Supporting RSCP through a pandemic

One week after Rotating Safe Car Park (RSCP) rotated from Prince of Peace to another location, that church shut down, as did POP shortly after. The parks, libraries, community centers, coffee shops, where the guests often go during the day, also closed. They had no bathrooms available to them. The March RSCP Lead asked the host location to keep the campus open all day, so the guests could isolate safely for themselves and the community. This was granted. The guests also had no showers as their gyms were closed. West Valley Community Services, with the prodding of the RSCP, helped negotiate with a local entity to open their showers to the guests. This was granted. 
 
Soon after, the City of Saratoga reached out to offer assistance in getting PPE supplies. But even the city had to scrounge for disinfecting wipes, sanitizer and gloves. (The cleaning supplies picture is our cache from the city.) But face masks were not available. Since the surgical/PPE masks were not needed for the safe park’s purposes, soon, there were POP members willing to include masks for our guests and volunteers in addition to what they were donating to hospitals and members of our congregation. Many masks went to church volunteers and guests, and more are being made for the next group who will be operating the RSCP in May. And our June host is hoping for a good supply of our masks as well. A big thanks to Janet C., Barbara E. and Maria J’s neighbor for supplying masks, and an additional thank you to Andrea P. who will be joining the effort. 

by Karen Hauschildt