,” Glover said.
Staffers with the county health department’s division of health, housing and homeless services are also working to distribute hygiene kits and supplies to boost hygiene at encampments, and to connect folks at special risk due to age or health conditions with hotel rooms to help with physical-distancing needs.
County residents with general inquiries may call 844-729-8410 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information from the county health department, visit https://coronavirus.cchealth.org.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.
