December 6, 2022
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Disaster Relief - Emergency Pandemic Hotel Shelters: Legal Challenges and Lessons Learned
In the earliest days of COVID-19, jurisdictions across the country quickly stood up emergency pandemic shelters for those experiencing homelessness, often in hotels. These pandemic shelters operated far longer than expected and, in some cases, drew legal challenges. This presentation will address tips for defending against legal challenges to these emergency, life-saving efforts, as well as lessons learned and legal pitfalls to avoid.
Speakers: Devona Wells and Rebecca Holschuh
Rebecca Holschuh is a Senior Assistant Hennepin County Attorney in the Civil Division of the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, where she has practiced for 11 years. Ms. Holschuh leads a team of attorneys that represent the county in litigation and act as general counsel to the county's Operations and Resident Services lines of business.
Devona L. Wells is an Assistant Hennepin County Attorney in the Civil Division at the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. She joined the Office three years ago after six years in private practice and working as a law clerk at the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Ms. Wells represents the county in litigation and serves as general counsel to the county’s Public Health and Emergency Management departments.