Office of the Mayor: COVID-19 Task Force for Social Services

Challenge

The Coronavirus pandemic catapulted Bloomington into a period of uncertainty. Residents, businesses, and local nonprofits needed avenues to work together to face new social services challenges. The four primary and immediate areas of concern included emergency food provision, the need for an isolation shelter for persons experiencing homelessness, childcare, and increased attention to general personal health and safety measures. Mayor Hamilton, Community and Family Resource staff, and local businesses and nonprofits found themself asking: What could be done to preserve the existing safety net for residents and meet increasing demand driven by the economic fallout and health emergency? 

Idea

In order to address rising concerns quickly, Mayor Hamilton designated the Social Services Task Force (SSTF). The Task Force is composed of community members from various organizations with influence and expertise in health and social services, such as United Way, Bloomington Health Foundation, and IU Health. This model of problem-solving was not typical before COVID-19 came to Bloomington. The SSTF started meeting in March 2020 and continues to do so as of December 2020. The idea was to coordinate efforts across the region to address the four main focus areas mentioned above. 

Regarding emergency food provision, local organizations were seeing an increase in demand from families who had never used their services before. Traditionally, providers keep a two-week inventory on hand, but given the pandemic, the SSTF aimed to increase these stores as well as promote carry-out/portable food options. Providers began meeting early on to discuss challenges and needs, oftentimes helping resolve issues amongst each other by sharing resources. The United Way emergency fund proved very helpful in this way. 

Also by May 2020 a Regional Safe Recovery site was up and running, fully staffed. This shelter was designed to host covid-positive homeless persons or those who were symptomatic and told they needed to isolate by a health professional. 

With schools closed, local agencies anticipated an increased need for childcare as well. The SSTF conducted a survey among companies with essential workers and estimated the number of childcare spots that would be needed. They also surveyed childcare facilities to see what additional services they could offer. As a result, three new childcare PODS were established at the Boys & Girls Club–Ellettsville, Twin Lakes Recreation Center, and Banneker Community Center. 

Regarding increased attention to general health and safety measures, for example, the Wheeler Mission has designated and trained peer mentors to go to local parks and educate their peers, typically other persons experiencing homelessness, on good prevention measures like using hand sanitizer and wearing face masks. 

Cost

Many of the monetary costs associated with programs that stemmed from SSTF brainstorming sessions are funded by state grants or donations. Rather than a direct dollar cost, the main costs associated with the SSTF were the city and local community partner’s time, effort, staffing, and coordination. In the case of the isolation shelter, specifically, the city acted as the fiscal agent responsible for reimbursements and contract details, which took the burden off local agencies so they could focus on the direct services. 

Benefit

The Social Services task force has protected our community safety net, in areas of food security, emergency housing, child care, and health and safety. As of May 2020, the initial worry over food needs had been appeased through traditional service providers increasing outreach, as well as the creation of new resources. The isolation center established by SSTF remains open, serves six county regions, and is able to house up to 58 guests. This task force’s efforts are ongoing as they continue to work with local social service providers to develop priorities surrounding a variety of needs such as mental health and domestic violence resources. Because of the SSTF, local community partners are more collegial than ever, working together to triage immediate needs with increased communication and collaboration. 
 

Metadata:

City Departments: Office of the Mayor, Community and Family Resources

Point of Contact: Beverly Calender-Anderson

Partners/Social Service Task Force Members: Jon Barada – Bloomington Health Foundation, Diane Buzzell – IU Health Foundation, Efrat Fefferman – United Way of Monroe County, Tina Peterson – Community Foundation of Bloomington-Monroe County, Dan Smith – Indiana University Foundation

Partner Point of Contact: N/A

Date Implemented: March 2020

Type of Innovation: New Service