08-09-2023 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ramsey County │ Annex H: Mass Care and Shelter 12 3.1.7.2 Bulk Distribution of Emergency Relief Items Regardless of shelter status, individuals and families may need assistance in obtaining key commodities following a disaster. Points of distribution of these commodities may be located at fixed locations or provided through mobile units, ensuring mobile units are prioritized for neighborhoods with high levels of disproportionately impacted populations. These activities should be coordinated through the EOC Operations Section and supported through the EOC Logistics Section. Emergency relief items generally include blankets and comfort kits (hygiene items). American Red Cross (ARC) Minnesota Region, Minnesota Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), and other community-based organizations (CBOs) may also supply other goods such as cleaning products, flashlights, tarps, shovels, rakes, water, gloves, and protective masks to those affected by disaster to assist with cleanup efforts at their primary place of residence. Propane and camp stoves may be provided for feeding support for those not staying in shelters depending on the time of year and availability. The ability of the supply chain to meet the culturally appropriate needs of disaster-impacted populations must be carefully monitored and planning for effective, equitable distribution methods made accordingly. 3.1.7.3 Childcare Childcare services including supervision within a safe space and provision of basic needs allow adult- impacted populations the opportunity to connect with recovery services, continue working, and seek self-care, including disaster mental health services. Childcare should only be provided by a licensed provider under a written agreement. 3.1.7.4 Disaster Mental Health Disaster mental health services should be made available to all affected populations, including responders. Community Health Services (CHS) will oversee these services, which may include crisis intervention, psychological first aid, and other services to impacted populations and shelter staff. Such services may be supplemented by ARC disaster mental health staff and/or other CBOs. Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) counseling professionals may also support this task, and therapy companion animals may be considered for use to help alleviate stress. 3.1.7.5 Feeding Feeding services may include hot or shelf-stable meals, infant formula, baby food, snacks, beverages, and food packages as well as diverse dietary and culturally appropriate meals (e.g., low sodium, low fat, vegetarian/vegan, halal, kosher). Feeding may be provided through a variety of means, including pre- packaged, cafeteria, food truck, etc. Primary responsibility for mass feeding services may rely upon the Salvation Army and other VOADS and/or the EOC Operations section with additional support from the state and mutual aid as needed. The County will make every practicable effort to accommodate the dietary needs of shelter clients. The County will coordinate with mass feeding service providers and other available resources to provide dietary items such as non-pork products, meatless products, low sugar products, etc., where possible.