In an effort to promote health and safety, the San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services recently donated 10 bedbug treatment units to local service providers that operate homeless shelters throughout the county.
From April 25 to May 2, the bedbug treatment units were delivered to ten major homeless service providers, including the city of San Bernardino, the city of Victorville, Water of Life Community Church in Fontana, Illumination Foundation, Operation Grace, Desert Manna, Family Assistance Program, Foothill AIDS Project, Rise of a Fallen Angel and the Salvation Army. The Office of Homeless Services plans to deliver two more units this week.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States is one of many countries that has experienced an alarming resurgence of bedbugs. The increase in bedbugs may be due to more travel, lack of knowledge about preventing infestations, bedbugs becoming resistant to pesticides, and the expense of professional pest control.
“The cost of treatment can be expensive, which makes the problem harder to manage,” said Homeless Services Chief Marcus Dillard. “We hope this donation helps to create a more comfortable environment for those residing in the shelters.”
Bedbugs can spread in shelters when individuals bring in personal belongings that are already infested. These individuals may have been exposed to bedbugs in other emergency shelters, transitional housing, hotels and motels. Although bedbugs do not spread diseases, they can cause irritation, itching, anxiety and loss off sleep, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The bedbug treatment unit will make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Gabriela Leon, homeless solutions manager at the city of San Bernardino. “This is another great example of the partnership we have with the county, and we are grateful for their support.”
Treatment units have been proven effective at eliminating bedbugs by using very high temperatures to wipe out all forms of bedbugs. According to the CDC, bedbugs die when their body temperatures reach 45°C (113°F).
“We are extremely grateful for the county’s donation,” said Geovanni Quiroz, grants manager at Water of Life’s CityLink campus. “Bedbugs can have an immense impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of those we serve. This donation will ensure that our clients have access to a safe and comfortable environment.”
Bedbugs discourage individuals from seeking shelter and make it difficult for them to focus on rebuilding their lives.
“The county’s donation was a blessing,” said Kathy Brown, case manager at the Salvation Army. “This donation is crucial for helping us to maintain a safe environment for our clients.”
The Office of Homeless Services continues to support service providers as a part of its commitment to ensuring that individuals at risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness are connected to housing, supportive services and case management. For more information about the Office of Homeless Services and how it supports the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership, please visit https://sbchp.sbcounty.gov/.
