Virginia offering hotel rooms to homeless to curb spread of coronavirus

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) on Friday announced $2.5 million in emergency funding that would go to serving the state’s homeless population.

The money will go to temporarily housing 1,500 Virginians who are currently in shelters, have no shelter or are in situations where social distancing isn’t possible.

“As we battle this unprecedented public health crisis, we must make sure no one is left behind,” Northam said in a statement. 

“I have issued a statewide Stay At Home order, but we know there are many Virginians with no home to stay in,” he added. “With this funding, we will ensure people experiencing homelessness have access to immediate housing options and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Designated Virginians will receive hotel and motel vouchers, food, cleaning supplies, and, if needed, medical transportation.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will also provide aid to people experiencing homelessness who are 65 and older, those with preexisting conditions, and those who have tested positive for COVID-19.

“People experiencing homelessness are more likely to have chronic health conditions that go untreated, and are among the populations most vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19,” Northam’s statement said.

According to the statement, Virginia has a seen an uptick in the number of homeless older adults.