NYS COVID Rental Assistance Program - Applications Now Available
NYS COVID Rental Assistance Program - applications now available @ https://hcr.ny.gov/RRP
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements:
· Must be a renter with a primary residence in New York State.
· Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, household income (including unemployment benefits) must be below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size. Applicants can find the Area Median Income for their county, based on household size, on HCR's website here.
· Before March 1, 2020 and at the time of application, the household must have been "rent burdened," which is defined as paying more than 30 percent of gross monthly income towards rent.
· Applicants must have lost income during any period between April 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020.
· The application period will be open for two weeks. Residents can apply any time during the two-week period.
Governor Cuomo Announces New COVID Rental Assistance Program
Funding Available to Tenants Impacted by Coronavirus Pandemic Bolsters Ongoing Efforts to Keep New Yorkers in Their Homes.
Program Application Will Be Available Here on Thursday, July 16
Click here to read more details on the application- https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-new-covid-rental-assistance-program
June 30th 2020 Meeting on Priorities
Thank you for joining us during our Meeting on Priorities. It was a pleasure listening to ideas and concerns from the community.
To view the recorded meeting and presenter materials see below or Cick Here
Rehousing Strategy, Service Delivery and System Reform Webinar
HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) invited homeless assistance providers and their partners to participate in an hour long webinar featuring three individuals with a history of activism and service to people experiencing homelessness both in shelter and on the streets. Shawn Jones, Eric Sheptock, and Chase Evans shared their perspectives on rehousing strategy, service delivery and system reform. In addition, SNAPS was joined by Aishwarya Raja from Mask Transit who shared how her program provides masks and education to vulnerable communities.
This call was a continuation of SNAPS efforts as they encourage communities to examine their current processes and systems to see how they can more meaningfully and intentionally encourage those with lived experience.
The following presenters were available for a live question and answer session:
Shawn Jones, Baltimore Lived Experience Advisory Committee
Eric Sheptock, Advocate
Chase Evans, The Intentional Homeless Association
Aishwarya Raja, Mask Transit
Westchester Urban County Council Public Hearing
Proposed Amendment of the FY 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan and FY 2020 Annual Action Plan
Monday, June 15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. to hear comments on a Substantial Amendment to the FY 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan, with amendments to the 2020 Action Plan and the Citizen Participation Plan. Comments will be accepted for five (5) days.
WEBEX Event Information
Meeting number (access code): 161 278 0383
Meeting password: wucc
Join meeting: https://westchestergov.webex.com/westchestergov/onstage/g.php?MTID=e544b1d7669ea96a31f96abfcc09a3e53
Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll and enter the meeting number when prompted
Global call-in numbers: https://westchestergov.webex.com/westchestergov/globalcallin.php?MTID=m368ccce7af62bc1f7a5d4108b2f59ab4
Toll-free calling restrictions https://www.webex.com/pdf/tollfree_restrictions.pdf
Join from a video system or application: 1612780383@westchestergov.webex.com or enter 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number when prompted
Join using Microsoft Lync or Microsoft Skype for Business: 1612780383.westchestergov@lync.webex.com
For questions, contact Anthony Zaino at 914-995-2429 or abz1@westchestergov.com
Forward Together, A Virtual Symposium
June 18, 2020, 10:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. ET
Register now!
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Homeless and Housing Resource Network (HHRN) is excited to present details about this free, national online event. The symposium will feature two plenary sessions and workshops in three tracks.
Plenary Session Speakers
Anita Everett, M.D., DFAPA, Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA
Joshua Bamberger, M.D., M.P.H., Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
David Covington, M.B.A., LPC, RI International, and Behavioral Health Link Partner
Brian Sims, M.D., HHRN/National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors
Deborah (Deb) Werner, M.A., PMP, HHRN/Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP)
Track A: Customizing Services and Supports for Specific Populations
Proven strategies for addressing unique needs of people experiencing homelessness with complex vulnerabilities, ensuring they receive the care and assistance they deserve.
Moderator: Marty Fleetwood, J.D., HHRN/HomebaseWorkshops:
A1. Connecting with Clients: Beyond Cultural and Social Walls
LaMont Green, D.S.W., LSWAIC, ConsultantDave Katzenmeyer, People Incorporated Mental Health Services
A2. Coming In: Addressing Homelessness Across the Life Cycle
Joshua Bamberger, M.D., M.P.H., Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San FranciscoKeyona Cooper, M.S.W., LICSW, Youth Enter Adulthood Ready (YEAR), Inc.
Track B: Transitions to Housing
Innovative and effective approaches, tools, and resources for bridging the gap between homelessness and home for clients.
Moderator: Sherri Downing, HHRN/AHP
Workshops:
B1. Moving In: Accessing Permanent Housing
Michele Fuller-Hallauer, M.S.W., LSW, Clark County Social ServiceEmmy Tiderington, Ph.D., M.S.W., LMSW, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
B2. Innovations in Housing for People in Transition
Erin Whelan, M.S., LPC-S, LCCA, LifeWorks AustinPatrick Wigmore, HHRN/Homebase
Track C: Crisis Services and Treatment
Specific approaches to reach, engage, and support individuals who are experiencing homelessness and health, mental health, and substance use crises.
Moderator: Dazara D. Ware, M.A., M.P.C., HHRN/Policy Research Associates, Inc.
Workshops:
C1. Bringing Crisis Services to People Living without Shelter
Aislinn Bird, M.D., M.P.H., Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless Sheryl Fleisch, M.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
C2. Emergency Responses at the Epicenter of the Opioid Crisis
Juntira Laothavorn, M.D., PsychiatristMariel Lougee, M.D., Contra Costa County Health Care for the Homeless
Click here to learn more or to register.
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Join Wednesday’s Targeting Homeless Prevention in the Midst of COVID-19 Webinar - June 10, 2020 at 3:30 PM EDT
HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) invites Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) recipients, homeless assistance providers, and their partners to discuss how to most effectively and efficiently target homeless prevention resources during COVID-19. This will be especially important as ESG recipients consider the best uses of their CARES Act funding.
By the end of the webinar listeners will:
Know the elements of a successful prevention strategy and how it supports an overall rehousing strategy
Understand the approaches to targeting prevention for maximum effectiveness and efficiency
Understand a coordinated investment planning approach with concrete examples of planning for targeted prevention
Have the tools to make concrete decisions about the role and scale of targeted prevention efforts
Participants do not need to register in advance. It is strongly recommended that you join this webinar 15 minutes prior to the start time (3:15 PM EDT). To join the webinar, simply access the login page at the link below.
Join the Targeting Homeless Prevention in the Midst of COVID-19 Webinar
AFFORDABLE SENIOR RENTAL OPPORTUNITY NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Deadline: June 15, 2020
1 and 2 bedroom apartments located at 37 South Regent Street, Port Chester, Westchester County
Obtain Applications from www.housingactioncouncil.org Call 914-332-4144 for more information.
Checklist for Homeless Service Providers During Community Re-opening
Across the United States, some states and local areas are preparing to reopen businesses and community centers after closing. Even if COVID-19 cases have decreased in your area, quick spread of this disease in homeless shelters or encampments is possible. Protection of clients and staff remains necessary. During this time, continue to refer to the guidance for homeless service providers and unsheltered homelessness. This checklist was designed to provide homeless service providers – many of whom have remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic – with a reminder of important considerations for service delivery as the surrounding community reopens.
WRO May is Mental Health Awareness Month Event
Westchester Residential Opportunities, Inc. invites you to a Zoom Meeting
TOPIC: Housing and your Mental Health
Open to the first 100 people on a first come first serve basis
Date and Time: May 29, 2020 10:30am
Zoom Information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82621189113
CALL: +1 929 205 6099 MEETING ID: 826 2118 9113
Join us for a presentation followed by questions and answer from the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health. Approximately one in five Americans struggles with Mental Health. Come join us to hear about options available to you in Westchester County.
Engaging Persons with Lived Experience of Homelessness in Your COVID-19 Response Materials
HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) invited homeless assistance providers and their partners to participate in an hour long call to discuss best practices and strategies for engaging persons with lived experience of homelessness in your COVID-19 planning and response. The following presenters were available for a live question and answer session:
Kelvin Lassiter, National Coalition for the Homeless
Donald Whitehead, National Coalition for the Homeless
Shawn Jones, Baltimore Lived Experience Advisory Committee
Anthony Williams, Baltimore Lived Experience Advisory Committee
Click here to view the recording and slides from the webinar.
Saint Vincent's 24/7 COVID Support Line
24/7 COVID Support Line
St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester, A Division of Saint Joseph’s Medical Center
(914) 925-5959 - 24/7 telephone response
Walk-in evaluations available 24/7 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Harrison
To support our community at this difficult time, our new COVID Support Line offers callers free and confidential support for those feeling added stress, anxiety and depression due to the pandemic.
Our team of experienced mental health professionals is available to listen, assist and offer referrals to additional services as needed.
Individual and group support is available via phone, Telehealth and Zoom video conferencing.
You’re not alone, call us for help.
ANNOUNCEMENT - Westchester County DCMH has released the RFP for the FY19 Planning Grant
Westchester County DCMH, as Collaborative Applicant with the CoC, has been awarded a planning grant for certain work concerning the CoC. This Planning Grant is intended to be used for planning and management services, including, without limitation, coordinating and monitoring the activities of the CoC, and monitoring responsibilities, providing oversight of HUD grants, and administering required surveys and reports that go to HUD.
For more information or to apply, go to https://rfp.westchestergov.com/rfp/rfps.
NYS Needs Your Help- Join the Contact Tracing Team
NYS is rolling out its Contact Tracing Initiative. The aim of this initiative will be to call every person diagnosed with COVID-19, establish all contacts of this person, and proceed to call and maintain ongoing communication with every contact. In addition, the team will support the isolation and quarantine of individuals, as appropriate in cooperation with the Local Health Department. This includes virtual needs checks and referral to community resources as needed. This contact tracing initiative is in tandem with statewide-wide efforts to increase testing, improve communication and knowledge of effective strategies to reduce transmission, and implementation of isolation and quarantine. This will fortify efforts to control the pandemic in NYS.
New York State plans to hire a team of 6,400 to 17,000 staff statewide, depending on the projected number of COVID-19 cases, to support the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Local Health Departments (LHDs) to perform contact tracing in communities across NYS. The first goal is to help the state identify and recruit a robust Contact Tracing team to be a part of this ambitious and urgent effort. To be considered, candidates must be a New York State resident, 18 years of age or older; meet the position description requirement; go through an interview process; and complete a training and certification program.
New York State is looking to immediately fill the following roles:
Contact Tracers: reach out to the contacts of anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 to assess symptoms, ensure compliance with quarantine and determine social support needs.
Team Supervisors: lead a team of 20 Contact Tracers, and one Community Support Specialist who are working remotely using digital tools.
Community Support Specialists: work with the team and the local health departments to address the physical/mental health, and social/human service needs of those contacted, especially those who are under isolation or quarantine.
Click here if you or someone you know in New York State is interested in applying to be a part of the Contact Tracing team.
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/get-involved-how-you-can-help
COVID-19 Planning & Response for Homeless Assistance Providers Office Hours - April 17 →
HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) invited homeless assistance providers and their partners to participate in an Office Hours session to discuss COVID-19 planning and response. Presenters from the following federal agencies and their partners were available for a live question and answer session:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
National Healthcare for the Homeless Council (HCH)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Office Hours sessions on COVID-19 planning and response will occur weekly on Fridays from 2:30 - 4:00 PM EDT.
COVID-19 Prevention and Response for Homeless Providers: Daily Resource Digest
Resources and assistance to support HUD's community partners
COVID-19 Prevention and Response for Homeless Providers: Daily Resource Digest
Digest for April 14, 2020
The recent emergence of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) calls for enhanced cooperation between public health authorities, homeless service systems, and other partners at the local level. To support these partnerships and the vulnerable households served, relevant federal agencies are issuing guidance from subject matter experts on lessons learned from previous response efforts to infectious diseases.
Below are new resources from HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) and their federal, state, and local partners. SNAPS will share daily updates highlighting new COVID-19 prevention and response resources targeted to homeless providers.
New HUD SNAPS Resources
Visit the SNAPS Disease Risks and Homelessness page for a full list of COVID-19 infectious disease prevention and response resources.
New National Partner Resources
National Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) Council: COVID-19 Resources
National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH): Coronavirus and Homelessness
COVID-19 Webinar Series: Watch past webinar recordings and register for upcoming webinars
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.
View the full COVID-19 SNAPS resource digest for a comprehensive list of websites and resources.
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Disaster Housing Recovery Coalition Coronavirus and Homelessness Webinar
Join the Disaster Housing Recovery Coalition for a weekly National Call on Coronavirus and Homelessness/Housing on Mondays at 2:30 pm EST. Join housing and homelessness advocates nationwide to learn more about how federal, state, and local governments are responding to a national outbreak of Coronavirus and its impact on people experiencing homelessness and low-income households. To Register for these calls CLICK HERE .
To view slides presented during the Monday April 6th call Click Here .