Peak Vista, Springs Rescue Mission host vaccination clinic for homeless

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Two organizations in Colorado Springs have teamed up to administer vaccines to those facing homelessness in the area.

Peak Vista is hosting a vaccination clinic at the Springs Rescue Mission from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., March 10th and March 11th.

Each person that arrives will receive the Johnson + Johnson one-dose vaccine free of charge, and priority will go to those 60-years-old and older, and those who meet the state's current criteria for the current phases of the vaccine. Springs Rescue Mission says after a positive turn-out for COVID testing among those facing homelessness, they are expecting a similar turn-out for the vaccine distribution.

“We’re grateful that homeless men and women will have access to vaccines on our campus,” said Jack Briggs, CEO of Springs Rescue Mission.
“By working together we’re seeing guests treated with dignity as they find a pathway out of homelessness, poverty, and addiction.”

Dr. Joel Tanaka of Peak Vista says, getting vaccines into the arms of the public -- regardless of status -- is the most important thing.

"Up to this point, the majority of folks experiencing homelessness haven't been eligible or met the state's criteria for eligibility, so it's pretty exciting to be able to go out and do this today, tomorrow, and in the future," Dr. Tanaka says.

All together between today and tomorrow, Peak Vista and Springs Rescue Mission will administer more than 200 vaccines. As more vaccines become available, both say they will make plans to distribute them to the community.

Springs Rescue Mission is located at: 5 W Las Vegas St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903