As COVID vaccine supplies increase, there have been more opportunities for people to get vaccinated. But even with this increase, certain people have been left off of the priority lists, including the homeless community. However, there has recently been more of an effort to get the homeless population vaccinated.

“It was important for me to protect myself and the health and welfare of others,” said Cidney Oliver, 39, after receiving her first COVID vaccine from her shelter where she sleeps.

Several homeless shelters in Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle have experienced COVID outbreaks. These shelters often experience unsanitary crowds with poor health. Ensuring that they have access to vaccines helps make their communities safer.