Officials announced Friday a new 42-bed care center in Eugene is ready to accommodate people without homes who are recovering from COVID-19. The project to transform a former veteran’s clinic on River Avenue took about a month.
In collaboration with Lane County and FEMA, the US Army Corps of engineers renovated the building to accommodate people who don’t require hospital care, but need a safe, isolated place to recover from the illness.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Portland District Commander Colonel Aaron Dorf says this is an example of meeting critical needs through teamwork.
“ESSAYONS is the Corps of Engineers’ motto. It means let us try. Hopefully, we have tried, succeeded and delivered a quality, upgraded, alternative care facility that will serve the citizens of Lane County well.”
Lane County has not yet identified any homeless individuals with COVID-19. But, to prepare for a surge in cases, the county saw the need for a recovery center. The price tag of the project has not yet been determined, but Lane County will apply to FEMA for reimbursement of all or most of the cost.
