Tuesday, March 19, 2024
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COVID-19 Alternative Housing Program

Emergency Management and Regional Security offers an Alternative Housing Program in response to COVID-19

 
Cook County has launched an alternative housing plan designed to support suburban Cook County residents, health care professionals and first responders.
 
Under this plan, in partnership with the Illinois Emergency Management Association, suburban Cook County residents who test positive for COVID-19 and are in need of temporary housing as they continue to recover outside a hospital’s care, will have an opportunity to stay in temporary housing identified by EMRS. Qualifying participants of the program may include people experiencing homelessness, individuals who are housing insecure or those who do not have a separate room and bathroom to safely isolate at home.
 
If a person tests positive for COVID-19, has received treatment and is set to be discharged from the hospital to continue recuperating, the patient can tell a hospital social worker they may not be able to adequately self-isolate. The hospital will call a Cook County Department of Public Health hotline who will screen the patient, confirm their need for housing, and then immediately work to place them in the temporary housing.
 
The program has been expanded to provide respite housing to suburban health care professionals and first responders also in need of temporary housing.