The year 2020 will forever be marked as the year of the great pandemic. We have all witnessed the immediate effects of this global crisis on our communities and businesses but longer term ramifications remain unseen. I have been asked multiple times over the last several months how we care for staff while still trying to meet the needs of the hurting people of West Virginia.
There are two real issues all organizations are facing during this health crisis.
1) How do we keep our employees working when the economy is taking such a hard hit?
2) If we keep employees working how do we keep them safe?
Homelessness, addiction, and hunger don’t take a break during a pandemic. In fact, they can become even more of an issue. At Union Mission we responded to the crisis in the following manner
1) Recognized the importance of keeping the most essential employees working so we could maintain ministry access for the public
2) Allowed at-risk or less essential employees to stay home for their safety while verifying some form of income was still available to them
3) Implemented facility wide cleaning protocols so our working staff could have reduced risk of exposure
4) Provided PPE to all employees including masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies
5) Implemented social distancing and placed plexiglass partitions in high traffic areas
As the thrift store opens up, the Men’s Shelter allows clients full access to the building, and volunteers are allowed
to enter the buildings, we will maintain these safety protocols for the well-being of our staff and our clients and
volunteers.
God has always made a way for Union Mission to survive during times of struggle and hardship. This health
crisis is no different. Through his mercy and grace and through the love and support of our donors, I am excited
to say that all employees are still receiving paychecks on time despite the struggling economy here in West
Virginia. Thank you for being a part of that support. Your prayers and contributions are greatly appreciated.
