Spring, Klein-area nonprofits adapt to ‘new normal’ amid coronavirus pandemic

Community Impact Newspaper | By Hannah Zedaker | March 18, 2020

Helping Others Pursue Excellence Haven, or HOPE Haven, is another nonprofit dedicated to serving Spring and Klein’s homeless population that has had to adapt to the “new normal” amid coronavirus concerns. Executive Director Kristyn Stillwell said one of the biggest adjustments for volunteers is having to refrain from hugging and shaking hands with their clients.

“For the homeless, we have found that many of them are totally unaware of what is going on,” Stillwell said. “So we are educating our clients on the magnitude of the crisis and how best they can protect themselves. [We are] also alerting them of some potential quarantine measures we may be facing so they can be prepared.”

Stillwell added the organization has been bringing out survival food packs that include 60 servings of food in case there is a lockdown in Harris County and homeless clients are unable to access food elsewhere. Volunteers are also required to wear face masks and gloves when handling food to limit exposure.