FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dallas, TX – April 9, 2020 – The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center is actively monitoring reporting regarding the spread of COVID-19, including Coronavirus related guidance provided by local government and public health officials. We are also following protocols issued by governmental and research authorities regarding Covid-19 and homeless shelters, including data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

When Dallas County first issued the shelter-in-place order on March 22, 2020, The Bridge, as well as other homeless shelters were mandated to be compliant with new social distancing requirements and disinfecting procedures for Night Shelter services. Given the vulnerability of the homeless population to potentially be exposed to a large community spread of the infection, rapid and immediate action was required to move forward.

“We are all in this together and we will emerge from this as a stronger community”, said The Bridge’s President and CEO Dr. David Woody.

Without question, The Bridge is providing to our Guests and staff an increased level of preventative measures for deep cleaning, sanitation, hygiene and social distancing guidelines that help to mitigate the risk of infection within the homeless community. And, by putting these enhanced processes and procedures into place early on during the outbreak, we continue to strive to be an infection-free zone for our Guests and staff.

“These unprecedented times have made all of us – both as individuals and as an organization – step up do more to provide assistance to those who need the help the most”, said Woody. “I am extremely proud of our Team here at The Bridge who have answered this call to help during this global health emergency.”

For more information about this announcement, please feel free to contact Nick Colletti, Chief Development Officer of The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center at 214.670.1127 or ncolletti@bridgenorthtexas.org.

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About The Bridge For 12 years The Bridge has facilitated recovery from homelessness for individuals without a home in Dallas County, twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week. The only shelter in Dallas providing Day and Night Shelter Services, The Bridge offers basic need services including hot showers, meals, haircuts, Physical Health Evaluations and Mental Health Assessments for nearly 800 guests every day. Through collaborative relationships with homeless services partners, The Bridge creates a one-stop-shop experience enhancing a guest’s ability to implement a Care and Housing Plan, or strategy for exiting homelessness. Learn more at www.bridgenorthtexas.org.