Coronavirus Update - March 30, 2020

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Quest Communities seeks to ensure the safety of our staff and residents.
We will continue to monitor this health and financial crisis very closely and will provide updates as
​needed to ensure we are doing everything we can for our clients, employees and communities.
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Below are the actions we have taken to date to address the impact of this crisis:

Risk Management
  • At the onset, Quest Communities conducted our Business Continuity Plan 1 day drill to assess a remote working environment and address any breaks in services and operations offered in the wake of a disaster specific and non-specific to Quest Communities.
  • Quest Communities risk management team of professionals assessed this COVID-19 crisis and determined Quest as an agency would be under a MEDIUM level threat which consisted of an identified number of team members that will report to the offices while practicing social distancing during normal work hours while the rest of the employees working remotely.
  • With the new state and local directives, the threat level has been lifted to a HIGH until further notice and 100% of Quest Communities Operations Staff will be working in a remote working environment. Quest has 85% capability of successfully working remotely. The 15% that cannot work remotely based on the origin or scope of work is the Property Management Maintenance Team (PMMT). The PMMT developed a plan to scale down to 50% remotely due to having to address all life-safety work orders.
  • While staff is working remotely, incoming calls may be answered by an automated attendant inviting the caller to select an extension. We have the ability to forward our calls so that team members can receive calls even when they’re not in the office, as well as check voicemail remotely.

Business Operations
  • Current operations are being conducted remotely.  Our Accounting department is ensuring that Account Receivables, Accounts Payable, Grants and Contracts Management are functioning well. We are experiencing some expected delays due to the shift to a remote working environment and aligning activities with external partner processes.  Signs are showing some small delays. We are also experiencing additional expenditures due to the cost of hardware and software necessary to move all operations remotely.

Human Resources
  • We are proud to inform you that Quest Communities has not had to have a reduction in our workforce due to the COVID-19 crisis. We are watching this area very closely because it is a sensitive area for our clients and our staff.  We serve the most vulnerable population and human resources are necessary to ensure that our clients are able to be resilient and successful during this health and financial crisis.  We will do all that we can to ensure that our services are well staffed and that our employees don’t experience any employment hardships.
  • We are also monitoring our staff’s health and well-being. We are securing additional protective gear for staff and conducting regular check-in’s to keep our team connected and informed.

Good Neighbor and Partner
  • We are working closely with our Federal, State and Local governing bodies to align our efforts as we continue to serve our vulnerable populations and others. Information about additional community Food, Medical and other services are being distributed to our residents on a regular basis. We are consistently assessing needs and providing support where needed.
  • We are participating with other non-profit sector agencies in our to maximize dissemination of information and strategize on how we will collectively ensure all of our residents and staff continues to be served.
 
Resident Services
  • Our Quest Cares team will not be entering occupied residences nor meeting in-person for case management services. Group therapy and individual sessions will be conducted remotely to the best of our and the resident’s ability in an effort to protect both our team members and our residents. This will be in effect until further notice. We will continue to update you as things change.
  • The Quest Cares team will make weekly health and safety check-in calls on all residents and continue to conduct routine case management sessions remotely.

Real Estate Development (RED)
  • Quest RED Activities are approved as essential services.  We currently have 5 projects under construction.  We will continue to work with the general contractors to keep the projects moving forward to the best possible ability based on the current industry environment.
  • We have requested the GC’s to provide us important insight on the impact COVID-19 is having on their company, the sub-contractor market and any indicators from the construction industry.
  • Due to the newness and unknown circumstances of Covid19, we are experiencing shortages in manpower, delays in work scopes and coordination disruptions of 3rd party services, but hopeful this will straighten out soon.

Property Management
  • In our 19 year history we have only had 4 evictions. Property management was informed that there we will be NO evictions during this crisis.
  • The PM team is working remotely to the best of their ability.  New software solutions are being discussed that will allow property managers to perform their jobs more efficiently and effectively.
  • Our Maintenance team are truly angels. They are one of the few departments that have to actually perform their jobs on-site.  At this time they are only addressing life-safety work orders.

Quest Payee Services (QPS)
  • State-wide QPS services a very vulnerable population and provides an important fiduciary service for them. Both Atlanta and Valdosta offices are closed to in-person activities. Quest Loadable Debit cards are issued to beneficiaries for shopping and personal needs.  We will continue to manage their major expenses such as rent, phone, utilities etc.
​Message from our President & CEO

Dear Internal and External Stakeholders,

We hope all is well with you, your families and your organizations. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers as we live thru the current crisis in our communities.

We are all  in unprecedented times once again, as history has shown, with the ongoing spread of the novel (new) Coronavirus known as COVID-19.  Such times are changing at incredible speeds, causing for swifter adaptability of the Quest Communities operations and activation of both short-term and long-term provisions and solutions to ensure all of our residents and employees have minimal to no hardships during this time.

It fills my heart seeing the commitment our team has shown especially during this time. They have stepped up with understood reservation and embraced the mere fact that we still have residents to house and serve. We also recognize that there are many more vulnerable individuals that need safe affordable housing and services and anticipate an increase in need during and after this crisis.

Under the leadership of Dr. Faye Floyd, Chair of the Quest Communities Board,  the entire Board of “Special” Directors, the Executive Officers and I want you all to know we appreciate your loyalty and continued support.  
Wishing you peace and great health,
Leonard L. Adams Jr. |  President & CEO
“It may be difficult but it’s Possible”  - unknown