New Publication Analyzes Homeless States of Emergency

The newly released “Homeless States of Emergency: Advocacy Strategies to Advance Permanent Solutions” takes an in-depth look at recent emergency declarations on homelessness. While homelessness has always been a crisis for those experiencing it, these jurisdictional statements officially recognize homelessness as a human-made disaster that requires a crisis-level response. This publication examines SOE declarations from nine jurisdictions, considering whether such statements can serve as advocacy tools to raise awareness and promote greater resources. Identifying common themes—and noting how most declarations entail only temporary measures—the paper offers several policies promoting longer-term solutions for consideration in future SOE declarations. Additionally, the National HCH Council will join the National Alliance to End Homelessness and U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness to host a related webinar, “Homelessness as a State of Emergency,” at 1 p.m. EST on March 9.

In partnership with the Corporation for Supportive Housing, the Council has developed a new case study in successful care integration for patients experiencing homelessness. “Integrated Care for the Chronically Homeless: Houston, TX” details how the Houston community created an initiative through their 1115 Medicaid Waiver that brings together Health Care for the Homeless, social services, and housing providers to form a highly integrated care team. This illustrative profile is the second in a series highlighting collaborative frequent user initiatives.

Youth without homes are the subject of a new Council paper. “Engaging Youth Experiencing Homelessness: Core Practices and Services” describes essential strategies for HCH agencies and other providers seeking to reach youth without homes—a population at significant risk of diseases, injuries, and developmental delays that can potentially impact their entire lives. Incorporating trauma-informed, consumer-driven principles, this publication addresses challenges in youth engagement and provides resources for information and guidance.

Join the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and National HCH Council for a two-part webinar series on February 24th and April 6th--“Community Engagement at Health Centers: Best Practices for Outreach, Advocacy, and Organizing with Patients Experiencing Homelessness.” These webinars will provide strategies for engaging people without homes to advocate for positive change. Hear directly from organizers at HCH agencies across the nation and discover how those organizations are pioneering innovative models for consumer engagement.

• Register for "Community Engagement at Health Centers, Pt. 1" at 3-4 p.m. EST on Feb. 24.
• Register for "Community Engagement at Health Centers, Pt. 2" at 3-4 p.m. EST on Apr. 6.

Organizational Members of the Council are eligible for dozens of purchasing discounts through our relationship with CommonWealth Purchasing Group (CPG), a group-purchasing organization specializing in health centers. CPG’s new Vendor Catalog describes many opportunities for health centers and other service providers to cut costs on expenses such as web/graphic design, IT needs, office supplies, medical equipment, and much more. Your participation in the purchasing program benefits the Council through a small referral fee. Contact Membership & Development Coordinator Michael Durham to take advantage of this membership benefit.

Consumer Subsidies Available for 2016 Conference and Spring Regional Training

Seeking to involve consumers in all aspects of its work, the Council is offering a limited number of consumer subsidies to cover the cost of attending the 2016 National HCH Conference and 2016 Spring Regional Training. If you have experienced homelessness and used services at an HCH site, consider applying for a subsidy. Conference funds cover registration, lodging, meal reimbursement, and a portion of travel expenses; Spring Regional Training subsidies cover registration, a per diem, and some assistance for travel and lodging on a case-by-case basis.

• Apply for a Spring Regional Training subsidy by March 4.
• Apply for a Conference subsidy by March 25.
  

A new HCH project, Appalachian Mountain Community Health Centers (AMCHC) is aiming to improve public health in vulnerable populations in Western North Carolina. Helmed by Past Council Board President Nicholas Apostoleris, the health center network opened the first of a planned series of facilities in Asheville, NC, on February 8. The new Dale Fell Health Center will allow AMCHC to serve approximately 2,000 patients each year, with plans to reach a further 1,000 consumers through outreach locations. AMCHC will join other Council members Western North Carolina Community Health Services and Haywood Street Respite in serving people experiencing homelessness in the Asheville area. The Council congratulates its past board president on bringing this project to fruition.