COVID-19 Resource Digest for Homeless Providers – January 11, 2021

SNAPS Disease Risks and Homelessness

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

New Resources:

• 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 December 30, 2020)
• Lessons Learned from Outreach Workers
• Vaccine Planning and Distribution
  • Questions to Assist CoCs and Public Health Authorities to Plan and Prepare for Vaccine Distribution
  • Vaccine Planning and Distribution: Roles and Responsibilities for Homeless Service Providers
• COVID-19 Homeless System Planning and Response: Homelessness Prevention Resources
  • How to Design, Scale, and Fund a Homelessness Prevention Program
• Join Friday’s Office Hours for New Guidance on Vaccine Distribution Planning – January 15, 2021 – 2:30 PM EST

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

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.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): COVID-19 and Homeless Shelters Guidance

New Resources:

• Register for the COVID-19 Vaccination for People Experiencing Homelessness Webinar – January 19, 2021 – 2:00 PM EST
  During this webinar, the CDC will provide the most recent updates about COVID-19 vaccination for people experiencing homelessness covering COVID-19 vaccine basics, safety, the prioritization of persons experiencing homelessness for COVID-19 vaccination, special considerations for the vaccination of this population, and an example strategy from the Minnesota Department of Health.

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
• Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
• 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:

• 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.

• COVID-19 Supplemental Resources Search Tool
• 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.
• COVID-19 Housing Resource Roadmap

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Updates

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:

• 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: CARES Act Web Portal

This portal will capture and share information on applications and timelines associated with the $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund. Treasury will make payments from the Fund to states and eligible units of local government. Eligible governments must submit completed payment materials no later than 11:59 PM EDT on Friday, April 17, 2020.

• Coronavirus Relief Fund Guidance for State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal Governments (Updated September 2, 2020)
   
• Coronavirus Relief Fund Frequently Asked Questions (Updated as of September 2, 2020)

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.

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.

New Resources:

• News Release:
  • Economic Impact Payments on their way, visit IRS.gov instead of calling
• What You Need to Know About the Second Economic Impact Payments
  • English Version
  • Spanish Version

Key Resources:

• News Releases:
  • IRS releases state-by-state breakdown of nearly 9 million non-filers who will be mailed letters about Economic Impact Payments
     
• A Step-by-Step Guide to Using the IRS Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here Tool to Get an Economic Impact Payment
   
• How Do I Get An Economic Impact Payment When I Don’t Normally File Taxes?
  • English Version
  • Spanish Version
     
• Get an Economic Impact Payment from the IRS
  • 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
     

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA): COVID-19 Resources

Guidance from the VA on coronavirus and homelessness including a collection of national resources.

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 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.

Key Resource:

• Join the COVID-19 Coffee Chats on Tuesdays and Fridays
• Issue Briefs:
  • 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.

Other 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.

• Federal Facilities Council Webinar: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Strategies in Response to COVID-19 (Materials Posted)
  • 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): Coronavirus and Homelessness

Guidance from NAEH on coronavirus and homelessness, including a collection of national resources. Access the COVID-19 Online Learning Series.

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): Resources for Local Leaders

Guidance from NLC on coronavirus and homelessness including a collection of national resources.

National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE): COVID-19 Resources

Guidance from NCHE on coronavirus and homelessness 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)

GovTech: A Resource Guide to Coronavirus for Government Leaders

A collection of federal, state, and local guidance and responses to COVID-19.

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.

California

Street Sheet: What if you can’t stay home? COVID-19 Recommendations from the Coalition on Homelessness, San Francisco

Recommendations for those who can’t stay home.

San Francisco Interim Guidance for Safe Sleeping Villages to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19

Preliminary guidance developed by the San Francisco Department of Public Health for homeless service providers setting up and operating Safe Sleeping Villages.

San Francisco Interim Guidance for Safe Sleeping for Unsheltered Persons Experiencing Homelessness to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19

Preliminary guidance developed by the San Francisco Department of Public Health for street based outreach workers and Healthy Streets Operation Center (HSOC) staff, and police assessing locations where people experiencing homeless are living on the streets during shelter in place.

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.

Hawaii

COVID-19 guidance for behavioral health and homelessness care providers in Hawaii.

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.

New York

COVID-19: Guidance for Congregate Settings

Interim guidance for congregate settings, including homeless shelters, in New York City.

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 on COVID-19 for Member Domestic Violence Programs

Interim guidance for Ohio’s domestic violence programs during the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as of Sunday, March 22.

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.