The YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County already sustained a big blow last fall when it lost state funding for its shelter.
It raised enough money locally to keep going through this summer, but now the organization is trying to help clients and staff members through the coronavirus pandemic and it hasn't been easy.
"We're trying to deal with staff concerns, the concerns we have for the safety of our residents, (and) trying to maintain our programs and services at the highest possible level," said CEO Angela Panzarella. "But doing so, as we all are, under these very unchartered waters and constraints we have for contagion prevention."
The women and children who rely on the YWCA of Rochester for shelter and transitional housing try to practice social distancing, but they live in tight spaces. They rely on public transportation, so they can't go from store to store trying to find food and basic supplies.
Panzarella said they have already experienced trauma due to the life circumstances that landed them in a shelter in the first place.
"Now we're asking them to stay sort of cooped up in a pretty small space and the anxiety level and concern is really very high," she said.
Panzarella said they are using bandanas for masks and barbeque tongs to pass room keys and other items back and forth to try to avoid the risk of infection.
Passing time and getting the latest information are also a challenge because most of the residents don't have access to technology or even TVs, according to Panzarella. The shelter is at capacity and she said every bed is occupied because the YWCA has taken in people who had to leave other shelters due to closures and COVID-19 containment efforts.
The YWCA is asking for monetary contributions or donations of food, cleaning supplies, diapers and books, games, and puzzles to keep children occupied.
There is more information at YWCARochester.org
