General Guidance for Site-Based Programs
Remote Service Delivery During the COVID-19 Outbreak (Homebase) [Updated 10/17/20]: This memo provides guidance on key considerations for remote service delivery for providers of homeless services, including case management, home visits, and apartment search
Homebase Guide to Supporting Food Access During COVID-19 [Updated 5/12/20]: Systemic approaches, including resources and strategies, to increase food access among persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness as well as those in temporary or permanent housing
Sanitation Considerations [Updated 4/15/20]: Recommendations on housekeeping, staff and client education, and medical waste disposal as well as daily sanitation checklists
Staffing Models and Considerations [Updated 4/7/20]: Identifying and filling staffing needs and examples of staffing models for existing and new programs
Front Line Staff Training Resources [Updated 7/17/20]: A list of training resources targeted to staff providing direct services and focused on managing and slowing spread of COVID-19, sanitation, use of PPE, and caring for symptomatic persons
COVID-19: Shelter Management During an Infectious Disease Outbreak (HUD) [Updated 3/24/20]: Adaptive guidance for emergency shelters
Sheltering in COVID-19 Affected Areas Training (American Red Cross) [Updated 7/6/20]:
Comprehensive overview of necessary changes to normal shelter operations in order to provide a safe and effective shelter during the COVID-19 outbreak
COVID-19 Guidance for Supportive Housing Providers (CSH) [Updated 4/1/20]: Guidance and considerations for supportive housing providers on home visits, case management, staff training and capacity, and operating congregate programs during the COVID-19 outbreak
Planning for COVID-19 Hospitalizations (CSH) [Updated 4/14/20]: Summary of staff roles and key recommendations for tenants in supportive housing who have symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization
Landlord Tool-Kit for Responding to COVID-19 Impacted Tenants (Housing Alliance of PA) [Updated 5/5/20]: Sample toolkit for landlords to communicate with low-income tenants during COVID-19, including strategies for working with tenants who are unable to pay rent
Case Management Ratios (HUD) [Updated 8/14/20]: Best practice information on staff-to-client case management ratios to support housing stability
Establishing Quarantine and Isolation
Homebase Guide: How are communities approaching COVID-19 screening and referral of persons experiencing homelessness? [Updated 10/17/20]: An outline of steps to establish screening protocols, design and implement referral workflows, and leverage HMIS
Homebase Guide: How are CoCs expanding their social distancing, quarantine, and isolation capacity during the COVID-19 outbreak? [Updated 10/17/20]: This document provides a list of potential venues for temporary shelter and isolation/quarantine space as well as considerations to keep in mind while identifying facilities
Non-Congregate Sheltering – Recommendations for Requests for Assistance (HUD) [Updated 6/29/20]: Information to support governments in developing a non-congregate sheltering authorization request for FEMA Public Assistance
Flow Chart: COVID-19 Recommended Protocol for People Experiencing Homelessness (CDPH) [Updated 3/30/20]: Clear protocol for screening individuals experiencing homelessness for COVID-19 and making connections to appropriate treatment and shelter options
Screening, Triage, and Referral Strategy [Updated 4/7/20]: Recommendations based on various levels of collaboration among CoC and public health
Shelter and Temporary Housing Models to be Considered in COVID-19 Response Efforts [Updated 5/6/20]:
Recommendations for determining and prioritizing shelter and temporary housing sites, guidance for congregate and non-congregate settings, policy and procedure checklists, MOU considerations, insurance considerations, and recommendations for leasing agreements and contracts with hotels
Non-Congregate Approaches to Sheltering for COVID-19 Homeless Response (HUD) [Updated 3/30/20]: Guidance on non-congregate approaches to sheltering people who are homeless that are symptomatic or in high-risk categories, such as seniors or people with chronic illness
Transportation Approaches [Updated 4/15/20]: Recommendations for transportation of symptomatic persons
Guidance on Leasing of Hotels by Governmental Entities for Use as Temporary Shelters for Quarantining of Homeless Persons During the COVID-19 Pandemic (NLCHP) [Updated 4/20/20]: Practical advice for utilizing private hotel rooms to provide safe shelter, quarantine and isolation spaces for persons experiencing homelessness
Operation Comfort: Alameda County Emergency Hotel Shelter Handbook (DRAFT) [Updated 3/30/20]: Comprehensive example from Alameda County of policies and procedures for connecting clients to isolation sites operated in hotels and motels. Please note this is an evolving document based on community learning
Medical Respite Care & Alternate Care Sites (NHCHC) [Updated 5/2/20]: Operational framework for improving the quality of medical respite care at alternate care sites and promoting longer-term stability for persons experiencing homelessness
Discontinuation of Isolation for Persons with COVID -19 Not in Healthcare Settings (CDC) [Updated 5/3/20]: Considerations for ending isolation for persons with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 not in health care settings, including at home, in a hotel or dormitory room, or in a group isolation facility
Support Plan for Clients in Quarantine Hotels (CSH) [Updated 5/22/20]: Template for creating a support plan to for triage, interventions, management and discharge of clients in quarantine hotels
Supporting Individuals Exiting Isolation or Quarantine [Updated 6/18/20]: Considerations for re-housing and supporting client success when discharging individuals from quarantine or isolation
Strategies for Proactive Universal Testing (NHCHC) [Updated 7/10/20]: Lessons learned and strategies for conducting successful universal testing events among homeless populations
Supporting Special Populations Experiencing Homelessness
Homebase Memo - Considerations at the Intersection of the Homeless, Housing and Criminal Justice Systems: Supporting Stable Housing Upon Reentry for Justice Involved Persons [Updated 9/4/2020]: Action Steps for cross-system collaboration to prevent homelessness and housing instability for people in reentry
Homebase Memo on Providing Care and Reducing Harm for Persons Using Substances during COVID-19 [Updated 7/17/20]: Summary of guidance on implementing harm reduction strategies, overdose prevention, and continuing care for persons using substance during the COVID-19 outbreak
Reducing Harm for People Using Drugs & Alcohol During the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Guide for Alternate Care Sites Programs (NHCHC) [Updated 4/30/20]: Guidance for local government officials and alternate care sites for serving individuals with substance use disorders in isolation and quarantine
Safer Drug Use During the COVID-19 Outbreak (Harm Reduction Coalition) [Updated 3/30/20]: Guidance on reducing harm when working with people using substances during the pandemic
Federal Response to COVID-19: Department of Veterans Affairs (CRS) [Updated 5/1/20]:
Summary of the VA's response to the COVID-19 outbreak among Veterans, including medical care, programs for Veterans experiencing homelessness, and VA benefits
Interim Guidance for COVID-19 and Persons with HIV (NIH) [Updated 6/29/20]: Review of special considerations for persons with HIV and their health care providers in the United States regarding COVID-19
COVID-19 in Correctional Settings: Immediate Population Reduction Recommendations (UCSF) [Updated 4/2/20]: Provides guidance on immediate steps communities can take to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread among persons in correctional facilities.
Responding to the Novel Coronavirus: Guidance for Advocates and Domestic Violence Shelters [Updated 4/1/20]: Guidance for domestic violence service providers on how to best serve survivors of domestic violence during the COVID-19 outbreak
COVID-19 Guidance for Working with Families in Supportive Housing (CSH) [Updated 4/7/20]: Considerations on addressing the distinct needs of families with children in supportive housing during the COVID-19 outbreak
National Guidance on Emergency Homeless Services for Youth and Young Adults (AWHA) [Updated 4/21/20]: Guide to leveraging federal ESG funding in support of youth experiencing homelessness as part of a local COVID-19 response
Frequently Asked Questions: Eligibility for Assistance Based on Immigration Status (NLIHC) [Updated 5/7/20]: Information about eligibility for different government assistance programs during COVID-19 based on immigration status
Justice Partnerships and Reentry Solutions (HUD) [Updated 8/14/20]: Information on partnerships between CoCs, ESG recipients, and justice partners to establish a connection between reentry and rehousing efforts
Supporting Academic Success and Safety for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic (NAEH) [Updated 8/27/20]: Guidance to support both academic success and safety of children and youth experiencing homelessness during the pandemic
Special Population Rehousing Strategy: Family Violence (HUD) [Updated 8/28/20]: Important considerations for rehousing survivors of domestic violence (DV), dating violence, sexual assault (SA), and stalking during COVID-19 response
Special Population Rehousing Strategy: Youth (HUD) [Updated 8/28/20]: Consideration for rehousing youth and young adults as a critical component of a community's COVID-19 response
Coordinated Entry, HMIS, and Sharing Information
COVID-19 HMIS Setup and Data Sharing Practices (HUD) [Updated 3/27/20]: Information to help CoCs create an action plan for recording and communicating data around COVID-19 and homelessness for their community
HMIS Privacy and Security Standards and COVID-19 Response (HUD) [Updated 3/31/20]: This document provides guidance for communities on the ways and limitations that participant information can be shared under the HUD’s HMIS Privacy and Security Standards during their COVID-19 response
HMIS Project Setup and Inventory Changes During an Infectious Disease Outbreak [Updated 4/13/20]: Information to help CoC and HMIS leadership add, remove or modify projects and bed inventories locally in HMIS in response to COVID-19
COVID-19 HMIS Workflow: Symptom and Shelter Screening (HUD) [Updated 4/22/20]: Community example of HMIS implementation during COVID-19, including data collection, data entry, and dashboard design
Changes to Coordinated Entry Prioritization to Support and Respond to COVID-19 (HUD) [Updated 5/8/20]: Ideas on ways to adapt workflow, intake, assessment, and service approaches through Coordinated Entry for COVID-19 response
Disaster Response Re-Housing: Coordinated Entry System [Updated 6/29/20]: Information and examples to enhance Coordinated Entry System operations and practices to support rehousing during COVID-19 response
Rapid Expansion of HMIS: Things to Consider [Updated 7/10/20]: Considerations for HMIS capacity and data collection during COVID-19 response and recovery
Public Housing Authority Data Sharing Agreements (HUD) [Updated 8/6/20]: Information on how PHAs, CoCs, and their strategic partners can prepare to enter a data sharing agreement and collaborate more effectively
Leveraging Integrated Data to Support and Enhance COVID-19 Responses (HUD) [Updated 8/6/20]: Brief outlining the elements of successful data integration projects as well as community examples
Connecting Quarantine to Coordinated Entry: Mainstream Resources (HUD) [Updated 8/10/20]: Discussion of effective methods to connect participants in quarantine with mainstream resources through Coordinated Entry
COVID-19 Homeless System Response: HMIS Budget and Staffing (HUD) [Updated 9/4/20]: Key budgeting and staffing considerations for prioritizing HMIS funding using ESG-CV
Funding: Using New and Existing Funding to Respond to COVID-19
ESG-CV Notice Summary [Updated 9/8/2020]: A summary of HUD's ESG-CV Notice, which details waivers and alternative requirements applicable to ESG-CV funds
Grants Management: ESG-CV Summary Notice (HUD) [New 10/6/20]: Summary of ESG-CV Notice applicability, eligible activities, important dates, means of carrying out grant activities, and flexibilities
Homebase Guide to Using New and Existing Funding to Respond to COVID-19 [Updated 10/17/20]: This surveying document introduces various funding sources, how to access them, some eligible activities, issues, and publicly available information
Homebase Memo on CPD Waivers for CoC, ESG, HOPWA and Con Plan Regulatory Requirements [Updated 4/27/20]: Summary of HUD's "Mega-Waiver," which offers waivers for many regulatory requirements of CoC, ESG, and HOPWA funds to allow programs increased flexibility in responding to COVID-19 [Updated 4/2/20]
How to Fund COVID-19 Homelessness Responses with CARES Act Funding (NAEH) [Updated 8/4/20]: Matrix for prioritizing funding among the different strategic interventions and potential uses of CARES act funding
Economic Impact Payment: Summary & Decision Tree (Homebase) [Updated 4/27/20]: This document provides guidance on who is eligible for Economic Stimulus Payments and how to obtain them
Flexibilities/Waivers Granted by the CARES Act + Mega Waiver and Guidance (HUD) [Updated 6/29/20]: Consolidated information on all flexibilities and waivers granted for HUD CPD Programs in response to COVID-19
Federal Programs that Support Individuals Experiencing Homelessness (USICH) [Updated 4/21/20]: Summary of federal agencies supporting persons experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak and a federal funding matrix that may be utilized to help federal, state, and local funding to meet short- and long-term needs.
COVID-19 Homeless System Response: Developing Your Funding Strategy [Updated 4/17/20]: Guidance on maximizing utilization of new and existing funding sources in a strategic way to respond to COVID-19
CPD Program CARES Act Supplemental Funding for FY 2020 (HUD) [Updated 6/9/2020]: Information by grantee on CARES Act Supplemental Funding allocations for CDBG, ESG, and HOPWA (via downloadable spreadsheet)
Setting Up a Substantial Amendment for CARES Act Funding (HUD) [Updated 5/11/2020]: Guide for CARES Act Substantial amendment process in order to incorporate CDBG-CV, ESG-CV, and HOPWA-CV funding into a grantee’s most recent Annual Action Plan
CoC Program Expedited COVID-19 Grant Agreement Amendments (HUD) [Updated 4/21/20]: Information on amending CoC Program recipient grant agreements through an expedited process for COVID-19 response
Using Continuum of Care Program Funds for Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response (HUD) [Updated 3/24/2020]: Guidance on how Continuum of Care (CoC) Program grant funds can be used to support COVID-19 public health outbreak preparedness and response efforts
Quick Guide to CDBG Eligible Activities to Support Coronavirus and Other Infectious Disease Response (HUD) [Updated 4/6/20]: Examples and guidance for how CDBG funds can be used for eligible activities that respond to local needs during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of COVID-19 related grants for 501(c)3 nonprofits (instrumentl.com) [Updated 5/12/20]: A searchable database of grants for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving those impacted by COVID-19 nationwide, along with application details such as amount, deadline, and eligible localities.
Federal Funding Priority Order for Non-Congregate Shelter During COVID-19 (HUD) [Updated 6/29/20]: Interagency guidance on how to utilize different Federal resources for the highest and best use of supporting non-congregate shelter
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Ensuring Equity in COVID-19 Planning and Response
Integrating Equity in the Time of COVID [Updated 10/17/20]: A summary of resources and recommendations relating to racial equity and COVID-19
Racism, Homelessness and COVID-19 (NLCHP) [Updated 6/11/2020]: Research and recommendation at the intersections of homelessness, housing and economic insecurity, and health iequities for communities of color during COVID-19
COVID-19 in Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups (CDC) [Updated 4/22/20]: Information on the impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic minority groups and steps that public health professionals, community organizations, healthcare systems and individuals can take to respond to inequities in COVID-19 response
Civil Rights Protections Prohibiting Race, Color and National Origin Discrimination During COVID‐19 (HHS) [New 7/24/20]: Guidance for organizations to maintain their obligations under federal civil rights laws during the COVID-19 crisis
Double Jeopardy: COVID-19 and Behavioral Health Disparities for Black and Latino Communities in the U.S. (SAMHSA) [Updated 5/13/20]: Data and recommended action steps on addressing the intersection of COVID-19 and behavioral health disparities for Black and Latino Communities
Using Your Data to Analyze Racial Disparities During the COVID-19 Pandemic (NAEH Racial Equity Network) [Updated 5/4/20]: Tool to help homelessness systems gather data to identify and address racial inequities in testing, treatment, and appropriate service delivery during the COVID-19 outbreak
Equity Impact Awareness Tool (King County) [Updated 4/21/20]: Sample tool for identifying inequitable impacts of COVID-19 by race, economics, and age
Untapped Expertise: Strategies for Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement When Developing Your Coordinated Investment Plan (HUD) [Updated 6/5/20]: Guidance on inclusive decision-making of population groups that are either disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 or facing elevated risks
Equity as the Foundation (HUD) [Updated 6/9/20]: Foundational information on establishing equity as a focus of your COVID-19 response and recovery efforts
Racial Equity & Coordinated Entry: Where Can Disparities Happen in the Process? (NAEH) [Updated 6/11/20]: Simple Coordinated Entry flowchart showing areas where racial disparities may exist throughout the process
Data & Equity: Using the Data You Have [Updated 7/10/20]: Practical guidance on using existing data to look at the effectiveness of your homeless response system to address racial inequities
Increasing Equity in the Homeless Response System Through Expanding Procurement [Updated 7/16/20]: Recommendations on the changes jurisdictions can make to their procurement processes to include more community-based organizations and those led by people of color
Advancing Racial Equity through Assessments and Prioritization (HUD) [Updated 8/14/20]: Strategies to advance racial equity and dismantle embedded racism in CE assessment and prioritization processes
Equity Capacity Building: Hiring, Supervision, Training (HUD) [Updated 9/4/20]: Document highlighting best practices pertaining to education, hiring practices and procedures, leadership, and training to respond to existing inequities during COVID-19
Racial Trauma and Trauma-Informed Services (HUD) [Updated 9/4/20]: Information on the impacts of racial trauma on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and trauma-informed practices to respond during COVID-19
Staff Orientation to Racial Equity (HUD) [New 10/6/20]: Orientation and education on racial equity for staff members to improve outcomes for BIPOC clients during COVID-19
Creating a Cultural Equity Plan - Organizational Policies and Procedures (HUD) [New 10/6/20]: Information on key elements of policies and procedures and how they can create cultural equity within an agency
California COVID-19 Response: State Funding Opportunities and Project Roomkey
California Homekey NOFA Summary [Updated 7/18/20]: Summary of the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for California's Homekey Program. Applications due September 29, 2020.
Federal COVID-19 Related Funding to California (LAO) [Updated 4/28/20]: Information on how federal COVID-related funding will flow to Californians
ESG-CV NOFA Summary for CA Communities [Updated 6/4/20]: The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) announced $42 million available in federal funds through the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program, made available through the CARES Act and designated as ESG-CV
California COVID-19 Emergency Homelessness Funding Summary [Updated 6/4/20]:
This summary includes highlights of the 2020 COVID-19 Emergency Homelessness Funding, including the Project Roomkey Initiative, which provides funding and support for communities to place individuals experiencing homelessness in hotels, motels, and trailers and other non-congregate settings
Project Roomkey Training: Priority Populations for Non-Congregate Shelter During COVID Response (CDSS) [Updated 4/21/20]: Training materials on screening, triaging, and documenting eligibility for Project Roomkey in alignment with requirements for FEMA reimbursement
Project Roomkey Template Materials (Alameda County) (Updated 4/29/20): Template materials for implementation of Project Roomkey in California communities, including trainings and tools to support operations
Emergency Hotel Occupancy Agreement [Updated 4/21/20]: Example of an emergency hotel occupancy agreement for establishing emergency housing in hotels and motels through Project Roomkey
Guiding Principles: Preventing Return to Homelessness Among Residents of Project Roomkey, Post-COVID-19 [Updated 5/26/20]: Guidance and considerations to ensure that persons sheltering in Project Roomkey motels and hotels do not return to the streets after the pandemic
Guide to Strategic Uses of Key State and Federal Funds to Reduce Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic (HCFC) [Updated 8/6/20]: Guidance for local governments and CoCs in California to understand the range ofimmediately available resources to address homelessness during COVID-19
Developing and Implementing an Emergency COVID-19 Response
Strategies to Design and Implement a Successful ESG-CV Program (HUD) [Updated 8/14/20): Important considerations for selecting subrecipients and strategies to prioritizehigh-impact ESG activities
A Framework for COVID-19 Homelessness Response: Responding to the Intersecting Crises of Homelessness and COVID-19 (NAEH) [Updated 6/5/2020]: Guidance for communities on how to strategically use CARES Act funds across a range of key public health and economic recovery strategies with the goal of increasing housing stability and preventing future increases in homelessness
COVID-19 & the HCH Community: Needed Actions from Public Health and Emergency Response Systems (NHCHC) [Updated 4/1/20]: Summary of critical actions that public health authorities and emergency response systems must take to protect homeless populations from COVID-19
Recommended Strategic Approaches for COVID-19 Response for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness (CDPH) [Updated 3/30/20]: Comprehensive strategic guidance for service providers and system leaders on serving people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak, including infection prevention, risk reduction, screening, triage, housing and coordination approaches
COVID-19 Cost Estimator Tool (Community Solutions) [Updated 5/10/20]: Generates a rough estimate of the need and cost for quarantine and isolation (Q&I) units and permanent housing placements in response to COVID-19 in your community
COVID-19: A Framework for Health and Housing Partnership During the Pandemic (CSH) [Updated 7/10/20]: Guidance on creating effective health and housing partnerships during the COVID-19 pandemic
Homeless System Response: Operational Healthcare Partnerships (HUD) [Updated 8/10/20]: Information on partnering with people experiencing homelessness, CoCs, ESG programs, HCH programs and other health providers to effectively respond to COVID-19
Coordinating with Public Health for Safe Transitions into Housing (HUD) [New 10/6/20]: Resource for planning safe transitions into permanent housing from isolation and quarantine spaces, congregate and non-congregate shelters, and other care sites
