Homelessness Providers Toolkit

COVID-19 

Washington State Department of Health (DOH) updated its guidance for COVID-19 isolation. 

Homeless shelter providers should follow local Washington State Department of Health (DOH) guidance. 

DOH has additional guidance, including: 

• COVID-19 mask guidance. 
• Ventilation and air quality for reducing transmission of airborne illnesses. 
• Cooling indoor spaces without air conditioning. 
• Safe cleaning and disinfection guidance for public spaces. 

We have many resources available.

• Vaccines. 
• Testing. 

COVID-19 affects all of us.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months or older get the new 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available. 

If you or someone you know is 65 or older or immune compromised, visit our COVID-19 vaccine webpage to find out when and where to get your dose.

Check out our adult immunizations page for more information.

Emergency PPE Ordering for Shelter Providers

You have a responsibility to have enough Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) at your facility for your staff, guests and clients to use during a COVID-19 outbreak.

Urgent assistance for PPE may be available if you experience an outbreak and:

• No one can lend or give you any.
• Shipping delays create shortages.
• Supply chains don’t have any available.

In an emergency, you can order PPE through:

• Washington State Department of Health (DOH). Submit requests to logistics@doh.wa.gov. DOH will validate the request with us.
• Northwest Healthcare Response Network (NWHRN). Call the Duty Officer Line: (425) 988-2897. NWHRN will validate your request with us.

Substance use treatment services

Our treatment services offer patient-centered help to recovering from addiction, including medical-assisted treatment, counseling and referrals. 

Do you help someone who struggles? Learn more about the treatment we offer, including:

• Medical-assisted treatment. 
• Group and individual counseling. 
• Medical referrals. 

Our clinic is open Monday–Friday, 5 a.m.–2:30 p.m.  Call (253) 649-1406 with questions. 

Naloxone

Get small quantities of free naloxone (Narcan) available at our clinic for any member of the public. Ask a staff member for community naloxone and a brief training. 

Other places to find naloxone include: 

• Any pharmacy in the state. It is free or low-cost with insurance, or available over-the-counter. No prescription is needed.
• Dave Purchase Project (Tacoma Needle Exchange) | 3716 Pacific Ave., Suite F, Tacoma
  Open Tuesday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Pierce County Alliance | 510 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma
  Open 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Naloxone vending machines:
  
  • Tacoma Public Library—Moore Branch | 215 S. 56^th St., Tacoma
    Tuesday and Wednesday, noon–8:00 p.m., Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.– 6 p.m.
  • First United Methodist Church | 621 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma
    Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Recovery Café at Orting | 110 Train St. SE, Orting
    Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • People Harm Reduction Alliance mail order program.
• Use the Naloxone Finder to find naloxone in Washington State.

Agencies looking for larger quantities of naloxone should complete an application with DOH’s naloxone program. Learn more about DOH’s Opioid Education and Naloxone Distribution Program. Contact DOH with questions. 

Interested in a naloxone training for your organization? Email Stephanie Prohaska.

Questions about naloxone? Email Ruby Fierroz.

Find a downloadable and printable flyer with naloxone and other overdose prevention resources. 

Behavioral health