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‘It’s heartbreaking’: Coronavirus puts Philly homeless services in survival mode

Providers across the city have had to overhaul and, in many cases, drastically curtail their programs, struggling with the reality that social distancing just isn’t built into their service models.

Two men use a portable outdoor hand washing station outside Broad Street Ministries, in Philadelphia, March 19, 2020. Both men are guests at Broad Street Ministries which has indoor hand washing and hand sanitizing stations inside in addition to this outdoor unit in front of the church. The coronavirus has been spreading across the globe since January, and now has been identified in the Philadelphia region, all non-essential businesses are closed. Cities around the United States, including Philadelphia, are increasing social restrictions and implementing cleaning strategies in an attempt to slow the virus’ spread.
Two men use a portable outdoor hand washing station outside Broad Street Ministries, in Philadelphia, March 19, 2020. Both men are guests at Broad Street Ministries which has indoor hand washing and hand sanitizing stations inside in addition to this outdoor unit in front of the church. The coronavirus has been spreading across the globe since January, and now has been identified in the Philadelphia region, all non-essential businesses are closed. Cities around the United States, including Philadelphia, are increasing social restrictions and implementing cleaning strategies in an attempt to slow the virus’ spread.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer