The ongoing COVID-19 quarantine has resulted in staffing & living changes at Manitowoc’s Hope House. The shelter on the city’s southwest side is open to families, couples & individuals going through homelessness in Manitowoc County. Executive Director Lillian Lamoreux tells us they normally can serve 12 to 14 household units at a time, but during the virus shutdown, they have a limit of 7 household units, based on social distancing guidelines.
Lamoreux explains Hope House has around 200-volunteers overall, however, most of them are in the at-risk category. As a result, they’ve dramatically reduced that number down to less than ten currently. In a communal living situation, the staff is very cognizant of the potential spread of the coronavirus.
Lamoreux says they do background checks on families & individuals seeking shelter. Guests can reside there up-to-90-days, with the average stay at 60-days. The Hope House director stated they have several individuals and families in their aftercare program as staff checks in on them in virtual ways during the quarantine. When asked how can people help them, Lamoreux told us monetary donations are always appreciated, especially after a special fundraiser set for May 2nd had to be canceled. They’re also accepting in-kind donations, grocery items, and pandemic related articles such as disposable nitrile gloves and face-masks. She said you can check out their website at HopeHouseMC.org, and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Lamoreux says homelessness is an issue in Manitowoc County, even though it “doesn’t look the same as in larger” metro areas. She & her staff work closely with The Haven men’s homeless shelter, InCourage, and Lakeshore CAP in conjunction with the County Health Department and United Way.
Those interested in mailing a check to help out can send it to 1000 S. 35th Street.
