Considering that the Citrus College campus is currently closed, it should not come as a surprise to anyone that the Coronavirus is being mentioned yet again. The past few weeks have held a great amount of fear and uncertainty as classes move online due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
While students are pulling out their laptops and logging onto Canvas for class conference calls another issue is going on that needs to be discussed, how the coronavirus is affecting the homeless.
Dunia Valladares, the head of the students in need services said due to the campus closure for precautions of COVID-19 services provided from the school are not available during the period March 16 to April 5.
Valladares said the food pantry and the mobile food pantry had to be cancelled due to the campus shut down.
However, there are food banks around the area that are providing help.
“Students actually go on to the website, there’s a web page specifically for the coronavirus,” Valladares said. “It provides information and resources for students, which also include how to function online.”
Valladares said Canvas will provide webinars and tutorials on how to navigate through Canvas, as well as how to find food pantries in the area.
Valladares also said Charter, Spectrum and Comcast are also providing free internet for 60 days to help those in need of internet services at home.
While the school is not currently open at the moment, homeless students are still not abandoned.
“Continue going on to our website and such, as college apps, we’re trying to do our best to respond to questions and update our information,” Valladares said. “We’re trying to put out that information for students so that they stay the most updated.”
Valladares also said if students are concerned, need food resources and feel overwhelmed with getting access they can also contact her.
“I’ll try to help them in any way that I can,” Valladares said.
