Phones are often the primary way people without stable housing can stay connected to resources, social networks, and assistance. They help with navigation and provide entertainment and connectivity. Now that so many public places are closed and social distancing is being enforced, phones have become an essential item, but the ability to charge them has become scarce. This makes acessing telehealth medical appointments an additional barrier and risk factor for an already vulnerable population, a well.
Our household is working on a project to get powerbanks for phone charging directly in the hands of houseless folks in Portland, OR. With all of the closures of public spaces this is a huge obstacle to acessing resources and community for people living without shelter that is going largely overlooked right now. We have gotten direct feedback from folks we know on the streets that this is a hugely underserved and unaddressed need.
We are also including hand sanitizer, hoping to include disinfectant supplies, masks- and ideas on ways to easily disinfect the masks while living without shelter, snacks and other helpful items to include in care packages for folks.
In addition, we want to compile and include a physical list of places that folks can recharge their power banks safely. If you know of spots in the metro area that have acessible outdoor outlets or that would allow people to use indoor outlets without harassment, please reach out to Leo.
Thank you so much for your care and compassion during this time. We get through this together with mutual aid.
