COVID-19: A Year in Review

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic. Life as we knew it fundamentally changed. The need for services for those most vulnerable in our community skyrocketed, revealing a stark racial and economic divide. During the past year, one in three Americans suffered the heartbreaking loss of a friend or family member from the coronavirus.

One of the many challenges Southside Center of Hope faced during the pandemic is the “unknowns” while trying to keep everyone safe. The learning process came with rapid change. It was, has been, and still is a fluid situation.

No one could have predicted the disruption to our lives and normal day-to-day routines that we have endured this past year. During this difficult time, we had to transition the women and children in our facility because of the deteriorating conditions of our building.

One of the many lessons I have learned is that the staff and the women we serve are strong, resilient, they can respond, work through, and adapt to change.

As an organization, Southside Center of Hope faced the adversity of the past year head on, and as a result, we experienced many successes. From starting a young professionals board, virtual volunteer program, selling our building, partnering with Interfaith Housing Development Corporation to build a Permanent Supportive Housing Development and most notably, for the first time in more than a decade, we anticipate not having a deficit at the end of this fiscal year.

While we are hopeful about the future of our organization and our world, the elevated need for shelter, food, and supportive services among women and children experiencing homelessness and in recovery from addiction in our community will continue for months and years to come.

We are committed to continuing to serve our community and continuing the legacy of our founders Sister Therese O’Sullivan and the late Sister Connie Driscoll.

We realize supporting women and children in our community is an effort that requires everyone and recognize that our work would not be possible without our donors, volunteers, and community partners. As I reflect on the tremendous toll of the past year, I am filled with gratitude for everything our generous supporters, volunteers and partners make possible. Because of you, we stepped up to meet the unprecedented need and responded like never before.

Together we give Hope.

Yaisa Hagood

Executive Director