GREENSBORO, N.C. — After a COVID-19 outbreak among staff members, the Interactive Resource Center in Greensboro said it will reopen partially on Thursday and Friday as a cooling center.
The IRC posted the update on its Facebook page, saying, "We are happy to report that as of this afternoon, we have a few staff members that are cleared to return to the IRC. [Thursday], 6/23 and Friday, 6/24 the IRC will open the dayroom as a cooling center only from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All other programs will resume Monday, June 27 as previously scheduled. Thank you so much to everyone in our community that has reached out to help assist our folks. We are so grateful for your support this week."
Earlier this week, the IRC said it would have to close for the rest of the week because of staff members catching COVID-19, according to a social media post.
“Port-o-Potties and hand sanitizer stations are set up in our parking lot for guests to use,” read a statement from the nonprofit’s Facebook page.
The day center helps people who are homeless in Greensboro by providing many services which include: showers, laundry services, phone and mail, medical, shelter placement, job search assistance, computer lab, job skills classes, GED classes, veterans support, and various other supports.
Most of these services, other than mail services, will not be available until Monday.
Executive Director of the IRC, Kristina Singleton says management, as well as all of the day room staff, tested positive for COVID-19.
They are the ones that work closest with guests.
“This isn't the first time that we've had to close our doors from COVID in order to prevent the spread and mitigate the spread,” Singleton explained.
The center helps between 60 and 80 people every single day.
With temperatures nearing the 90s over the next few days, Singleton said they are getting some much-needed help from community partners.
She said, “We're in close contact with the Greensboro Police Department and specifically the Be Heart team, which rides around and knows our clientele very well. As well as the fire department and multiple partner agencies.”
The center will be open every day between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. for people to get their mail as well as any urgent needs like getting work shoes out of lockers.
The center has its fingers crossed that they will be able to open back up on Monday.
Until then, port-a-potties and hand washing stations have been set up outside and the building is being thoroughly cleaned.
"But our utmost concern always is the state of safety of our guests and people that have come to trust the IRC,” Singleton said.
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