The Bridgeport YMCA on Park Avenue has been transformed into an isolation center for those recovering from COVID-19.

The Alpha Community Services YMCA is the non-profit that serves three Bridgeport YMCAs, and also their homeless shelters.

The YMCA could not shut down because of the essential services they provide to the homeless population.

Once Bridgeport became a hot spot for coronavirus, the YMCA began housing recovering COVID-19 patients who are homeless or could not return home after they were discharged from the hospital.

Carmen Colon, vice president of Bridgeport YMCA, says the Alpha Community Services YMCA received calls from across the state asking them to house recovering patients because there are no other facilities like the one on Park Avenue.

She says each isolation area is divided into cubicles with cots and chairs and privacy screen dividers that are set up so everyone can stay in their own area.

The YMCA is currently housing three patients recovering from COVID-19, but they are capable of housing a maximum of 30 people if needed.

Colon says none of it would be possible without help from Bridgeport Hospital, and all the YMCA staff who take care of the patients.

Patients will stay at the YMCA for the duration of their recommended isolation period before leaving.

The patients who are homeless will work with the state's 211 program to find a shelter.

Click here for information on how you can help the YMCA in Bridgeport.