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COVID-19 Response 

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. 

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Got questions or see something missing? Please let us know.

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For updates on new key resources, subscribe to our Newsletter here.

COVID - Where to Start

Where to Start: General Resources and Comprehensive Links

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Homebase Guide to Key Resources [Updated 4/5/20]:  This document synthesizes content from key resources, updated on an ongoing basis

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Homebase Memo on CPD Waivers for CoC, ESG, HOPWA and Con Plan Regulatory Requirements [Updated 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

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Screening, Triage, and Referral Strategy [New 4/7/20]:  Recommendations based on various levels of collaboration among CoC and public health

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Staffing Models and Considerations [New 4/7/20]:  Identifying and filling staffing needs and examples of staffing models for existing and new programs

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Front Line Staff Training Resources [New 4/7/20]:  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

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Transportation Approaches [New 4/7/20]:  Recommendations for transportation of symptomatic persons

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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

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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

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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

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Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips For Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During An Infectious Disease Outbreak (SAMHSA) [Updated 4/1/20]:  Advice for all persons on practicing self-care and supporting your behavioral health during the COVID-19 outbreak

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COVID - Working wth People

Working with People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness

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Homebase Guide on Working with People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness [Updated 4/5/20]: 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 4/5/20]:  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

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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

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Street Homeless Outreach Response COVID-19 (WNYLC) [Updated 3/27/20]:  Sample of an easy-to-use workflow to conduct outreach and assess the health status of people on the streets 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

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Protecting Health and Well-being of People in Encampments During an Infectious Disease Outbreak (HUD) [Updated 3/31/20]: Information on providing health and safety options and meaningful choices to people residing encampments during the COVID-19 outbreak

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COVID - General Guidance

General Guidance for Site-Based Programs

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Sanitation Considerations [New 4/7/20]:  Recommendations on housekeeping, staff and client education, and medical waste disposal as well as daily sanitation checklists

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COVID-19: Shelter Management During an Infectious Disease Outbreak (HUD) [Updated 3/24/20]:  Adaptive guidance for emergency shelters

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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

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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

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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

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Shelter Client COVID-19 Workflow (Father Joe's Village) [Updated 3/30/20]:  An easy to use workflow for Emergency shelters

COVID - Establishing Quarantine

Establishing Quarantine and Isolation

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Shelter and Temporary Housing Models to be Considered in COVID-19 Response Efforts [New 4/7/20]:  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

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Homebase Guide: How are CoCs expanding their social distancing, quarantine, and isolation capacity during the COVID-19 outbreak? [Updated 4/5/20]:  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

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Homebase Guide: How are communities approaching COVID-19 screening and referral of persons experiencing homelessness? [Updated 4/5/20]:  An outline of steps to establish screening protocols, design and implement referral workflows, and leverage HMIS

 

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

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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

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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

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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

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Screening Clients for Respiratory Infection Symptoms at Entry to Homeless Shelters (CDC) [Updated 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

COVID - Supporting Special

Supporting Special Populations Experiencing Homelessness

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Homebase Memo on Providing Care and Reducing Harm for Persons Using Substances during COVID-19 [Updated 4/5/20]:  Summary of guidance on implementing harm reduction strategies, overdose prevention, and continuing care for persons using substance during the COVID-19 outbreak

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Safer Drug Use During the COVID-19 Outbreak (Harm Reduction Coalition) [Update 3/30/20]:  Guidance on reducing harm when working with people using substances during the pandemic

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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COVID-19 Guidance for Working with Families in Supportive Housing (CSH) [Updated 4/2/20]:  Considerations on addressing the distinct needs of families with children in supportive housing during the COVID-19 outbreak

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COVID - HMIS
COVID - Funding: Using New

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

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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) [Updated 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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CPD Program CARES Act Supplemental Funding for FY 2020 (HUD) [Updated 4/2/20]:  Information by grantee on CARES Act Supplemental Funding allocations for CDBG, ESG, and HOPWA (via downloadable spreadsheet)

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COVID - Preventing Homelessness

Preventing Homelessness Resulting from the COVID-19 Outbreak

 

Homebase Memo on Anti-Eviction Measures to Prevent Homelessness and Reduce Transmission of COVID-19 [Updated 4/5/20]:  A summary of various jurisdictions' anti-eviction measures and other steps to reduce homelessness resulting from COVID-19

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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

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covid19response@homebaseccc.org

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