People Experiencing Homelessness Twice as Likely to Be Reinfected with COVID-19
Compared to their Housed Peers


Boston Medical Center researchers found that people experiencing homelessness and imminent risk of homelessness who have had COVID-19 are twice as likely to be reinfected than their housed peers regardless of age, gender, and comorbidities (other health or behavioral health conditions). Findings come atop earlier studies that demonstrated people experiencing homelessness have higher risks of contracting the disease for a first time. At the same time, they cannot take basic precautions against the coronavirus like masking, social distancing, quarantining, and testing and vaccinations. Their likelihood of having preexisting medical conditions means they will have poorer outcomes from the disease. 

Even more reason to provide shelter to those in need.
For example, cold weather, drier air, and lack of sunlight weaken the immune system, leaving people vulnerable to infectious diseases. Low temperatures increase blood pressure and constrict arteries, which causes higher rates of heart attacks. And, predictably, people experiencing homelessness are more susceptible to exposure related conditions like frostbite, hypothermia, and foot immersion syndrome or “trench foot” (vividly named by WWI soldiers who developed the slogging through rainwater filled trenches).

Our emergency overnight shelters bring people
experiencing homelessness in from the cold.
Since the pandemic broke, we’ve transitioned away from group shelter, which creates higher risks of COVID-19 and other respiratory disease transmission. Shelter is filled through a screening and waitlist process. This year's emergency shelter is offered through leased motel rooms at a motel in southwest suburban Cook County. BEDS Plus has also rented office space and a daily meal is served to clients. For special populations such as families, transitional aged youth and justice involved clients, BEDS Plus has leased scattered apartment serving as crisis housing until a more permanent solution can be identified. These interventions are currently replacing the rotating shelter model BEDS Plus has facilitated for 32 years in the community.  BEDS Plus is working to define the future of our shelter operations after the pandemic which will also include a 24-unit medical respite program which will be available in Summer of 2022. This approach protects clients from the harsh realities of winter.

You can help us shelter people experiencing homelessness this winter here.
This holiday season, you can help make it truly wonderful for our clients when you participate in our Holiday Giving campaign. Attend the It's a Wonderful Life Pop-up event on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4. Participate in our Adopt a Family program. Or support local grocers Tischler Finer Foods in Brookfield and Jack & Pat's Old Fashioned Butcher Shop in Chicago Ridge, two of our Match a Meal partners who have helped to provide meals for our food insecure clients.

Spread joy to those who need it most.
Learn more about our Holiday Giving campaign here.