Resource Digest for Homeless Providers – March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023 Print ShareThis

To support partnerships between public health authorities, homeless service systems, and other partners at the local level, and the vulnerable households served, HUD and its partners are issuing guidance from subject matter experts on best practices and lessons learned.

This digest contains recently published resources from HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) and its national, state, and local partners.

HUD Resources

Author and Website	Description and Key Resources
SNAPS Disease Risks and Homelessness	Check the HUD Exchange page for frequent updates and resources from HUD, including the Infectious Disease Toolkit for CoCs. Upcoming Partner Training PD&R Quarterly Update on Housing First – April 6, 2023 – 2:00 PM EDT: The Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) is sponsoring a virtual PD&R Quarterly Update on Housing First. Along with a housing market update and a data spotlight segment, the event will also feature two panel discussions. New Partner Resource Preparing for the End of the Continuous Enrollment Condition: What Partners Need to Know about Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Upcoming Office Hours COVID-19 Planning and Response for Homeless Assistance Providers – April 21, 2023 – 2:30 PM EDT Please note: There will be no Office Hours held on Friday, March 31, 2023.
Other HUD Program Coronavirus Resources	View resources from other HUD programs: HUD Exchange Cross-Program COVID-19 Resources HUD.gov Cross-Program COVID-19 Resources

Author and Website

Description and Key Resources

SNAPS Disease Risks and Homelessness

Check the HUD Exchange page for frequent updates and resources from HUD, including the Infectious Disease Toolkit for CoCs.

Upcoming Partner Training

PD&R Quarterly Update on Housing First – April 6, 2023 – 2:00 PM EDT: The Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) is sponsoring a virtual PD&R Quarterly Update on Housing First. Along with a housing market update and a data spotlight segment, the event will also feature two panel discussions.

New Partner Resource

Preparing for the End of the Continuous Enrollment Condition: What Partners Need to Know about Medicaid and CHIP Coverage

Upcoming Office Hours

COVID-19 Planning and Response for Homeless Assistance Providers – April 21, 2023 – 2:30 PM EDT
- Please note: There will be no Office Hours held on Friday, March 31, 2023.

Other HUD Program Coronavirus Resources

View resources from other HUD programs:

Federal Agency Resources

Author and Website	Description and Key Resources
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH): COVID-19 Resources	Best practice examples developed by Seattle-King County, WA and Los Angeles, CA, as well as a collection of national resources. Key Resource: Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day: An Opportunity to Honor Those Who Passed—and to Take Action
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): COVID-19 and Homeless Shelters Guidance	Key Resources Include: On-site Guidance and Tools for Shelters and Alternate Care Facilities: Checklist for Homeless Service Providers During Community Re-opening Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility COVID-19 Infection Control Inventory and Planning (ICIP) Tool for Homeless Service Providers Homeless Shelter Worker Training Infection Prevention and Control Considerations for Alternate Care Sites Investigating and Responding to COVID-19 Cases at Homeless Service Provider Sites Interim Considerations for Health Departments for SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Homeless Shelters and Encampments Screening Clients at Entry to Homeless Shelters Community Planning and Coordination: Guidance for People Experiencing Homelessness Interim Guidance for Homeless Service Providers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Interim Guidance on Unsheltered Homelessness and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) for Homeless Service Providers and Local Officials Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes Snapshot of CDC Guidance for Homeless and Meal Service Providers for Emergency and Day Shelters Overall CDC Guidelines, News, and FAQs: Detection and Mitigation of COVID-19 in Homeless Service Sites and Other Congregate Facilities Office Hours Summaries Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevalence in Homeless Shelters – Four U.S. Cities, March 27 - April 15, 2020 Discontinuation of Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 Not in Healthcare Settings Homelessness and COVID-19 FAQs Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance During a Pandemic
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): COVID-19 Response	A collection of federal guidance, news, and responses to COVID-19. Key Resources: COVID-19 Housing Resource Roadmap (Version 2.0) COVID-19 Supplemental Resources Search Tool FEMA, HUD: Model Transitions from Non-Congregate Shelter: Joint Recommendations for Assisting People Experiencing Homelessness Organizations Preparing for Emergency Needs Training (OPEN) FEMA has formally launched OPEN, which includes both a web-based, self-guided training, and a downloadable instructor kit that will guide participants on how to identify risks, locate resources, and take preparedness actions.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)	A collection of federal guidance, news, and responses to COVID-19 including TANF-ACF-PI-2020-01 (Questions and answers about TANF and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic). Key Resources: Expanding Access to COVID-19 Testing Supplies Public Health Emergency (PHE) Telehealth for Community-Based Organizations Webinar Series Access Materials from Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the webinar series: Part 1: Services, Payment and Partners – This webinar provided an overview of telehealth basics for community-based organizations. Part 2: Promising Practices - Accessibility and Language Access – This webinar focused on telehealth accessibility for individuals with access and functional needs and individuals with limited English proficiency. Part 3: Addressing Barriers - Homelessness and Connectivity – This webinar focused on a federal program to improve access to phone and internet services for low-income individuals in the third and final webinar of the series.
U.S. Department of Treasury: COVID-19 Economic Relief	A collection of federal guidance, news, and responses to COVID-19.
U.S. Department of Labor: Coronavirus Resources	Resources to help workers and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus, including information about COVID-19 Dislocated Worker Grants.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): COVID-19 Response	A collection of federal guidance, news, and responses to COVID-19. Press Release: USDA Boosts Food Assistance for Homeless Young Adults Seeking Refuge in Shelters
Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments	Tax guidance for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations and others – including health plans – affected by COVID-19. Key Resources: News Releases: Economic Impact Payments on their way, visit IRS.gov instead of calling IRS releases state-by-state breakdown of nearly 9 million non-filers who will be mailed letters about Economic Impact Payments Video: Recovery Rebate Credit Claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit on a 2020 Tax Return English Version Spanish Version Even if you don’t normally file taxes, you may still qualify for an Economic Impact Payment English Version Spanish Version What You Need to Know About the Second Economic Impact Payments English Version Spanish Version A Step-by-Step Guide to Using the IRS Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here Tool to Get an Economic Impact Payment
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA): COVID-19 Resources	Guidance from the VA on coronavirus and homelessness including a collection of national resources. Announcement A Clinical Resource Guide for Community Care Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic VA's National Center on Homelessness among Veterans and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council collaborated to create A Clinical Resource Guide for Community Care Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. The intent of this guide is to raise a holistic awareness of the various complex needs of people experiencing homelessness who are residing in community care centers which provide 24/7 shelter, urgent care/medical respite level of care, and COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures. First Edition: March 2021 – A Clinical Resource Guide for Community Care Centers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Administration for Children and Families (ACF): COVID-19 Response & Resources	Offering a National Listening Session Series: Preventing and Responding to Child Trafficking During COVID-19.
NIH: Homelessness and the Response to Emerging Infections Disease Outbreaks: Lessons from SARS	A study from the Journal of Urban Health.

National Partner Resources

Author and Website	Description and Key Resources
National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC): COVID-19 Resources	Guidance on COVID-19 for homeless shelters and the NHCHC community, as well as a collection of national, state, and local resources. Webinars and Office Hours Join the COVID-19 Coffee Chats on Tuesdays and Fridays Publications Biden Administration’s ‘National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness’ COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine FAQ Issue Briefs January 2021: Consumer Perspectives of the COVID-19 Vaccine December 2020: Vaccines for Patients and Staff November 2020: Ensuring Access to Care Through State Medicaid Telehealth Policies
Corporation for Sustainable Housing (CSH): COVID-19 Resources	COVID-19 resources focused on centering equity in times of crisis and uncertainty.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP): Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information	Information on reporting discrimination, equity considerations, and other resources for Coronavirus.
National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC): Coronavirus and Housing/Homelessness	A collection of resources, including upcoming and past webinars, congressional recommendations, national updates, state actions, local news, and federal guidance. Key Resources: NLIHC Research Notes: Emergency Rental Assistance Programs in Response to COVID-19 State and Local Rental Assistance Programs: Finding Solutions for a Growing Crisis
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: COVID-19 Responses & Resources	Guidance from The National Academies on coronavirus, including a collection of national resources. Materials Posted: Federal Facilities Council Webinar: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Strategies in Response to COVID-19 This webinar addressed guidance from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) on Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) strategies, system and facility design, and practical experience for preparing existing federal facilities for occupancy.
National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH): COVID-19 Resources	Guidance from NAEH on coronavirus and homelessness, including a collection of national resources. Access the COVID-19 Online Learning Series.
National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE): COVID-19 Resources	Guidance from NCHE on coronavirus and homelessness including a collection of national resources.
National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM): COVID-19 Resources	Guidance from NCMM on coronavirus and transportation including a collection of national resources. Past Webinars Materials Posted: Mobilizing Transit and Public Health Partnerships for COVID-19 Vaccinations: Practical Examples
National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH): COVID-19 Resources	Guidance from NCH on coronavirus and homelessness including a collection of national resources.
National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV): COVID-19 Resources	Guidance from NNEDV on coronavirus and homelessness including a collection of national resources.
National League of Cities (NLC): COVID-19 Pandemic Response & Relief	Guidance from NLC on coronavirus and homelessness including a collection of national resources.
National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP): COVID-19 Resources	Guidance from RTAP on coronavirus and transportation including a collection of national resources.
Mental Health America: Mental Health and COVID-19 – Information and Resources	A range of resources and information from Mental Health America to aid individuals and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Disaster Response Rehousing	A range of resources to provide communities with the information they need to rebuild their homeless responses systems in the wake of disasters, including: Release to What? Behavioral Health-Based Strategies to Address COVID-19: Equity for the Homeless and Justice Involved (Author: Policy Research, Inc.) Strategies for Disseminating and Implementing COVID-19 Public Health Prevention Practices in Rural Areas (Author: Beth Prusaczyk, PhD, Washington University School of Medicine) Guidance for People Who Use Substances on COVID-19 (Author: Yale Program in Addiction Medicine; Global Health Justice Partnership; Crackdown) Safer Drug Use During the COVID-19 Outbreak (Author: Vital Strategies; Harm Reduction Coalition) Sheltering in COVID-19 Affected Areas (Author: National Mass Care Strategy) Guidelines for Providing Case Management and Disaster Case Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Author: Catholic Charities USA)
Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security: COVID-19 Resources	Guidance from John Hopkins Center for Health Security on coronavirus and homelessness including a collection of national resources.
National Governors Association: Steps states have taken to address Coronavirus	Search for updated coronavirus resources available by state.
SchoolHouse Connection: COVID-19 and Homelessness - Strategies for Schools, Early Learning Programs, and Higher Education Institutions	This page offers resources to help meet the needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness, who are exceptionally vulnerable as COVID-19 disrupts education, services, and life across the country.
Policy Research Associates (PRA): Release to What? Behavioral Health-Based Strategies to Address COVID-19	This report provides a series of recommendations for jails and prisons releasing individuals with complex mental health needs, substance use disorders, and medical and housing vulnerabilities to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA): Hotel – Hospital COVID-19 Response Playbook	This document provides guidance for converting a hotel to and from operating as an alternative care site and operating guidance for a hotel acting as an alternate care site.
National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP): States Engage Community Health Workers to Combat COVID-19 and Health Inequities	This article provides information on how states are bolstering their community health workforces to curb COVID-19 and improve the quality of care delivered to communities that have faced decades of discrimination.
Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center	Builds the preparedness capacity (including prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts) of schools, school districts, and their community partners at the local, state, and Federal levels.
Co-Sheltering Collaborative: COVID-19 Guidelines for Co-Sheltering Environments	Provides guidance for co-sheltering environments during the COVID-19 crisis.

State and Local Partner Resources

State	Resource	Description and Key Resources
California	State of California: COVID-19 Systemwide Protocol for People Experiencing Homelessness	Recommended approach and flowchart protocol for COVID-19 response for individuals experiencing homelessness.
	Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless (ACHCH)	COVID-19 guidance from ACHCH, including: Alameda County: Shelter Health Guidance Alameda County: Street Outreach COVID-19 Guidance
	Los Angeles County Department of Public Health	COVID-19 guidance from the Los Angeles Department of Health, including: Guidance on Proper Grouping (Cohorting) of Residents Guidance on Social Distancing and Bed Positioning for Residential and Congregate Settings Isolation Tracking Log Quarantine Tracking Log
	City of San Jose: COVID-19 Assistance for Homeless Community	Outlines steps taken in San Jose to mitigate the impact COVID-19 could have on homeless individuals and families.
	Nevada County: Coronavirus Guidance for Homeless Providers	Nevada County's Homeless Plan for COVID-19 and other resources.
Illinois	Chicago Illinois Heartland Alliance: COVID Homeless Screener with Temperature and Screening Supply List	COVID-19 screening questionnaire for homeless shelters.
Massachusetts	Massachusetts Department of Public Health: COVID-19 and Homelessness: The Massachusetts Response	Guidance on the response to COVID-19 in Massachusetts for homeless shelters.
North Carolina	North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: COVID-19 Guidance for Homeless Shelters and Housing Providers	Interim guidance for homeless shelters in North Carolina.
Ohio	Interim guidance for Ohio’s domestic violence programs during the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as of Sunday, March 22.
Ohio	Guidelines for Establishing Hotel/Motels as Isolation, Quarantine, Respite or Emergency Shelters	Ohio Balance of State guidance intended to help communities establish non-congregate options using hotel/motel settings during the COVID-19 crisis.
Texas	Texas Health and Human Services: COVID-19 Communication Tools	Communications and media tools for spreading awareness about COVID-19 in Texas.
Washington	Seattle Downtown Emergency Service Center: COVID-19 Updates	Preparation and actions from Seattle Downtown Emergency Service Center.

Tags: COVID-19 CoC ESG