Change will take place effective Sat., March 14
VANCOUVER – Effective Sat. March 14, the Share Hot Meals program, which operates at Share House, 1115 W 13th St., will suspend its traditional meal service in the cafeteria and instead serve brown-bag meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, until further notice.
“Share is focused on our mission and the safety of our volunteers, clients, staff and supporters as coronavirus concerns continue to escalate,” said Diane McWithey, executive director.
Meal times will remain the same: Monday to Friday: Breakfast 7:30 to 8 a.m. | Lunch noon to 12:30 p.m. | Dinner 5 to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: Breakfast 9 to 9:30 a.m. | Dinner 3:30 to 4 p.m.
Share has distributed a full statement on coronavirus, which includes the following:
At all Share facilities, we will continue to follow all recommended local sanitation and health guidelines. Staff members practice proper hygiene, including handwashing with soap and water, as well as disinfecting high-touch surfaces. Clients in shelters, at Lincoln Place and those receiving meals at Share House also are encouraged to practice proper handwashing with soap for 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol when handwashing isn’t available.
For volunteers
• Liquid hand soap and single-use paper towels are stocked at all hand-washing sinks/stations.
• Hand sanitizer is provided at entrances and common areas.
• Volunteers accepting and sorting donations will be provided with disposable gloves.
• All high-touch surfaces, including door handles, restrooms, counters, tables, surfaces in use during volunteer activities, will be routinely disinfected.
We serve a vulnerable population. We understand your commitment to helping those in need. However, we kindly request any volunteers with symptoms of an illness (e.g. cough, fever, sore throat) notify us, and to stay home until symptom free for 72 hours. Additionally, if your immune system is compromised or you are nervous about being in a public place, we respect and support your decision to stay home. When you are ready to come back and volunteer, our doors will always be open to you.
Share’s programs, specifically the Backpack and Hot Meals programs, thrive because of our volunteers. Those of you still able to help us are welcome and truly appreciated.
This is a dynamic and fast-moving situation. We are regularly monitoring updates from the Clark County Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) as well as weekly phone meetings with public providers. We respect and follow recommendations by experts in the field.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this issue, please contact Diane McWithey, executive director, dmcwithey@sharevancouver.org or Amy Reynolds, deputy director, areynolds@sharevancouver.org.
For additional information about the coronavirus, including steps to take to protect yourself and your family, visit: clark.wa.gov/public-health/novel-coronavirus
