Coronavirus Updates

Bethesda Project is committed to the continuation of our programs and services to our guests and residents experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia during the international crisis caused by the COVID-19 Coronavirus. This page will be kept updated with resources and important information.

updates from bethesda project

Under the guidance of the City of Philadelphia, as of March 16, 2020, at 5:00pm, our Administrative Office at 1630 South St closed to the public.

Adhering to the guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Bethesda Project developed relevant procedures for our program operations to protect and support the health of our guests, residents, staff, volunteers, and community members.

Relevant updates impacting our larger community include:

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  • All on-site volunteer activities were suspended March 13, 2020 and resumed June 14, 2021.

    • As of August 16, 2021, Bethesda Project is moving to the yellow phase of on-site volunteering. This will include groups up to ten individuals being allowed on-site, and interaction with guests and residents outside while continuing to wear masks. On-site volunteers must be vaccinated.

      • As of January 5, 2022, Bethesda Project will be temporarily suspending all on-site volunteer activities.

    • For more information — including the detailed plan — please visit our Volunteer page.

  • All visitors to permanent housing sites are prohibited effective March 13, 2020.

  • All Bethesda Project sites are currently open and operating. However, services for walk-in guests at Our Brothers’ Place have been suspended as of March 17, 2020 with the exception of bagged lunches available at the loading dock every day from 12PM to 1PM.

  • In the beginning of the pandemic, adjustments to staff schedules allowed for reduced work hours without affecting programming as of March 23, 2020. Staffing is currently back to regular capacity.

 
 

Impact of COVID-19 on Bethesda Project

On March 30, 2021, Bethesda Project hosted a Lunch and Learn entitled "One Year Later: How COVID Has Affected Bethesda Project's Our Brothers' Place Shelter” reviewing the impact the pandemic made on the men at our emergency homeless shelter and how the organization’s staff continue to respond and provide services amidst the continuing pandemic and focus on vaccinations.

A Message from Abbot Domenic A. Rossi, Founder of Bethesda Project

A Message from Tina Pagotto, Bethesda Project CEO

To read Tina’s official statement on COVID-19, please click here.

Donations During COVID-19

Bethesda Project is still accepting in-kind donations with a high emphasis on priority items and prepared/easily reheatable meals, as well as monetary donations. All donation deliveries must be coordinated in advance by contacting communitylife@bethesdaproject.org.

Current donation needs/opportunities include:

Volunteering During COVID-19

Bethesda Project is pleased to announce exciting news regarding on-site volunteering opportunities. As of June 14, 2021, on-site volunteering will return through a phased-in plan in the coming months, based on the development of new guidelines from the CDC, and our internal Pandemic Committee. This will involve multiple stages to ensure the health and safety of our guests, residents, staff, and volunteers.

  • All on-site volunteer activities were suspended March 13, 2020 and will resume June 14, 2021.

  • On-site volunteers must be vaccinated.

  • For more information — including the detailed plan — please visit our Volunteer page.

Current remote volunteer opportunities include:

  • Holding a supply drive for high need items such as cleaning supplies, PPE, and toilet paper

  • Serving as a courier to transport supplies between Bethesda Project sites

  • Signing up to deliver bagged meals for a Tuesday lunch

  • Providing administrative support to our Community Life department

  • Making cards or summer decorations for one of our sites to help cheer up guests and residents

  • Creating individual activity kits for guests and residents with solo activities (such as puzzles, word searches, playing cards, books, etc.) with individually wrapped snacks and hand sanitizers

Please contact communitylife@bethesdaproject.org directly to schedule delivery of both food and non-food items. For information about remote volunteer activities, please contact communitylife@bethesdaproject.org. Prior notice of the date and time of your delivery is required.

Resources For Those Impacted by Homelessness During COVID-19

Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services

Important numbers:

Ongoing Coronavirus updates