People experiencing homelessness often have a higher risk for exposure to communicable diseases and have little access to health care systems and treatment in their communities.
The recent emergence of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) calls for enhanced cooperation between public health authorities, homeless service systems, and other partners at the local level. HUD strongly encourages CoCs to contact their local public health departments, Healthcare for the Homeless agencies, and other local health partners to ensure the unique needs and opportunities related to the homeless service system are incorporated in plans to prevent and respond to infectious diseases like COVID-19.
SNAPS COVID-19 Updates
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Spotlight
CDC: Resources to Support People Experiencing Homelessness The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released a set of resources targeted to homeless shelters and providers including cleaning and disinfecting guidelines, how to screen clients, and guidance for reopening.
Disaster Response Rehousing: A Resource Navigator This resource navigator helps communities develop and implement rehousing strategies in their homeless response systems and provides best practices and community examples for various topics such as equity and grants management.
Infectious Disease Toolkit for CoCs This toolkit provides structure and specific examples for planning and responding to influenza, coronavirus, and other infectious diseases. The toolkit consists of three documents that provide information for CoC leadership, homeless service providers, and partners to utilize when planning for and responding to infectious diseases.
COVID-19: Systemwide Protocol for People Experiencing Homelessness - State of California Example These resources provide the State of California's recommended protocol and approaches for COVID-19 response for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Select “Search All Resources by Date” to see the full list of SNAPS COVID-19 resources, organized by date published. Select the other categories throughout the page to view resources by topic area.
All COVID-19 Resources
| Resource | Author | Category | Date Published |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Survivors through Coordinated Entry | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | Client Support and Care | November 13, 2020 |
| Staff Capacity: Considerations for Scaling Up | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | November 13, 2020 |
| Holistic Investment Planning for State ESG Entitlements and Balance of State CoCs | HUD | Consolidated Investment Planning | November 11, 2020 |
| 5 Tips to Approaching Rehousing with Racial Equity | HUD | Rehousing Strategy | October 29, 2020 |
| Comparable Database Vendor Checklist | HUD | Data Management | October 29, 2020 |
| Eligible ESG Costs for Infectious Disease Preparedness | HUD | ESG-CV Grant Management | Using CoC and ESG Funds for Infections Disease Preparedness and Response | Updated October 26, 2020 |
| Partnering with Local PHAs | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | October 26, 2020 |
| Summary of ESG Program Waivers and Alternative Requirements | HUD | ESG-CV Grant Management | October 26, 2020 |
|
Winter Planning Resources – Includes: Winter Planning Guide Supporting Resources
COVID-19 Informational Flyers
|
HUD | Community Planning and Preparedness | Updated November 30, 2020 |
| Primer on Serving People with High-Acuity Needs | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | October 16, 2020 |
| ESG-CV Reporting Guidance | HUD | ESG-CV Grant Management | October 16, 2020 |
| Rehousing Out of Non-Congregate Shelter: Maximizing Placements | HUD | Rehousing Strategy | October 8, 2020 |
| Social Distancing: Inspired Ideas for Addressing Loneliness | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | October 8, 2020 |
| Staying Safe While Going Back to the Office | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | October 8, 2020 |
| Engaging Clients with Remote Case Management | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | October 8, 2020 |
| Framework for Enhancing Safety in Your Homeless Response System | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | Community Planning and Preparedness | October 6, 2020 |
| CPD Memo: Availability of Additional Waivers for CPD Grant Programs to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 and Mitigate Economic Impacts Caused by COVID-19 (Issued September 30, 2020) | HUD | Memos, Waivers, and Grant Amendments | October 2, 2020 |
| ESG-CV Notice Summary | HUD | ESG-CV Grant Management | October 2, 2020 |
| Creating Cohorts for Your Rehousing Strategy | HUD | Rehousing Strategy | October 1, 2020 |
| Managed Care Resource Brief | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | October 1, 2020 |
| Supervisors Promoting a Culture of Self-Care | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | October 1, 2020 |
| Coordinating with Public Health for Safe Transitions into Housing | HUD | Community Planning and Preparedness | October 1, 2020 |
|
Coordinated Investment Planning Case Studies – Includes:
|
HUD | Consolidated Investment Planning | October 1, 2020 |
| Remote Supervision Tips for Homeless Service Providers | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | September 25, 2020 |
| Rapid Rehousing Ramp-Up | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | September 25, 2020 |
| Rehousing and Coordinated Investment Planning Tool | HUD | Consolidated Investment Planning | September 22, 2020 |
| Federal Rehousing Resources | HUD | Consolidated Investment Planning | September 22, 2020 |
| Creating a Cultural Equity Plan: Organizational Policies and Procedures | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | September 17, 2020 |
| Strategies for Renter Protection | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | September 17, 2020 |
| Staff Orientation to Racial Equity | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | September 17, 2020 |
| Maximizing Income for Rapid Rehousing Participants During COVID-19 | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | September 17, 2020 |
| ESG-CV Quarterly Reporting Calendar | HUD | ESG-CV Grant Management | September 14, 2020 |
| Estimating Future Homelessness | HUD | Consolidated Investment Planning | September 1, 2020 |
| Notice CPD-20-08: Waivers and Alternative Requirements for the ESG Program Under the CARES Act | HUD | Memos, Waivers, and Grant Amendments | September 1, 2020 |
| Designing a Centralized Rent Administration Program | HUD | Consolidated Investment Planning | August 28, 2020 |
| Shallow Rental Subsidies | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | August 28, 2020 |
| Evidence-based Service Delivery | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | August 28, 2020 |
| FAQ: Are there actions a Continuum of Care may take within its Coordinated Entry process to prioritize persons who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19? | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | August 25, 2020 |
| Mitigating the Spread: Washington DC Shelter Profile | HUD | Community Planning and Preparedness | August 25, 2020 |
| Equity Capacity Building: Hiring, Supervision, Training | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | August 25, 2020 |
| Racial Trauma and Trauma-Informed Services | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | August 25, 2020 |
| HMIS Budget and Staffing | HUD | Data Management | ESG-CV Grant Management | August 25, 2020 |
| Special Population Rehousing Strategy: Family Violence | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | Rehousing Strategy | August 20, 2020 |
| Special Population Rehousing Strategy: Youth and Young Adults | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | Rehousing Strategy | August 20, 2020 |
| Sample Language for the ESG-CV Project Description in IDIS | HUD | ESG-CV Grant Management | August 14, 2020 |
| Housing Problem-Solving in Practice | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | August 14, 2020 |
| Targeted Rehousing Strategy Overview | HUD | Rehousing Strategy | August 11, 2020 |
| High Acuity: Transition from Short-term to Long-term Subsidy | HUD | Rehousing Strategy | August 11, 2020 |
| Justice Partnerships and Reentry Solutions | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | August 11, 2020 |
| Advancing Racial Equity through Assessments and Prioritization | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | August 10, 2020 |
| Strategies for Eviction Prevention | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | August 10, 2020 |
| Case Management Ratios | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | August 10, 2020 |
|
Landlord Engagement – Includes:
|
HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | Updated August 10, 2020 |
| Strategies to Design and Implement a Successful ESG-CV Program | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | ESG-CV Grant Management | August 6, 2020 |
| What to Expect from Remote Case Management | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | August 4, 2020 |
| Connecting Quarantine to Coordinated Entry: Mainstream Resources | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | August 4, 2020 |
| VSP Comparable Database and Reporting Requirements | HUD | Data Management | August 4, 2020 |
| Operational Healthcare Partnerships | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | July 31, 2020 |
| Leveraging Integrated Data to Support and Enhance COVID-19 Responses | HUD | Data Management | July 30, 2020 |
| Public Housing Authority Data Sharing Agreements | HUD | Data Management | July 30, 2020 |
| IDIS Fact Sheet for ESG and ESG-CV Funds Setup | HUD | ESG-CV Grant Management | July 24, 2020 |
| ESG Homelessness Prevention Eligibility During Eviction Moratoria | HUD | ESG-CV Grant Management | July 17, 2020 |
| Troubleshooting HESG Project Setup in IDIS | HUD | ESG-CV Grant Management | July 14, 2020 |
| Increasing Equity in the Homeless Response System Through Expanding Procurement | HUD | Consolidated Investment Planning | July 8, 2020 |
| Data & Equity: Using the Data You Have | HUD | Data Management | July 8, 2020 |
| HMIS Allowable Expenses for ESG | HUD | Data Management | July 8, 2020 |
| Rapid Expansion of HMIS: Things to Consider | HUD | Data Management | July 8, 2020 |
| Interim Considerations for Health Departments for SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Homeless Shelters and Encampments | CDC | Site Specific Emergency Operations | July 1, 2020 |
| Privacy Considerations: Direct Service Staff Remote Work | HUD | Client Support and Care | June 25, 2020 |
| Federal Funding Priority Order for Non-Congregate Shelter During COVID-19 | HUD | ESG-CV Grant Management | June 23, 2020 |
| Non-Congregate Sheltering: Approaches for COVID-19 Homeless Response and Recommendations for Requests for Assistance | HUD and CDC | Site-Specific Emergency Operations | Community Planning and Preparedness | June 23, 2020 |
| HUD | Client Support and Care | June 23, 2020 | |
| Flexibilities/Waivers Granted by the CARES Act & Mega Waiver and Guidance | HUD | Memos, Waivers, and Grant Amendments | June 22, 2020 |
|
Homeless Prevention Resources – Includes:
|
HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | June 22, 2020 |
| Supporting Individuals Exiting Isolation or Quarantine | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | June 16, 2020 |
| Five Things to Consider When Investing ESG in Homelessness Prevention | HUD | Consolidated Investment Planning | June 10, 2020 |
| Planning a Housing Surge to Accelerate Rehousing Efforts in Response to COVID-19 | HUD | Rehousing Strategy | June 4, 2020 |
|
Rehousing Activation and Racial Equity – Includes:
|
HUD | Rehousing Strategy | June 4, 2020 |
| Rehousing Activation: Planning and Implementation Tips | HUD | Rehousing Strategy | June 3, 2020 |
| Untapped Expertise: Strategies for Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement When Developing Your Coordinated Investment Plan | HUD | Consolidated Investment Planning | June 3, 2020 |
| Equity-Driven Changes to Coordinated Entry Prioritization | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | May 26, 2020 |
| When to Use Personal Protective Equipment | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | Site-Specific Emergency Operations | English Version: May 26, 2020 | Spanish Version: July 14, 2020 |
| CPD Memo: Availability of Additional Waivers for CPD Grant Programs to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 and Mitigate Economic Impacts Caused by COVID-19 (Issued May 22, 2020) | HUD | Memos, Waivers, and Grant Amendments | May 22, 2020 |
| Resources to Support People Experiencing Homelessness | CDC | Community Planning and Prepardness | May 13, 2020 |
| Changes to Coordinated Entry Prioritization to Support and Respond to COVID-19 | HUD | Models and Implementation Support: Systems and Program Practice | English Version: May 8, 2020 | Spanish Version: July 31, 2020 |
| CPD Memo: Availability of a Waiver and Alternate Requirement for the CAPER for CPD Grant Programs in Response to the Spread of Coronavirus | HUD | Memos, Waivers, and Grant Amendments | May 7, 2020 |
| Setting Up a Substantial Amendment for CARES Act Funding | HUD | ESG-CV Grant Management | May 7, 2020 |
| CPD Memo: CARES Act Flexibilities for ESG and HOPWA Funds Used to Support Coronavirus Response and Plan Amendment Waiver | HUD | Memos, Waivers, and Grant Amendments | May 5, 2020 |
|
COVID-19 HMIS Resources – Includes:
|
HUD | Community Planning and Preparedness | Updated November 13, 2020 |
| CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments | HUD | Memos, Waivers, and Grant Amendments | April 17, 2020 |
| How Does the Federal CARES Act Eviction Moratorium Impact the ESG and CoC Programs? | HUD | Community Planning and Preparedness | April 17, 2020 |
| YHDP and COVID-19 Questions and Answers | YHDP | YHDP Resources | HUD - Updated April 16, 2020 |
| FAQ: May recipients and subrecipients of CoC Program funds purchase cell phones and wireless service plans for program participants to use when receiving supportive services? | HUD | Using CoC and ESG Funds for Infections Disease Preparedness and Response | April 15, 2020 |
| Food Insecurity and Educational Handouts | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) | Client Support and Care | April 11, 2020 |
| Infectious Disease Toolkit for CoCs | HUD | Community Planning and Prepardness | April 9, 2020 |
| COVID-19 Response for People Experiencing Homelessness: Early Learnings from Seattle/King County | USICH | Community Planning and Preparedness | April 7, 2020 |
| Infection Prevention and Control Considerations for Alternate Care Sites | CDC | Community Planning and Preparedness | April 6, 2020 |
| Availability of Waivers of CPD Grant Program and Consolidated Plan Requirements to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 and Mitigate Economic Impacts Caused by COVID-19 for CoC, ESG, and HOPWA | HUD | Memos, Waivers, and Grant Amendments | March 31, 2020 |
| COVID-19 and the Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) Community: Needed Actions from Public Health and Emergency Response Systems | National Health Care for the Homeless Council | Community Planning and Preparedness | April 1, 2020 |
| Screening Clients for Respiratory Infection Symptoms at Entry to Homeless Shelters | CDC | Site-Specific Emergency Operations | March 31, 2020 |
| State of CA: Systemwide COVID-19 Protocol for People Experiencing Homelessness | State of CA | Community Planning and Preparedness | March 28, 2020 |
| Client Screening and Work Flow Examples | Atlanta, GA and San Diego, CA | Site-Specific Emergency Operations | March 27, 2020 |
| Essential Services for Encampments During an Infectious Disease Outbreak | HUD | Site-Specific Emergency Operations | English Version: March 26, 2020 | Spanish Version: April 5, 2020 |
| FAQ: Can CoC project administrative funds be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic? | HUD | Using CoC and ESG Funds for Infections Disease Preparedness and Response | March 26, 2020 |
| FAQ: Can ESG funds be used to train staff on how to deliver services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how to recognize symptoms, how to protect recipient staff from infection, and how to protect against spreading the virus while providing assistance? | HUD | Using CoC and ESG Funds for Infections Disease Preparedness and Response | March 26, 2020 |
| FEMA Public Assistance: COVID-19 Pandemic Eligible Emergency Protective Measures | FEMA | Community Planning and Preparedness | March 25, 2020 |
| YHDP Communities and COVID-19 Call Slides | YHDP | YHDP Resources | HUD - Updated March 25, 2020 |
| Shelter Management During an Infectious Disease Outbreak | HUD | Site-Specific Emergency Operations | English Version: March 23, 2020 | Spanish Version: March 30, 2020 |
| Interim Guidance on COVID-19 for Member Domestic Violence Programs | Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) | Client Support and Care | March 22, 2020 |
| Using a Disaster Policy to Fund Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response with ESG | HUD | Using CoC and ESG Funds for Infections Disease Preparedness and Response | March 18, 2020 |
| COVID-19 and the HCH Community: Needed Policy Responses for a High-Risk Groups | National Health Care for the Homeless Council | Community Planning and Preparedness | March 17, 2020 |
| Seattle and King County: Interim Guidance for COVID-19 Homeless Service Providers | Seattle and King County | Community Planning and Preparedness | March 16, 2020 |
| Using CoC Program Funds for Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response | HUD | Using CoC and ESG Funds for Infections Disease Preparedness and Response | English Version: March 13, 2020 | Spanish Version: April 1, 2020 |
| Seattle and King County: Interim Guidance on How to Care for Someone with Symptoms Consistent with COVID-19 | Seattle and King County | Client Support and Care | March 12, 2020 |
| Questions to Assist CoCs and Public Health Authorities to Limit the Spread of Infectious Disease in Homeless Programs | HUD | Community Planning and Preparedness | March 9, 2020 |
| Specific Considerations for Public Health Authorities to Limit Infection Risk Among People Experiencing Homelessness | HUD | Site-Specific Emergency Operations | March 9, 2020 |
| Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations | CDC | Site-Specific Emergency Operations | March 6, 2020 |
| Seattle and King County: Home Isolation Guide for Families and Individuals Living in Permanent Supportive Housing (Stand-Alone Units) | Seattle and King County | Site-Specific Emergency Operations | March 6, 2020 |
| Access National Healthcare for the Homeless Council’s (HCH) Resources on Influenza | National Health Care for the Homeless Council | Client Support and Care | No publication date |
| Using Technology to Communicate with Survivors During a Public Health Crisis | TechSafety.org | Client Support and Care | No publication date |
| Best Practices for Mobile Advocacy | TechSafety.org | Client Support and Care | No publication date |
| How to Operate as a Remote Workplace During a Public Health Crisis | TechSafety.org | Client Support and Care | No publication date |
| Disaster Response Rehousing: A Resource Navigator - helps communities develop and implement rehousing strategies in their homeless response systems | HUD | Rehousing Strategy | No publication date |
Rehousing Efforts Tools and Resources
| Resource | Author | Date Published |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible ESG Costs for Infectious Disease Preparedness | HUD | Updated October 26, 2020 |
| Summary of ESG Program Waivers and Alternative Requirements | HUD | October 26, 2020 |
| ESG-CV Reporting Guidance | HUD | October 16, 2020 |
| ESG-CV Notice Summary | HUD | October 2, 2020 |
| ESG-CV Quarterly Reporting Calendar | HUD | September 14, 2020 |
| HMIS Budget and Staffing | HUD | August 25, 2020 |
| Sample Language for the ESG-CV Project Description in IDIS | HUD | August 14, 2020 |
| Strategies to Design and Implement a Successful ESG-CV Program | HUD | August 6, 2020 |
| IDIS Fact Sheet for ESG and ESG-CV Funds Setup | HUD | July 24, 2020 |
| ESG Homelessness Prevention Eligibility During Eviction Moratoria | HUD | July 17, 2020 |
| Troubleshooting HESG Project Setup in IDIS | HUD | July 14, 2020 |
| Federal Funding Priority Order for Non-Congregate Shelter During COVID-19 | HUD | June 23, 2020 |
| Setting Up a Substantial Amendment for CARES Act Funding | HUD | May 7, 2020 |
| Resource | Author | Date Published |
|---|---|---|
| Comparable Database Vendor Checklist | HUD | October 29, 2020 |
| HMIS Budget and Staffing | HUD | August 25, 2020 |
| VSP Comparable Database and Reporting Requirements | HUD | August 4, 2020 |
| Leveraging Integrated Data to Support and Enhance COVID-19 Responses | HUD | July 30, 2020 |
| Public Housing Authority Data Sharing Agreements | HUD | July 30, 2020 |
| Data & Equity: Using the Data You Have | HUD | July 8, 2020 |
| HMIS Allowable Expenses for ESG | HUD | July 8, 2020 |
| Rapid Expansion of HMIS: Things to Consider | HUD | July 8, 2020 |
Health Crisis Response Tools and Resources
| Resource | Author | Date Published |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible ESG Costs for Infectious Disease Preparedness | HUD | Updated October 26, 2020 |
| FAQ: May recipients and subrecipients of CoC Program funds purchase cell phones and wireless service plans for program participants to use when receiving supportive services? | HUD | April 15, 2020 |
| FAQ: Can CoC project administrative funds be used to train recipient staff to safely deliver assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic? | HUD | March 26, 2020 |
| FAQ: Can ESG funds be used to train staff on how to deliver services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how to recognize symptoms, how to protect recipient staff from infection, and how to protect against spreading the virus while providing assistance? | HUD | March 26, 2020 |
| Using a Disaster Policy to Fund Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response with ESG | HUD | March 18, 2020 |
| Using CoC Program Funds for Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response | HUD | English Version: March 13, 2020 | Spanish Version: April 1, 2020 |
| Resource | Author | Date Published |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Survivors through Coordinated Entry | HUD | November 13, 2020 |
| Privacy Considerations: Direct Service Staff Remote Work | HUD | June 25, 2020 |
| HUD | June 23, 2020 | |
| Food Insecurity and Educational Handouts | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) | April 11, 2020 |
| Interim Guidance on COVID-19 for Member Domestic Violence Programs | Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) | March 22, 2020 |
| Seattle and King County: Interim Guidance on How to Care for Someone with Symptoms Consistent with COVID-19 | Seattle and King County | March 12, 2020 |
| Access National Healthcare for the Homeless Council’s (HCH) Resources on Influenza | National Health Care for the Homeless Council | No publication date |
| TechSafety.org | No publication date |
Other Resource Collections
| Resource | Author | Date Published |
|---|---|---|
| YHDP Communities and COVID-19 Call Slides | HUD | March 25, 2020 |
| Resource | Author | Date Published |
|---|---|---|
| CDC Releases Official Health Advisory Related to Hepatitis A Outbreaks among Persons Experiencing Homelessness | CDC | June 20, 2018 |
| HOPWA In Focus: Structural Intervention | HUD | December 8, 2016 |
| National Health Care for the Homeless Council: Communicable Diseases | National Health Care for the Homeless Council | Date Published: N/A |
| Strategies to Support Homeless or at-Risk Clients with Effectively Utilizing the Healthcare System | HUD | Date Published: July 13, 2015 |
| Hepatitis C Prevention Opportunities Among People Who Inject Drugs Webinar | HUD | Date Published: April 28, 2015 |
| Action Plan for the Prevention, Care, & Treatment of Viral Hepatitis | HHS | Date Published: March 24, 2015 |
News and Announcements
COVID-19 Resource Digest for Homeless Providers – December 1, 2020
Date Posted: December 01, 2020
Date Posted: November 30, 2020
Date Posted: November 23, 2020
Note: The contents of these materials, except when based on statutory or regulatory authority or law, do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. These materials are intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.