Homeless people in Yavapai, Coconino and Mohave Counties are receiving socially-distant help from Catholic Charities Community Services staff because of the threat of COVID-19.

Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) and Catholic Charities Veterans Services put in place new methods and protocols to serve these populations. To embrace the change, it is being called “shoutreach,” Sedona.biz said.

One of the new protocols is to use non-threatening voice volume to check on individuals while also keeping safe distances.

Necessary supplies, such as food and water, will be dropped off at a safe distance.

The “shoutreach” team will also be wearing protective gloves and using hand sanitizer when distributing.

“We know we need to maintain contact with individuals and families experiencing homelessness to ensure they receive and have access to services and supplies for daily living,” Outreach Coordinator Rick Brust told Sedona.biz. “With the challenges of COVID-19 and the need for appropriate social distancing, we want to keep communications open at the same time we protect everyone’s health and safety.”