A Lexington organization dedicated to helping the homeless is being forced to adjust its daily services due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lexington Rescue Mission Resource Coordinator Shanda Oakley says staff members 60 and over have been sent home and there are fewer volunteers. She noted the remaining workers are picking up the slack, serving clients, cleaning, and writing down paperwork that used to be done by clients.
Oakley said a distribution this week of bags with two rolls of toilet paper, small containers of bleach, dish soap, and laundry detergent attracted a big crowd. “When word got out that we were giving this away, we had just all the neighbors coming in and coming in. So, we had our regular people as well as those. We didn’t as many just for the rent assistance,” explained Oakley.
Oakley said Lexington Rescue staff might expect 26 to 30 people a day this time of year. She added that number was 74 Tuesday. Oakley said young, healthy volunteers could help with day to day services.
In addition to monetary donations, Oakley offered donations of hygiene and cleaning supplies are needed. She said donations from restaurants with additional inventory would be appreciated.
