Editor:
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM) is responding to the article entitled Has Coronavirus Hit Cuyahoga County Homeless Shelters? City of Cleveland, Shelter Operator Won’t Say.
We recognize the health and safety of our neighbors experiencing homelessness ultimately affects the health and safety of our region. It is our hope that members of the community and media would respect the privacy rights and dignity of people experiencing homelessness, and understand the challenging situation that organizations supporting these individuals are facing.
LMM’s mission is to promote peace, well-being and justice by seeking that people who are oppressed, forgotten and hurting be empowered, valued and healed. As a provider of human services, we follow the law regarding protecting personal health information as required by HIPAA. As a provider of services contracted by Cuyahoga County, LMM tracks and reports service information such as days of service, demographic and other information to the Office of Homeless Services.
The reporting of information for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 is maintained by the County and State of Ohio Health Departments. Interested parties should contact public health officials of these entities for detailed information about the spread of COVID-19.
Maria Foschia
Acting CEO & Chief Operating Officer
