COVID-19 Response
Summary and Index of Key Resources
​
-
Where to Start: General Resources and Comprehensive Links
-
Working with People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness
-
General Guidance for Site-Based Programs
-
Establishing Quarantine and Isolation​
-
Supporting Special Populations Experiencing Homelessness
-
HMIS, Sharing Information, and Coordinated Entry
-
Funding: Using New and Existing Funding to Respond to COVID-19
-
Preventing Homelessness Resulting from the COVID-19 Outbreak
There are many resources circulating to support homeless service providers and systems respond to COVID-19. The following is a regularly-updated guide of key resources, emerging and recommended practices, and templates.
The guide is not meant to be exhaustive but instead focuses on essential materials most useful to those working to prevent the spread of COVID-19, protect the safety of staff and people experiencing homelessness, and prevent people from becoming homeless as a result of the outbreak.
​
Got questions or see something missing? Please let us know.
​
For updates on new key resources, subscribe to our Newsletter here.
Where to Start: General Resources and Comprehensive Links
​
Homebase Guide to Key Resources [Updated 3/27/20]: This document synthesizes content from key resources, updated on an ongoing basis
​
Homelessness & COVID-19: Considerations & Action Steps (NAEH) [Updated 3/26/20]: Concrete actions steps and policy measures that stakeholders - including city and county government and homeless service providers - should implement immediately to limit the spread and impact of the COVID-19 virus and mitigate future exposure
​
Recommended Strategic Approaches for COVID-19 Response for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness (CDPH) [New 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
​
Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips For Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During An Infectious Disease Outbreak (SAMHSA) [New 4/1/20]: Advice for all persons on practicing self-care and supporting your behavioral health during the COVID-19 outbreak
​
​
Working with People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness
​
Homebase Guide on Working with People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness [New 4/1/20]: An outline of general policies and protocols, social distancing, hygiene and sanitation, supportive services, and communication
Homebase Memo on Encampment Sweep Moratoriums and CDC Guidance [Updated 3/27/20]: A summary of recommendations to cease encampment sweeps during the COVID-19 outbreak
Interim Guidance for Responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness (CDC) [Updated 3/26/20]: Concise, practical advice on how to decrease the risk of infection and community spread of COVID-19 among people experiencing unsheltered homelessness
​
Street Medicine practice during COVID-19 (Street Medicine Institute) [Updated 3/24/20]: Guidance for street medicine and outreach teams on as community coordination, staff safety, outreach strategies, and other topics
​
Street Homeless Outreach Response COVID-19 (WNYLC) [Updated 3/24/20]: Includes an easy-to-use workflow to outreach people on the street and in encampments
COVID-19: Essential Services for Encampments During an Infectious Disease Outbreak (HUD) [Updated 3/26/20]: Practical advice and guidance on supporting people living in encampments
​
Protecting Health and Well-being of People in Encampments During an Infectious Disease Outbreak (HUD) [New 3/31/20]: Information on providing health and safety options and meaningful choices to people residing encampments during the COVID-19 outbreak
​
​
General Guidance for Site-Based Programs
Homebase Memo on CPD Waivers for CoC, ESG, HOPWA and Con Plan Regulatory Requirements [New 4/2/20]: 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
​
COVID-19: Shelter Management During an Infectious Disease Outbreak (HUD) [Updated 3/24/20]: Adaptive guidance for emergency shelters
​
Poster/Flyer: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Homeless Shelters and Homeless Service Providers (NHCHC) [Updated 3/25/20]: Poster providing important guidance on COVID-19 and how to protect yourself and others in a shelter setting
​
Connecticut Health Screener Form and Triage Protocol (CCEH) [Updated 3/30/20]: Comprehensive example from Connecticut of a health screening form and triage protocol that can be integrated into site-based program intake processes
​
COVID-19 Guidance for Supportive Housing Providers (CSH) [New 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
​
​
Establishing Quarantine and Isolation
Homebase Guide: How are communities approaching COVID-19 screening and referral of persons experiencing homelessness? [New 4/1/20]: 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 3/27/20]: 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
​
Shelter Client COVID-19 Workflow (Father Joe's Village) [Updated 3/30/20]: An easy to use workflow for Emergency shelters
Home Isolation Instructions for People with Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) Infection (Los Angeles County Department of Public Health) [Updated 3/22/20]: Provides accessible guidance for persons who have COVID-19 on protecting yourself and others through effective home isolation practices
​
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
​
Interim Guidance for Homeless Assistance Providers on Novel Coronavirus (BCSH) [Updated 3/26/20]: Guidance on preventing disease spread in shelter environments and developing referral processes to hotel and motel rooms for individuals at risk of infection
​
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 Clients for Respiratory Infection Symptoms at Entry to Homeless Shelters (CDC) [New 3/31/20]: Simple screening tool that can be used by homeless shelters to identify people with symptoms of a respiratory infection consistent with COVID-19
Supporting Special Populations Experiencing Homelessness
​
Safer Drug Use During the COVID-19 Outbreak (Harm Reduction Coalition) [New 3/30/20]: Guidance on reducing harm when working with people using substances during the pandemic
​
Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Guidelines during COVID-19 Pandemic (Seattle/King County) [New 4/2/20]: Quick tips for homeless service providers to reduce the risks to their clients who use drugs during the COVID-19 outbreak
​
Questions and answers about TANF and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19) pandemic (HHS) [Updated 3/30/20]: Guidance on the use of TANF to assist needy families with children (or expecting a child) who are experiencing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 emergency
​
Guidance on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) for VA Grantees Providing Homeless Services (VA) [Updated 3/13/20]: Practical information for VA grantees working with Veterans experiencing homelessness to strategize, prepare and respond to the COVID-19 response
​
Responding to the Novel Coronavirus: Guidance for Advocates and Domestic Violence Shelters [New 4/1/20]: Guidance for domestic violence service providers on how to best serve survivors of domestic violence during the COVID-19 outbreak
​
Interim Guidance for COVID-19 and Persons with HIV (HHS) [3/20/20]: Review of special considerations for persons with HIV and their health care providers in the United States regarding COVID-19
​
Supporting Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness during the COVID-19 Outbreak: Questions to Consider (USICH) [Updated 3/16/20]: Considerations to help communities work with their school systems to address child and youth homelessness and the impact of school closures during the COVID-19 outbreak
​
COVID-19 in Correctional Settings: Immediate Population Reduction Recommendations (UCSF) [New 4/2/20]: Provides guidance on immediate steps communities can take to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread among persons in correctional facilities. ​
​
​
HMIS, Sharing Information, and Coordinated Entry
COVID-19 Planning & Response for Homeless Assistance Providers - Office Hour Notes (HUD) [Updated 3/25/20]: Helpful notes from a Q&A session regarding HMIS and how CoCs are using HMIS to assist in symptom screening and tracking
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) [New 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
​
​
Funding: Using New and Existing Funding to Respond to COVID-19
Homebase Guide to Using New and Existing Funding to Respond to COVID-19 [Updated 3/27/20]: This surveying document introduces various funding sources, how to access them, some eligible activities, issues, and publicly available information
​
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) [New 4/2/20]: Full information on HUD waivers for many regulatory requirements of CoC, ESG, and HOPWA funds to allow programs increased flexibility in responding to COVID-19
​
Using a Disaster Policy to Fund Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response with ESG (HUD) [Updated 3/24/20]: Guidance for system leaders to establish a policy in their Consolidated Plan or Annual Action Plan to rapidly direct available ESG funds towards disaster preparedness and response strategies
Eligible ESG Program Costs for Infectious Disease Preparedness (HUD) [Updated 3/24/20]: Guidance for system leaders and service providers on utilizing ESG Street Outreach and Emergency Shelter funds for essential supplies and services
​
List of COVID-19 related grants for 501(c)3 nonprofits (instrumentl.com) [Updated 3/24/20]: 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
​
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
​
FEMA Public Assistance and the COVID-19 Crisis (NLIHC) [Updated 3/24/20]: This fact sheet provides information on how eligible entities can apply for funding through the FEMA Public Assistance Grant Program (PA) for eligible emergency protective measures taken to respond to the COVID-19 emergency
​
Preventing Homelessness Resulting from the COVID-19 Outbreak
Homebase Memo on Anti-Eviction Measures to Prevent Homelessness and Reduce Transmission of COVID-19 [Updated 3/26/20]: A summary of various jurisdictions' anti-eviction measures and other steps to reduce homelessness resulting from COVID-19
​
Summary and Analysis of Federal CARES Act Eviction Moratorium (NHLP) [Updated 3/28/20]: Clear, concise information on the federal eviction moratorium for tenants living in certain types of housing under the CARES Act