Four Points Alternative Care Site Opening This Week

The Four Points by Sheraton is set to begin taking on people experiencing homelessness who are impacted by COVID-19 this week.
One-hundred and fifty rooms at Peoria's largest hotel will be dedicated to people in need of alternative housing after a hospital stay; people who need to be isolated due to exposure, but can't because of their housing situation; and those who live in shelters or other congregate living facilities with health conditions that put them at greater risk for complications.
"For many of us, kind of the shelter at home model has been a hardship. It's very challenging, I think for most of us, to make those accomodations in our day-to-day life," said Kate Green, executive director of the Continuum of Care Home for All program. "But for individuals who are experiencing homelessness, it really can become a question of survival. Because the access to the limited resources that they had before are now even more constrained."
 
People experiencing homelessness are twice as likely to be hospitalized and 2 to 3 more times likely to die than the general population, Green said. Clients will be referred to the hotel for alternate housing by a medical provider.
 
Peoria County is fronting the initial funds for the hotel rooms. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will reimburse those costs.
Residents staying at the Four Points alternative care site will be isolated from hotel employees and any other guests who may be staying there. Clients will be notified their food is delivered via a door knock to minimize face-to-face interactions. Green also said there will be security protocols in place to make sure isolation is maintained.
 
The Home For All Program serves Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, and Fulton counties. While the Four Points alternate care site is specifically designated for Peoria County, Green said additional options are in works for the other communities.
 
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