COVID-19 Preparedness and New Policies

To help ensure our current residents, clients, and staff are as safe as possible during this time, our Executive team, Board of Directors, and property management team at Peabody Properties have been working around the clock to implement preventive measures with changes to our physical sites and current programming. Here are some of the steps we have taken:

UPDATED VACCINE POLICY as of NOVEMBER 5, 2021:

Hearth will expand its mandatory COVID vaccination policy to include the recommended booster(s) effective immediately and based upon the recommended eligibility dates for receiving a booster dose(s). This policy applies to all employees, contract employees, and in person volunteers and interns at all Hearth sites and replaces the initial COVID-19 Vaccination policy dated September 7, 2021. In accordance with Hearth’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, Hearth is adopting this policy to safeguard the health of its’ employees and their families, clients, residents, visitors, and the community at large from infectious diseases that may be reduced by vaccinations. In making this decision, the senior leadership team reviewed recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health officials. As required by law, accommodation requests based on a disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and decisions will be made based on the role in question and the needs of the organization, keeping safety of all parties in mind and balancing the needs of the employee with the needs of Hearth’s employees, volunteers, clients and residents. Accommodations will be granted where they do not cause Hearth undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

For more information regarding Hearth’s Covid policy or have questions please contact Rhonda Pieroni, Chief Administrative Officer, rpieroni@hearth-home.org or (617) 369-1567.

Mandatory Face Coverings: As of April 28, 2020 all residents, clients, staff, and essential service providers must wear a mask when entering any of the locations. Masks must be worn in all shared spaces, at all times.

Disinfecting: Hearth’s property management team from Peabody Properties will be increasing the number of times per day to sanitize “high-touch” areas, such as door handles, faucets, hand railings, elevator buttons and guardrails, etc. In addition, hand sanitizing stations will be set up at the entrance and common areas of Hearth sites. Peabody properties will be continuing their normal comprehensive cleaning protocols with an eye for other opportunities to limit viral transmission.

Social Distancing: Residential programs and staff meetings that cannot be conducted at a safe social distance of will be cancelled or moved to a different format. This includes all previously scheduled activities and tenant meetings.

Food Pantry: COVID-19 is unfortunately causing multiple obstacles for our residents and outreach clients, one of the more urgent being food insecurity. In preparation, we have created an emergency food pantry for residents and clients experiencing food insecurity during this time.