The state of California has secured more than 16,000 hotel rooms for the homeless in an ambitious effort to protect the state's most vulnerable citizens from the rapid spread of coronavirus.
In addition to 11,000 rooms negotiated separately by the state, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday announced a corporate partnership with Motel 6, giving California access to 47 of the chain’s locations in 19 counties for another 5,000 rooms. That puts the state over its original goal of 15,000 rooms for "Project Roomkey," a campaign launched at the beginning of April to allow safe isolation for homeless individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, those who are elderly or otherwise vulnerable.
San Francisco is among the cities aiming to curb coronavirus cases among its homeless population.
The governor made the announcement at a joint press conference outside of a Motel 6 location in Campbell, flanked by Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez and San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo.
CA has procured nearly 11,000 rooms to protect our homeless population from #COVID19.Today, we announced Motel 6 is setting aside up to 5,025 rooms at 47 locations in 19 counties like the one we’re in front of today. We must continue to protect our homeless from this disease. pic.twitter.com/Peh6v2d96k
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) April 18, 2020Newsom said the state has "flattened the curve" of COVID-19 cases, but the region is not yet safe from the virus. He announced 87 people died from COVID-19 on Friday, one of California’s deadliest days from the pandemic thus far.
In all, the total number of deaths climbed to 1,027.
Hospitalization rates were up 1.3% in the last 24 hours, with ICU numbers down a modest 0.1% and total coronavirus cases up 5.3%.
Newsom praised the effort of Santa Clara County as a highlight of "Project Roomkey."
"We cannot do this alone as a state," Newsom said. "We're sort of building the plane, but someone else has to fly it. It's the counties that really lead this effort and it's the cities that need to support this effort."
The governor said some cities are blocking the use of lodging for homeless in their communities, declining to name those cities in describing their stance as "golden oldies."
The international non-profit World Central Kitchen, which serves free meals to victims of natural disasters – including California’s wildfires – is helping out with three daily meals for individuals housed as part of "Project Roomkey."
"We have partnered with World Central Kitchen on this entire portfolio to provide three meals a day, dietary considerations in play (and) partnerships with local restaurants" Newsom said. "Three nutritious meals, hot meals, not just cold meals."
World Central Kitchen has been active throughout the Bay Area during the coronavirus pandemic.
The governor said 4,211 people are already sheltered as part of "Project Roomkey."
