Visit our COVID-19Webpagefor more resources and information on COVID-19
In this Issue
National Updates & Announcements
Local Updates & Announcements
COVID-19 Resources
Events & Learning Opportunities
Employment Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunity
In Case You Missed It! Reports, Facts, and Legislative Corner
Ways to help
National Updates and Announcements
FEMA to Increase Reimbursements for Non-Congregate Shelter
Last week, the White House released a memo directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to completely reimburse cities and states for non-congregate shelter. Read the full memo here.
FHFA and HUD extend foreclosure moratoria
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) have extended moratoria in place to prevent foreclosures and evictions of households experiencing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic. Mortgagee Letter 2021-03 extends the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) moratorium on foreclosures of single-family mortgages through March 31. The moratorium was previously set to expire on Feb. 28.
CDC Eviction Moratorium Extended through March 31
Last week, the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention's (CDC) Directorannounced in a statement that the current order temporarily halting residential evictions will be extended until at least March 31, 2021. The moratorium, which was set to expire at the end of this month, has kept millions of people stably housed during the pandemic. Click here to read the full statement. More information about the CDC's Eviction Moratorium and eligibility criteria can be foundhere.
Local Updates and Announcements
2020 PIT Count Updates
Due to challenges created by COVID-19 and for the safety of all members of our community, Baltimore City will not conduct the Unsheltered PIT Count this year. The City's Continuum of Care has been granted a complete exemption from the January 2021 Unsheltered PIT Count by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In lieu of the PIT Count, we will review street outreach data to understand changes in the unsheltered population. More information about HUD’s guidance, which allows CoCs to request exceptions from unsheltered PIT Count requirements for January 2021 can be foundhere.
COVID-19 Vaccine for People Experiencing Homelessness
Great News! Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) has extended COVID-19 Vaccine to Priority Group 1B, which includes people experiencing homelessness. MOHS is currently working closely with BCHD to develop a vaccination plan for our unhoused neighbors and shelter staff. Learn moreabout Baltimore City's Vaccination Plan.
Winter Shelter Help spread the word! A winter shelter declaration is in effect. The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) will provide emergency shelter to all people experiencing homelessness through January 31, 2021 at 9 AM and all subsequent nights when the temperature with wind chill reaches freezing (32 degrees and below).
All programs will shelter in place through Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 9 AM. Call the Shelter Hotline at 443-984-9540 to be connected to shelter and transportation assistance. People seeking shelter after 9 PM should contact shelters directly. Families with children under the age of 18 can access shelter by calling 443-717-2923 or 443-717-2896. Click here to learn more about winter shelter.
Rapid Re-Housing
The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS), in partnership with the Journey Home, recently launched the Rapid Re-housing Initiative, a program that uses CARES Act funding through the Emergency Solutions Grant-CV program to provide rapid rehousing services to a minimum of 155 households experiencing homelessness in Baltimore City. Priority is given to individuals aged 50 or older and those with underlying medical conditions.
In addition to receiving rental assistance, individuals enrolled in the Rapid Re-housing program will receive comprehensive case management services aimed at ensuring permanent housing stability. More information and further details about eligibility and available housing options can be foundhere.
Call for Nominations! CoC Board Membership
Call for Nominations! Baltimore City Continuum of Care (CoC ) is now accepting nominations for several open Board positions. Nominations must be submitted by February 23rd, 2021. Submit your nomination (s) today and help us spread the word by sharing the Announcement Flyer with your network.
Members of the Continuum of Care (CoC) are invited to join an Action Committee to help oversee the implementation of the Action Plan's key strategies. More information about the Action Committees can be foundhere.A chart of the CoC's structure is available here.
Join the LEAC Are you an individual with lived experience of homelessness interested in using your voice and expertise to shape responses to homelessness in Baltimore City? Join the Lived Experience Advisory Committee (LEAC). The LEAC meets (virtually) weekly on Fridays from 10:00AM to 11:30AM and is open to anyone with current or past lived experience of homelessness.
Meeting Logistics: Zoom In: bit.ly/LEACCalls Call In: 3017158592 Passcode: 948 2285 4248. Click here to learn more about the LEAC and ongoing efforts.
TRI Center at Lord Baltimore
Are you experiencing homelessness and looking for a place to safely self-isolate? look no further! The TRI Center, located at 20 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201 (Lord Baltimore Hotel) is here to support you. The center provides FREE Triage, Respite, and Isolation (TRI) services to those unable to self-isolate in a home setting.Learn more.
Healthy Aging Academy 2021
CSH is pleased to announce its Healthy Aging Academy for Program Directors and Service Providers in the Chicago and Baltimore areas! This free virtual Academy will include ten 2-hour discussion-based sessions hosted on Zoom, beginning March 3 and concluding June 30. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 10:30-12:30ET or 9:30-11:30CT. Learn more.
Who should attend:
Program Directors and direct service providers serving an aging population (ages 50+) in supportive housing.
CoC staff responsible for designing or managing coordinated entry systems or federal/state/local funding applications.
Supportive housing tenants who are aging and serve on tenant boards, as a peer, or are interested in participating.
Participation is limited to the Baltimore and Chicago areas. CSH is committed to ensuring technology or accessibility barriers do not limit participation. For questions and assistance with technology or accessibility, Baltimore-based participants can reach out to Anna Smith (anna.smith@csh.org). Chicago-based participants can email Lindsey Bishop Gilmore (lindsey.bishopgilmore@csh.org).
Persons with Lived Expertise Council: Call for Applications
Deadline: Friday, January 29, 2021.
CSH is looking to coordinate with persons with lived expertise (PWLE) from the Baltimore and Chicago areas to create a short-term Council that would co-lead the work, provide feedback, and assist in shaping the Training Academy content and program.
The Council will consist of 4-6 PWLE from Baltimore and Chicago and will meet 5-6 times from February 2021 to June 2021 (for a total of 15-20 hours).
CSH would like to to hold the first PWLE Council meetings on February 15, 2021 and February 16, 2021.
Eligible council members are individuals aged 55 and older who have experienced homelessness and/or are currently or have lived in supportive housing. Interested candidates can email a letter outlining
their interest in the Council with thePWLE Council Interest form by Friday, January 29, 2021.
Baltimore applicants: Submit all documents to Anna Smith at anna.smith@csh.org Chicago applicants: Submit all documents to Lindsey Bishop Gilmore at Lindsey.bishopgilmore@csh.org.
More information about the council's responsibilities and application process can be foundhere.
COVID-19 Resources
Below is a collation of local, state, and national resources that may be helpful to service providers and people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. A more comprehensive list of existing resources can be found on our website.
You DO NOT Want to Miss This! The Journey Home Care-A-Thon
Join us virtually on Friday, April 23rd, 2021 for 12 hours of Baltimore culture and community engagement. Guests will hear from people with lived experience of homelessness and enjoy a wide rage of activities, including interviews with local celebrities, live music, and a closing dance party. Attendance is complimentary for people experiencing homelessness, but they must register to access the event's logistics.
Funds raised from the Care-A-Thon will be used to support people at imminent risk of eviction due to the pandemic and accelerate permanent housing placements for individuals and familiescurrently experiencing homelessness in Baltimore City.
Join Health Care for the Homeless on January 28 at 1:30 PM for its next Community of Practice on Homelessness. Participants will include a cross-section of faith and community-based, education, business, health care, government, law enforcement, and philanthropic leaders. The panel will be moderated by Kevin Lindamood, President and CEO of Health Care for the Homeless.
Join the Baltimore Children’s Cabinet Youth Homelessness work group tomorrow for a youth-led discussion on youth homelessness in Baltimore City. Register here and help spread the word!
Virtual Housing Policy Forum 2021: A New Day
Register for NLIHC’s Virtual Housing Policy Forum 2021: A New Day |March 30-31, 1-5 pm ET. The forum will feature keynote speakers and panels on Racial Equity, Housing Justice, the Coronavirus, and more.
Office Hours: COVID-19 Planning and Response for Homeless Assistance Providers - Fridays at 2:30 PM EDT Baltimore City Service Providers! Join HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) every Friday from 2:30 - 4:00 PM EDT for a weekly Office Hours on COVID-19 planning and response. Presenters from the following federal agencies and their partners will be 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)
Fact of the Month: Federal Assistance Goes a Long Way in Supporting Unemployed renters
A New research from Zillow tracks the impact of federal unemployment assistance on reducing unemployed renters’ housing cost burden. According to Zillow, “This rollercoaster ride is a clear demonstration of just how much of a difference even modest amounts of federal assistance can mean to struggling renters.”
Legislative Corner
Local Voucher Program & Office to End Homelessness (Baltimore City Bill)
Text "JourneyHome" to 50155 to sponsor individuals and families experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. Your donation will enable us to continue to take steps, large or small, to address the unique needs of people experiencing homelessness in Baltimore City during COVID-19.
Individuals interested in donating resources can email Jessi Stevens at jessi.stevens@baltimorecity.gov
Most needed items include the following:
Water (cases of bottled water and gallons)
Gatorade (or likeness)
Hand Soap (personal bottles)
Non-perishable food and snacks
Hand sanitizer
Socks
First aid kits (small)
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Antibacterial wipes
Trash bags
Paper towels
Gloves
Hand Warmers
Hats
Scarves
Blankets
Baby Wipes
Stay informed about COVID-19 through reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The World Health Organization (WHO), and the local authorities such as the Baltimore City Health Department and Maryland Department of Health. Be aware of fake information/myths that may circulate by word-of-mouth or online.
For the latest information and resources about COVID-19, please consult the following resources:
