Each day brings new information about re-opening the state and what will be different in the world. Poverty and homelessness carries its own kind of stigma and ostracization. Fear and ignorance of catching COVID-19 from those at Cherry Street further the stigma. Stigmatized groups may be subjected to:
- Social avoidance or rejection
- Denials of healthcare, education, housing or employment
- Physical violence.
Stigma affects the emotional or mental health of stigmatized groups and the communities they live in. Stopping stigma is important to making communities and community members resilient.
To combat fear of the unknown, Cherry Street has been striving to get timely, accurate news to the guests. House meetings provide information, respond to questions and an opportunity for dialogue. Usually meetings are convened by leadership of Cherry Street. House meetings have been a valuable tool in disseminating changes in policy, providing encouragement and assurance Cherry Street is not shutting its doors.
