Call out for ‘ordinary heroes’ to join The Crisis Cover Initiative
Today, Homeless charities, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, issued an urgent appeal to ask members of the public to register as COVID-19 emergency staff.
A number of leading homeless organisations, including Simon Community, are urging the public to become ‘ordinary heroes’ to prevent services to vulnerable people from having to shut their doors during the coronavirus pandemic.
A range of skills sets and roles are required, including reception and cleaning staff, as well as specialist supports such as support workers, healthcare workers, and night staff. All positions are paid roles.
Under the umbrella of the Crisis Cover Initiative, homeless organisations including Depaul, Extern, First Housing Aid and Support Services (FHASS) and the Simon Community, are asking members of the public with relevant qualifications and experience to add their name to a list of individuals who may be called on to step up where staff levels in services become depleted by personnel having to take time off.
Speaking about the initiative, Jim Dennison, Chief Executive at Simon Community said:
The NHS is in place to deliver the best care possible at a very trying time. We need to ensure we are doing the same for homeless people in Northern Ireland – our organisations provide an opportunity for people to work in a variety of roles in essential services.
Colm McQuillan, Director of Housing Services who is supporting the initiative said:
Ensuring we keep services running for the most vulnerable is vitally important. This initiative plays an important role in connecting people who can help with those that need it.