AM’s Response to COVID-19

In the wake of the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to share some of the measures Associated Ministries is implementing that will enable us to continue serving our clients while maintaining appropriate safety for our staff and the wider community. We are so grateful for the interest and the ongoing support and concern of our supporters and friends.

We also want to extend our thoughts and prayers to any of our clients, staff, volunteers, partners and faith communities that have in any way been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

AM exists to bring people of faith and goodwill together to serve the vulnerable and seek lasting solutions to homelessness in Pierce County. At this time it’s been “all hands on deck” determining and deploying effective methods that will enable us to continue our work. We are implementing new practices to keep our staff, as well as those we serve, as safe as possible.

We are closely monitoring updates from our Health Department, the CDC and other sources, and employing recommendations from partner human service agencies. Thankfully the AM staff includes seasoned veterans who have lived experience serving the vulnerable and navigating challenging circumstances. And due to the nature of our work, taking appropriate precautions was already our norm. We will continue to be vigilant with ongoing efforts to mitigate risk to our staff and partners, our clients, and our community.

Below are some of the steps we’re taking:

• We are continuing to serve our community while minimizing direct interaction between our case workers and our clients. As much as possible we are conducting intake interviews and problem-solving conversations over the phone. Clients without their own telephone access will be able to use a phone line in a private room in our office.
• Our homeless mail and protective payee services will continue to operate at our office.
• We have arranged for a hand washing station to be placed outside our office door, for use by clients and staff before entering our building, as well as by any member of the community needing access to sanitation. It will be publicly available 24/7.
• Our VITA tax preparation sites have been closed for the foreseeable future.
• Given the recommendations for social distancing, we have postponed our March and April community meetings and events.
• Our staff meetings and trainings are being postponed or conducted via video conference.
• Although we have had no confirmed cases within our organization, any staff member who is symptomatic will be required to stay home.
• AM’s leadership team is actively monitoring all updates and will revise our plans as necessary to ensure up-to-the-minute best practices are being followed.

During this unprecedented situation, we will continue to work diligently with our staff, volunteers and community partners to get through this together. We will update you on our response as the situation evolves. Feel free to reach out to us via email at communications@associatedministries.org with any comments, concerns or suggestions that you might have.

We truly appreciate your ongoing support in these difficult times.

Mike Yoder, Executive Director

and the AM Leadership Team