Health Hub Initiative, National Partner Resources, 2022 CAAP Events & More
Health Hub Initiative, National Partner Resources, 2022 CAAP Events & More
CAAP Update Newsletter
October News, Events & Resources

Community Health Hub Initiative

The Children's Hilltop Health Hub


Serving the Allegheny County Hilltop Community
Allegheny County Department of Human Services, a public Community Action Agency, used its Community Services Block Grant to collaborate with UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and create a pediatric, community-based health hub in an existing family center.  Known as the Children's Hilltop Health Hub, it serves the underserved and at-risk neighborhoods of Hilltop.
The collaboration's goal was to increase access to pediatric primary care and social services, and to improve outcomes related to health and wellbeing for residents of this community.  After closely analyzing the Pittsburgh communities' hospitals and census-level data, they determined top resources were needed for pediatric primary-care, family support, developmental screenings, early education, and parental support & guidance.  Other goals were to:
  • alleviate barriers to access,
  • increase adherence to primary care,
  • reduce ER visits for exacerbated asthma, and
  • increase access to specialty care.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Hilltop Health Hub with Community Action's John Litz (bottom right), Planner for Allegheny County DHS
The patient population is unique in that it resides in a historically underserved area, both medically and by other social services. Many of these individuals lack reliable transportation, creating barriers to access. For this reason, many families were missing well-child visits and were behind on specialty pediatric care.
Here are some examples:
  • It was 1 of 5 neighborhoods where families were most likely to miss well-check appointments at UPMC's main campus, primary care office.
  • There was a 30% no-show rate for families in the Hilltop area zip codes.
  • 654 youth (ages 2-18) presented to Children's Emergency with a primary or secondary diagnosis of asthma in 2018.
The Hub now provides pediatric primary care services to families with children, ages 0-26 years. It's operated by Children’s FCC, Community Health, and Adolescent Medicine staff.  The Hub also shares the location with other agencies, which provide:
  • OB/GYN services,
  • Woman, Infants & Children (WIC) Assistance, and
  • pediatric dental care.
"UPMC provides world class people and facilities.  We became interested in community level work, based on the new national Theory of Change and emphasis on getting Community Action back to its roots.  Trying to impact community systems and resources, we purposely invited groups to meet, discuss ideas and submit proposals to meet these goals.  Anne Marie Kuchera, Director of UPMC Community Health, has led the UPMC partnership for this initiative," says John Litz, Planner for Allegheny County Community Services.
The Children's Hilltop Health Hub continues to provide an interdisciplinary model of care and tailer its approach to care based on the individualized needs of each patient and family.  Ultimately, it provides the much needed sustainable and comfortable care environment for the Hilltop community and its residents.
Anne Marie Kuchera, Director of UPMC Community Health, welcomes a discussion on how to pursue and implement a community health hub.  Please reach out to Ms. Kuchera if you are interested in learning more.
Ms. Kuchera shares,"Our partnership using CSBG funding enabled us to meet children and families where they are, in their neighborhood, to provide high-quality and accessible pediatric healthcare."
Congratulations, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, for identifying and launching a successful health initiative that is fostering your community's well-being.
Click the image to view the full Hub flyer.
Child Tax Credit Awareness Resources
DCED has shared resources with PA Community Action in response to the Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan, which provides the largest Child Tax Credit and historic relief to the most working families ever. As of July 15th, most families are automatically receiving monthly payments of $250 or $300 per child without having to take any action. The Child Tax Credit will help all families toward success.

Low-income families with children are eligible for this crucial tax relief – including those who have not made enough money to be required to file taxes but many are unaware that they are eligible.  
The resources below will help CAAs engage in strategies with low-income families that promote awareness.  DCED thanks PA Community Action Agencies for their effort to help get more families signed up. 
  • Help Is Here - Checks for Kids in English (childtaxcredit.gov doc)
  • Help Is Here - Checks for Kids in Spanish (childtaxcredit.gov doc)
  • CPSP Portrait of Very Low Income (Center on Pov. & Soc. Policy)
  • CTC Major Tax Relief for Working Families (childtaxcredit.gov)
Join the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania as we bring together leaders and partners of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a 2-day state-wide (virtual) summit on how Pennsylvania residents,businesses, and communities can collaborate to support DEI initiatives and practices.  This event is open to people within and outside of Community Action.

Income & Poverty in the United States

Data Highlights from the Reports
This report presents data on income, earnings, income inequality, and poverty in the United States based on information collected in the 2021 and earlier Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplements (CPS ASEC) conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau such as:
  • Median household income was $67,521 in 2020.
  • The total number of those who worked full-time, year-round declined 13.7 million between 2019 and 2020.
  • The official poverty rate in 2020 was 11.4 percent, with 37.2 million people in poverty (3.3 million more than 2019).
Also explore and customize tables of the Census data, allowing you to dynamically add geographies, topics, or any applicable filters to the data.  Reorder, drag, customize, map and download vintages for your own reporting.
NCAF 2021 Virtual Conference Remaining Sessions
  • Monday, Nov. 8, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM ET | General Conference
  • Monday, Nov. 15, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM ET | General Conference
  • Wednesday, Nov. 17 | Fly-In Day
  • Register for these remaining days.

October 30th is Weatherization Day


The NASCSP Weatherization Toolkit
The 2021 toolkit will provide you a step-by-step guide for putting together an in-person or virtual site demonstration, engaging elected officials, and highlighting the demo in the media. 
  • 2021 Weatherization Day Outreach Toolkit
  • 2021 Weatherization Day Site Demonstration Toolkit 
  • Weatherization Day Toolkit Webinar Recording | Slides
  • Logging Activities & Past Planning Toolkits
Overview of the Index ACSI Best Practices Work Group
The groups purpose is to identify, document and communicate best practices for the state delivery of services to local agencies.  The ACSI measures the satisfaction of Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) eligible entities to better understand how well the States, as part of the CSBG network, operate in delivering services, and what training OCS should provide to the States to enhance their ability to effectively deliver those services.  Learn more on the NASCSP website.
Mark your 2022 calendars for the return of the CAAP Annual In-Person Conference.  Details will follow early next year and we look forward to sharing details about the "Hear Tomorrow Coming" theme, accommodations and the planned conference schedule.  CAAP is hopeful and excited for this opportunity.

Institute For Leadership Training

2021 New Executive Director & Board Chair Institute
These two and a half day virtual trainings are designed to help new Executive Directors or Executive Directors and their Board Chairs to achieve a deeper understanding of their role, the work of Community Action, and current operating environment of the Community Action Network.
  • Mon, Oct 25, 2021, 11:00 AM – Wed, Oct 27, 2021, 1:00 PM ET
    Learn more and register for the New Executive Director Institute.
  • Wed, Oct 27, 2021, 12:00 PM – Fri, Oct 29, 2021, 3:00 PM  ET    Learn more and register for the ED & Board Chair Institute.

Briefing for CSBG Eligible Entities

The Briefing Webinar Recording
The Office of Community Services (OCS), in partnership with the Claes Fornell International (CFI) Group, facilitated the Briefing for CSBG Eligible Entities on the Results of the 2021 ACSI Survey of CSBG Eligible Entities webinar on August 16, 2021.  View the Webinar Recording using the password:  Password: mAF%%1Zs

Sign Up For CAAP Education Webinars

Sign Up For CAAP Education Webinars.  Visit the Webinar Series page of the CAAP Website for more information or to register.  There are five education tracks to choose from.  Questions? Contact Leslie McRobbie, CAAP Education Director.
August 2021 PHFA Newsletter
The latest PHFA newsletter is available on their website.  Visit the August 2021 issue, with stories including:
  • Pennsylvania makes significant investment in housing in new state budget.
  • Pandemic-related financial assistance available for PA homeowners, renters, and landlords.
  • Governor Wolf announces $44.9 million in 2021 PHARE funding.
PHFA issues RFP to fund mixed-use development projects 
The deadline for proposal submission is 2 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency issued a Request for Proposals for new construction, or the rehabilitation, of mixed-use projects seeking financial support. Funding will be provided through the Community Revitalization Fund Program. Funding priority will be given to proposals from third-class cities.  Mixed-use projects combine residential and retail/commercial space in the same building and often serve as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization. 
RFP for PHARE Funding to Support Local Housing Initiatives
Application deadline for the RFP is November 19, 2021.  PHFA is soliciting applications from organizations for projects to improve the availability and affordability of housing across the commonwealth. Funding for this RFP is being provided through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund. The total PHARE funding available this year exceeds $45 million.

CAPLAW Resources 

CSBG Guide to Client Eligibility + Emergency Supplement
To assist the Community Action Network in navigating and shaping client eligibility for CSBG-funded services, CAPLAW has updated its Guide to Client Eligibility and issued a special supplement that addresses income eligibility in disaster and emergency scenarios. 

Continuum of Care Program

HUD Announced a $2.7 Billion Funding Opportunity to Help People Experiencing Homelessness in August 2021.  Read HUD's Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for FY 2021.  
CAAP member Agencies are encouraged to browse through your Association website and use it throughout the year as a resource for your Agency work. 
Are your job postings on CAAP's Careers page?
CAAP would like to help spread the word statewide about your staff openings.  Send your job openings to Charlotte.
Let's build awareness & community together!
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