Stephan and Zane are a young couple. They met at college where they were each completing a course in heavy machinery repair. Upon graduation neither was able to find a job in their field. They have bounced from one construction job to the next, often being paid in cash. No contracts, no benefits. Staggering debts from their education have left them unable to sustain permanent housing. They have been marginally involved with some recreational drug use; however, they have recently lost three friends to overdose and are frightened.

They are currently living in a shelter in a medium-sized city. They would like to get out west as they have heard that there are jobs there but have no money to fund this move and no solid prospects. In the shelter, they are sleeping in a dormitory style room with 12 other men. Cots are lined up close together, head-to-head.

There is no private space. Shower and clothes washing facilities are very limited. Each person is given a mask to last the week. Hand wash stations are few and far between. They have just learned that one of the residents has tested positive for COVID-19 meaning that all residents will have to isolate “at home” for 14 days. Although the shelter has a “no drug” policy, drug use is very prevalent in the surrounding community.

Stephan and Zane are feeling very confused, isolated, and unsafe.