Floyd Co. YMCA opens bathroom, shower to homeless during COVID-19 pandemic
NEW ALBANY, Ind. — April 21, 2020 WLKY
The Floyd County YMCA opened its doors to the homeless on Monday. It’s giving those who are less fortunate access to a shower and a bathroom, plus much more during this pandemic.
the YMCA in Floyd County opened its doors today to the homeless community in an effort to help during this difficult time.
“As we know, the homeless population is one of the largest targeted right now for the COVID-19,” said Paul Stensrud with Jesus Cares Exit 0.
It’s one of the nonprofits leading the efforts.
“It’s a very big struggle of where do they go for hygiene? Where do they go for showers, where do they go for their services?” said Stensrud.
As of right now, the YMCA will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The idea started with Kim Payne, who’s with another homeless outreach nonprofit. She says she noticed the need a few weeks ago.
“If you notice most of their hands are black because they have no way to wash them. Since this pandemic has been going on, most of our people have had no showers whatsoever,” said Payne.
Payne contacted state representative Ed Clere who then got in touch with the YMCA.
“We actually spend about a week and a half vetting the various logistics and the need,” said Steve Tarver with the Greater Louisville YMCA.
Tarver tells WLKY each area will be thoroughly cleaned after each use.
“We’ve hired a specialized cleaning company to come in after each one, that’s a sizable building that has plenty of room for distancing,” he said.
The hope is that anyone who may need to use it for the foreseeable future, takes advantage of it.
“We believe every person matters whether it is five or 50,” said Tarver.
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