Macon Magazine

Poole said there's space set aside these days as quarantine rooms and measures were added for cleaning and safety along with standard COVID-19 guidelines. He said under normal circumstances, the length of stay at the 120-bed shelter has guidelines but is determined case-by-case. Now, he said, there is little turnover because those at the facility since March have been allowed to remain and "shelter in place" to follow CDC and other guidelines. He said where normally those staying are asked to leave during the day, now they're encouraged to remain and not travel around the city. "We're full and it's very taxing but we all understand the severity of the situation," he said. "People here are fed three times a day along with others in our food programs." Poole said if people do "check out" of the shelter they must remain out for a period of time and meet requirements before re- entering, if there's space. He said Macon's climate and central location tend to elevate homeless numbers, which are impossible to determine precisely. He said one recent attempt at counting saw in excess of 700 people living homeless. "We work to meet basic human needs – food, shelter, clothing, medical needs and such," he said. "en, our aim is to help people move beyond that to recovery mode." DAYBREAK DAY RESOURCE CENTER Daybreak began operations in Macon in 2012 at the request of churches and groups and after a survey to determine what was needed locally. e result was that a day center for those who are homeless or on its edge was established at 174 Walnut St. Before COVID-19, 100 or so people were drawn daily to sit inside to talk, read, do puzzles, have breakfast or snacks, do laundry, have a shower, use a computer or a phone, see a case manager, get free health services or receive other aid. In 2019, Daybreak counted 25,035 visits and 19,597 meals served. Eighty-three people became employed and 59 moved into permanent housing. But now, the woes of COVID-19 is on Sister eresa Sullivan's mind. She's the center's director and said though the roomy facility still welcomes a few in at a time, the majority must wait their turn outside. Sister eresa said most people can't imagine how coronavirus affects homeless people even beyond the sickness. For instance, she said shutdowns and limited re-openings around town mean there's often not access to restrooms or places usually used to wash hands or get a few breaths of cool air in summer or warm air in winter. ink libraries, fast food chains, public buildings and the like. "We've put handwashing stations and porta-potties around town at three locations," she said. "at's some help." Sister eresa first credited praying people and God's answers to prayer for Daybreak's ability to continue, then those who let compassion rule their actions to donate and otherwise support the work. She also spoke highly of the community's cooperative atmosphere. Ferro of Loaves & Fishes commended Daybreak for being central to helping coordinate formal and informal awareness and cooperation between organizations through such things as Macon's Homeless Coalition, phone calls among leaders and combined events to help those homeless or home fragile. Sister eresa said it's important for every group to let others advise and help. For instance, she said a few other groups were able to "beef up" their services when Daybreak closed briefly at the onset of COVID-19, as did some other organizations facing early uncertainties and health concerns. "We're experiencing networking in Macon where the sum is greater than the parts" she said. "And that's good for all those we're trying to help." OTHER WORK CONTINUES ere are others in Macon and Middle Georgia at the forefront providing practical, physical, spiritual, economic and other help as well as many working to mend systems that should – but often don't – serve all. Some are "WE'RE EXPERIENCING NETWORKING IN MACON WHERE THE SUM IS GREATER THAN THE PARTS. AND THAT'S GOOD FOR ALL THOSE WE'RE TRYING TO HELP." - SISTER THERESA SULLIVAN OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 | maconmagazine.com 71

• Cover