Suspend Congregate Setting and Volunteer Program / Cancel & Postpone Fundraising Events
The leadership of Women’s Lunch Place has been monitoring the evolving conditions related to the COVID-19 emergency. Initially, WLP implemented prevention, education and response measures throughout our shelter programming. The situation has changed rapidly in the past few days, and after receiving input from city and state health officials, we determined that due to the space configuration of our shelter we could not reasonably mitigate transmission of an infectious disease, in particular via social distancing.
Given this concern for the health and safety of our community, and as a reflection of our values, Women’s Lunch Place has made the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily suspend our congregate setting and volunteer program. WLP will continue to serve our vulnerable guests. Staff will provide take-out breakfast and lunch, supply toiletry packages, and deliver offsite or remote advocacy services. We will closely monitor public health information and make any necessary changes based on public safety precautions.
These are very difficult decisions made under extraordinary circumstances. We look forward to returning to our traditional community setting and service model as soon as possible.
This is also a critical moment for WLP. As you know many of our spring fundraising events have been canceled or postponed. More than one-third of our operating budget is supported by WLP’s annual events. We humbly ask you to stand with us and our guests by continuing your giving while recognizing these courageous women need our help now more than ever. Your ongoing commitment ensures WLP’s ability to fulfill our mission by providing healthy meals and critical services for more than 1,500 women experiencing homelessness and poverty.
