FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CATHOLIC CHARITIES ADAPTS DV SHELTER MY SISTER’S PLACE FOR CLIENTS WHO MAY SHOW SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS

PHOENIX, Ariz. (March 26, 2020): Catholic Charities Community Services has made accommodations to prepare its East Valley-based domestic violence shelter, My Sister’s Place, for residents who may experience symptoms of COVID-19 or who may test positive for coronavirus.

“Our primary concern is for the health and well being of our clients, too many of whom have already experienced life-changing situations,” said Dawn Curtis, Senior Program Manager. “Our goal is to make any transitions as seamless and secure as possible.”

Community areas of the house, including the kitchen and family room, “are only being used for essential needs and only one family at a time,” said Curtis. “At all other times, individuals and families remain in their rooms.”

“Should anyone show symptoms, we have leased a second home where clients and family can be isolated,” she said.

Regular case management and counseling continue but are being conducted by phone.

If space open up at the facility, now at capacity, clients would be screened by phone.

Victims of domestic violence not requiring immediate shelter can find support, assistance and transition services through the Catholic Charities Pathways program. These include safety planning, counseling, court accompaniment, life skills education individual counseling and support groups in English and Spanish.

The 24-hour domestic violence hotline is available at 480-821-1024.

Catholic Charities has started a Relief Fund to help with the immediate needs of clients and the agency’s critical supplies. For more information, visit www.CatholicCharitiesAZ.org.

About Catholic Charities:

Founded in 1933, Catholic Charities provides care for the vulnerable of all faiths in central and northern Arizona through programs in foster care, early education, veteran services, refugee resettlement, and homeless outreach. Housing for Hope, a separate 501c3, is an affiliate of Catholic Charities and provides affordable housing. Learn more by visiting www.catholiccharitiesaz.org or www.housingforhopeAZ.org. Social connections include www.facebook.com/CatholicCharitiesAZ and twitter.com/CCArizona.

Contact:
Jean Christofferson, Catholic Charities Community Services, 602-650-4847