As the situation with COVID-19 evolves, Lutheran Settlement House is adjusting our operations to protect the safety of our staff and community while continuing to offer critical services for children, adults, and families in need. This is how we anticipate serving our clients for at least the next two weeks. During this time of uncertainty and strained resources, please remember us and those we serve in your thoughts and prayers. If you can afford to make a contribution during this time, we are grateful for the support.

The Senior Center is closed until at least March 30th, given how dangerous COVID-19 can be for older adults. We are staying in touch with our seniors by phone. We will also be delivering meals and food staples during the week.

The Food Pantry will stay open. Food is a critical need for families, particularly at a time of economic instability, and we are committed to keeping this service available.

Our Domestic Violence program will have a reduced staff on site to manage the hotline (866-723-3014) and respond to emergencies. Our other supports for survivors will transition to counseling over the phone and through video conferencing.

Adult Education classes and programming will no longer take place in person. Our teachers have provided assignments and are available to support their learners over the phone during the usual class times.
Jane Addams Place, our family shelter, will remain open, ensuring that our families have a safe place to stay. We are staying in close contact with the Office of Homeless Services should any quarantine procedures become necessary.

To ensure the safety and well being of our staff, we are offering unlimited paid sick time off for staff with cold or flu like symptoms, and are encouraging staff to work remotely when possible.

This is a hard time for everyone. We are endeavoring to take care of our staff and clients, and we hope that you are taking care of yourself and your loved ones. There is a lot of anxiety about COVID-19, and we worry about our clients and those who are suffering.

We also know that the health and economic burden of this crisis will fall most heavily on those who were already struggling. Lutheran Settlement House will emerge from this immediate health crisis even more prepared and committed to address the longer-term crisis, building a just community that respects the health, safety, and dignity of all people.

Thank you for being a part of the Lutheran Settlement House family in this work,

David Chiles
Executive Director

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