Dear Friends,
It has been over 18 months since the first COVID-19 lock down and I am filled with reflections (as I am sure you are).
Pre-pandemic work in the social services and mental health fields was always challenging. Providing these critical services in the midst of a once-in-a-century pandemic took that challenge-level off the known charts, as we navigated situations and crises for which no workshop or training could have ever prepared us. In the last eighteen months, our clients, staff, and community have endured levels of stress and personal risk that were previously unimaginable. As the flood of COVID uncertainty assaulted and crumbled every norm, as we faced the threat of illness and the death of loved ones, we also witnessed an upsurge in (and response to) systemic oppression and inequity, forest fires that compromised the very air we breathe, and unrest in our political system. The external threats felt unrelenting.
For some, there is now a light at the end of the tunnel. Many others will still be in the wake of harm – those who have no homes and live on our streets, those who are unable to pay back past due rent, who cannot find safe and sustaining work, or who are still food insecure. There is still much work to be done to support people in our community.
We are grateful for all the support our community has given to us these past many months, especially our volunteers and donors. We couldn’t have done it with you. As to our staff, there are simply no words eloquent enough to express our thanks properly for the dedication and resilience they have brought to our mission during this difficult time.
As we have all heard and read in the news, Governor Brown communicated plans to remove COVID-19 restrictions and emergency orders for Oregon, effective June 30th. This means that, effectively, Oregon no longer mandates any mask protocols, our risk levels for COVID-19 have been lifted, and capacity guidelines have been eliminated.
What does this mean for William Temple House?
Our operational hours will not change for Hoyt offices or the Thrift Store. These new guidelines and revisions give us an opportunity to begin taking steps toward pre-COVID-19 measures.
Because vaccination rates in the client populations we are currently serving at William Temple House have been uneven, we believe that the best way we can protect our clients is to have everyone in the building continue to wear masks during service hours. We are in the process of gathering feedback from our clients to learn more about what safety modifications they would like to see as we move forward, if any, and use that feedback to inform future changes to the COVID-19 protocols and procedures. You can find the most up-to-date safety information on our Thrift Store and Services pages.
Everyone’s commitment to our COVID-19 protocols and procedures has been instrumental in the safety and well-being of each other and those we serve. Thank you for doing your part!
Sincerely,
Carrie Hoops, Executive Director