Update about COVID-19 and Calvary Women’s Services
Friends like you have kept the doors to Calvary Women’s Services open for more than 35 years through volunteer support, in-kind and financial donations, and more. Standing together, we have made sure women have always had a safe and caring home.
Now the District of Columbia has declared a State of Emergency as our community braces for the impact of COVID-19.
In these uncertain times, our work remains critical. We will not close our doors. We will maintain a safe and caring home for all the women in our housing programs.
The women who come to Calvary Women’s Services are some of the most vulnerable members of our community. They may be survivors of trauma, in recovery from substance addiction, or living with mental illness. Many live with chronic health conditions and more than half are at least 50 years old.
With the current outbreak of COVID-19, they are at greater risk than many of us.
We need your support now more than ever. Will you make a donation today that can:
- Ensure two weeks of food and necessities for the women living in apartments in our permanent supportive housing program
- Provide a meal for the women at our transitional housing programs when volunteers cannot
- Offer additional cleaning services or supplies that may be needed to keep residents and staff safe and healthy
- Support Calvary’s staff who will be at our programs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – no matter what
We are committed to the health and safety of our program residents, staff and volunteers. Seasonal influenza, colds and other illnesses are always a concern for community organizations, and Calvary has always built into our policies and culture strong hygiene practices that minimize the risk of any infection. These best practices include frequent hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding contact with people who are ill.
At this time we are taking the additional step of suspending our onsite volunteer roles through the end of March. This includes all volunteers who lead LEAP classes, support our employment programs, staff our front desk, or work overnight. We are asking meal volunteers to drop off meals or have them delivered.
We have also postponed our flagship event, the 19th Annual Hope Awards Dinner. You can read more about that here.
We will continue to closely monitor the outbreak of COVID-19 and keep informed through The Centers for Disease Control, the District Government and the Office of the Mayor, and other reputable public health sources. We recognize that the situation with COVID-19 is fluid and new information is being shared daily. As the situation changes, we will follow the guidance provided by health authorities.
Whatever comes, we will be here for women who need us. I hope you will continue to stand with us.
Thank you for all that you do to support the women at Calvary Women’s Services. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Stay safe and healthy.
Kris Thompson
Chief Executive Officer