March 17th, 2020- The Good Samaritan Inn and Northeast Community Fund are changing their practices temporarily in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our primary purpose as an organization is to feed those in need in our community,” explains Cindy Jackson, Interim Executive Director of Good Samaritan. “In order to fulfill the organization’s mission to serve those in need in Macon County – while keeping in mind the well-being of patrons, volunteers, and staff – we will be serving hot noon meals in a grab and go capacity in an attempt to reduce the risk of infection that comes with large, indoor gatherings.”
Meals will still be served to all patrons who are in need of a meal from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM, 7 days a week. These meals will be served in to-go style containers for patrons to take with them. Volunteers will continue to assist with the preparation of food but will have no direct contact with patrons. If you or your community group is available and interested during either of our volunteer shifts (9 AM-11 AM & 11 AM-1:00 PM), you are urged to call The Good Samaritan Inn at (217) 429-1455 or email Francie at volunteercoordinator.goodsam@gmail.com for more information.
Northeast Community Fund will operate it’s food pantry as a “drive-through” pantry from 9am-2pm. Clients are asked to drive to the south side of the building and remain in their cars so that staff and volunteers can load food boxes into vehicles. The drive-through will exit onto the Community Care Campus and back onto King St. Walk-ups will also be accepted. The lobby and other offices/services at Northeast Community Fund will be closed through March 31st. We will not be accepting donations of food, clothing or housewares through March 31st.
The Salvation Army of Decatur says it will remain open and has adopted more policies to keep people safe. These include increased cleaning measures and sanitizing, limited number of people in waiting rooms to less than 10 people at all times and all staff is wearing medical masks during food services. The Salvation Army has switched from a client choice pantry to pre-boxed distribution to prevent multiple hands touching food items and has a contingency plan in place to change pantry services to a drive-through process if that need should arise.
For the men’s shelter and cold cot program, the Salvation Army has begun using the IDHS screening questions for all Men’s Shelter and Cold Cots residents. They are also monitoring client health by taking temperatures of shelter residents and making medical-grade masks available for residents when needed.
