A New Tactic To Fight Coronavirus: Send The Homeless From Jails To Hotels

Sheltering-in-place is not easy for those who are homeless, who are already at an increased risk for coronavirus. States like California and New York, especially New York City, are booking hotel rooms to house homeless people and those recently released from jail under emergency orders. As hotel rooms are often vacant during this time, this is a much safer solution than homeless encampments, which are prone to outbreaks. However, hotels are not a panacea: for instance, the Concord, New Hampshire welfare office is struggling to find hotels that will allow homeless residents, particularly for fear of heightened COVID-19 risk and property damages (which local welfare office vouchers do not cover). #covid-19 #homelessness