COVID-19 Current Information

04/02/2020

Current updates from the Bay Area Rescue Mission Leadership

 

We’ve gotten a few questions about how the COVID-19 health crisis has changed this year’s Easter celebration, and how we’ve changed our meal services here at the Rescue Mission based on the recommended guidelines for health, safety and social distancing.

In short: Our Easter celebration will definitely look different this year!

 

UPDATED MEAL INFORMATION

We are still offering meals to those in need! But in accordance with the County Health Department and CDC regulations, we have taken important steps to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus at the Rescue Mission:

  • For our guests and residents, mealtimes have been altered to limit the number of people gathered in our dining room at the same time.
  • Seats throughout the dining room will be spaced apart 6 feet in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

 

EASTER SUNDAY MEAL INFORMATION

We are still offering Easter meals on April 12! The health and safety of everyone – our staff and our guests – is top of mind. And so, we’ve taken these steps to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus during this celebration:

  • Meal service on Easter Sunday will be staggered throughout the day.
  • A limited number of people will be allowed in the dining room at one time.
  • Seats throughout the dining room will be spaced apart 6 feet in accordance with social distancing guidelines.
  • No volunteers will be present.
  • Hand washing and hand sanitizing required.

 

DONATING FOOD ITEMS

Canned goods are still being accepted at our Food Pantry Warehouse! But in accordance with the highest levels of health and safety for everyone, we ask that you drop off any canned goods at our Food Pantry Warehouse door at 123 Macdonald Avenue. Thank you!

We want to assure everyone in our community that we’re actively engaged with the most recent updates on COVID-19 from local officials, Governor Newsom and the federal government. As the situation evolves, we’ll update you here.

During this difficult season, we ask for your prayers for Bay Area Rescue Mission and those we serve. Please pray for protection for our guests, many of whom have underlying health issues that make them especially vulnerable right now.

 

In His Service,

John

March 17, 2020

The Bay Area Rescue Mission is following the County Health Department recommendations related to health and safety, which basically are the same as the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

  • Signs for hygiene (such as washing hands and using hand sanitizer) are posted at the entry to every bathroom and at the sink(s) in every bathroom at the Rescue Mission.
  • Signs for practical health safety are posted throughout our facilities, minimally one in each room and include instructions related to coughing, sneezing, fevers, etc.
  • Common areas and surfaces are to be properly cleaned at least once every eight hours (three times a day), more often if needed.
  • Sleeping areas for men, women, and children in our long-term programs and transitional living programs:
    – Bed linens for people in our programs must be washed three time per week.
    – Mattresses for people in our programs must be spray-sanitized once per week.
    – Bed frames must be spray sanitizer on a daily basis.
  • Sleeping areas for men, women, and children in our short-term emergency shelter programs (including life-threatening emergency shelter):
    – Bed linens for people in our emergency shelter must be washed three time per week OR prior to a different person being assigned to that particular sleeping area.
    – Mattresses for people in our emergency shelter must be spray-sanitized once per week OR prior to a different person being assigned to that particular sleeping area.
    – Bed frames, cots, and mats  must be spray sanitizer on a daily basis.
  • All volunteer opportunities will be suspended until further notice.

 

Thank you for your prayers and support as we continue this great ministry that God has called us to:  To share the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the homeless and the impoverished and then, through prayer, Christian Counseling, discipleship and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, empower them to change their world.

In midst of this challenging time, may God be merciful and save many more people!

In His Service,

Rev. John M. Anderson
President/CEO
Email: johna@bayarearescue.org
(510) 215-4878 – Direct

P.S. – To help us deal with this emergency situation, we are asking our supporters to donate an extra $25 to the Mission or drop at the door can goods at our Food Pantry Warehouse at 123 Macdonald Ave, as soon as possible. Thanks