covid-19 – faq for the shelter

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If you have questions regarding COVID-19, the vaccine, or have symptoms and would like to request a test, please call either of the numbers listed here.

Onsite Clinic: 612.277.0226
Mon, Tues, & Wed • 9am – 4pm
Thurs, Fri • 9am – 12 noon

After hours, call Healthcare for the Homeless: 612.348.5553
7am – 10pm daily

Do I need to wear a face mask in the building or in my room?
You do not need to wear a mask in your room, but please wear masks in the following situations or any situation where you encounter staff or other families:

  • When answering the door for meal delivery
  • When dropping kids off at early ed or distance learning or k-5 programming
  • When meeting with an advocate
  • At linen exchange
  • On the elevators
  • At the front desk/in the lobby

Do I still need to stay at least 6 feet away from people if I’m wearing a cloth face covering?
Yes. Wearing cloth face coverings is an additional public health measure people should take to reduce the spread of COVID-19. CDC still recommends that you stay at least 6 feet away from other people (social distancing), frequent hand cleaning and other everyday preventive actions. A cloth face covering is not intended to protect the wearer, but it may prevent the spread of virus from the wearer to others. This would be especially important if someone is infected but does not have symptoms.

Do I have to stay in my room?
Shelter guests do not need to remain in their room, but should work on practicing social distancing. If you are sick or been instructed by a medical professional, please stay in your room. Call the front desk to discuss special needs.

What is the nightly check-in process now?
You do NOT need to come to the lobby to check in. Instead, Front Desk and Security Staff will randomly select rooms to check. You can expect staff to knock on your door 9:00–10:30 pm. Hennepin County still requires everyone on your voucher to stay in shelter every night.

What resources are open?
Many social service agencies, Hennepin County Service Centers and Libraries are closed for in-person supports. You should call ahead before trying to access any resources. Call workers to find out if they are available to meet in person or over the phone. Please connect with your Advocate if you need help reaching workers and resources.

Will the Guest lounges remain open?
The Guest Lounges on the 5th, 7th, and 10th floors are closed until further notice.

Is the TRC open?
The TRC will remain open for the time being during regular TRC hours, but there may be a limit on the number of people that can use the TRC at a time and the length of the time people can use a computer.

Is the phone by security, wiped down after each use? If, so by whom? Is there a sanitizer dispenser nearby?
The phone is sanitized three times daily, by Housekeeping Staff. We are encouraging you to wipe it down before and after use with wipes at the Security Desk. The hand sanitizer dispenser is located next to the phone.

How often are door handles, elevator buttons, & stair rails wiped down throughout the building? By whom?
Three times daily for door handles, elevator buttons, & stair rails, by Housekeeping Staff.

Do you have a question you would like answered about what’s going on at People Serving People because of COVID-19?
email: vaccine@peopleservingpeople.org