CONTINUUM OF CARE UPDATES |
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2021 Housing Surge Initiative Receives National Recognition!
We are excited to share that our community's successful Housing Surge efforts are being recognized nationally, most recently during our region's national Federal Regional Interagency Council on Homelessness (FRICH) meeting. While the effort required the dedication and collaboration of many partners, we exceeded our goal with 660 housing placements in the last five months of 2021! Now, San Antonio/Bexar County is serving as a significant contributor and role model in the federal initiative, House America: An All-Hands-on-Deck Effort to Address the Nation's Homelessness Crisis!
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Meet SARAH's Board of Directors |
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The Continuum of Care (CoC) Board of Directors is SARAH's primary decision-making and oversight board. The Board is responsible for overseeing regional planning/policy development for addressing homelessness and funds designated to the CoC. We are grateful for the leadership and support of this diverse group of professionals. To learn more and see our Board's current roster, click here!
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Point-in-Time Count: March 1st, 2022
On February 8th, we will email volunteers who have completed the required training and passed their competency assessment. The email will include an event code for Outreach Grid, allowing volunteers to pick their zone/team and practice with the surveys.
The Point-in-Time Count Q&A for volunteers will be February 25th, from 10a-11a. Please direct any questions or concerns to daceywerba@sarahomeless.org.
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Message from our Executive Director, Katie Vela |
While I sadly broke the news to my five-year-old recently that the superheroes you see in movies with fancy costumes aren't real, our community has actual heroes among us in our street outreach and shelter teams. Whether it's a global pandemic or catastrophic winter storm, these selfless individuals answer the call repeatedly, putting aside their own comforts and security to serve others. When society hunkers down, street outreach workers spring into action. They stop at nothing to ensure the needs of our unhoused neighbors are met, taking calls around the clock, opening their doors, and frequently sacrificing sleep to get the job done. I want to let the outreach and shelter workers know that their efforts are seen and greatly appreciated. SARAH will always advocate for you and offer our support. Thank you for being our real-life heroes!
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Black History is American History
In 1976, February was nationally recognized as Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. SARAH believes in embracing differences and creating equitable outcomes for everyone. As such, today, tomorrow, next month, and all year - we celebrate and support the contributions of African Americans who have helped shape our nation.
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EHAP Portal Update
The City of San Antonio's Neighborhood & Housing Services Department - Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) Portal will be closing on March 6th, 2022. Utilize this portal to apply for temporary help with rent or utility payments. If you are behind on rent or are facing eviction, don't wait - Apply Today!
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2022-2027 Bond Program Update
The Mayor and City Council will approve and call for an election of the 2022 Bond Program, including the historic $150 million Housing Bond, on February 10th. The Bond Program will then go before voters for approval on May 7th. To learn about the proposed 2022-2027 bond program, review committee recommendations, and view presentations, visit www.sanantonio.gov/2022Bond.
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HOMELINK/COORDINATED ENTRY |
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Stay Up-to-Date with Homelink Happenings!
Homelink Happenings serves as our "industry insider" publication, featuring detailed Coordinated Entry news, updates, policies, and procedures. Homelink Happenings is sent to subscribers once a month, with our next edition dropping in mid-February. Click here to subscribe!
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Labor Department Funding Opportunity
The Labor Department announced a funding opportunity for organizations to provide training and employment services to Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, up to $500,000/yr for three years. Applications are due February 23rd. Click here to learn more & apply!
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Need Help Identifying & Accessing Federal Non-Emergency Funding?
The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) has unveiled a new guide to help state and local leaders identify and access federal non-emergency health and social service programs, so they can use multiple streams of funding for holistic, supportive services that meet the short- and long-term needs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
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