DECEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER
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CONTINUUM OF CARE UPDATES
SARAH along with partner agencies Endeavors, Providence Place, Roy Maas Youth Alternatives, Thrive Youth Center, and the University of Texas San Antonio announced on November 17, 2020 the launch of their Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) projects serving youth and young adults (YYA) under age 25.
Save the Date for PIT 2021
The annual Point-in-Time Count in San Antonio/Bexar County is planned for Tuesday, January 26, 2021.
We are utilizing COVID-19 safety precautions and monitoring the situation with guidance from HUD.

If you are interested in volunteering, click here to fill out a brief interest form and we will contact you. 
New Funds Available for Veteran Homelessness
The Department of Veterans' Affairs has released a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program to begin in October 2021. Applications are due on February 5, 2021 by 4pm ET.
CoC Membership Council Updates
Congratulations to Dane Morrison of Haven for Hope for being voted in as the co-chair of the Chronic Homelessness Workgroup.

Congratulations to Naomi Nussbaum of SAMMinistries for being voted in as the chair of the Chronic Homelessness Workgroup. 

Thank you to Kevin Langehennig for your leadership and work in the Chronic Homelessness Workgroup
Membership Council Perfect Attendance for 2020!
A message from Tammye Trevino, Membership Council Chair on the SARAH CoC Board of Directors:

On behalf of SARAH's Board of Directors, I would like to recognize all the hard work that our Membership Council agencies do to improve and coordinate our homeless response. I would especially like to highlight seven agencies who have maintained perfect attendance
at Membership Council this year. Thank you all for your continued commitment and dedication!
  • American GI Forum -- National Veterans Outreach Program
  • Family Violence Prevention Services
  • Haven for Hope
  • Homelessness Management Information System 
  • North East Independent School District 
  • SaMMinistries
  • SA Hope Center
Attention Rapid Rehousing Providers
ICF is conducting a training and discussion series related to Rapid Rehousing (RRH) in San Antonio/Bexar County. Upcoming topics include equity, case management, and rent/move-in assistance.
Updates from SARAH's Research and Evaluation Department
  • Eviction prevention data monitoring showed a higher need among female-headed households.


  • After the 72% decrease in the count of eviction cases filed at Bexar County Justice of the Peace Court (from 334 to 93) during the week following the CDC Moratorium, the rate has gradually risen over the past 10 weeks by 186% (from 93 to 266) for all four precincts combined.

HOMELINK HAPPENINGS
Homelink Orientation Training
If you are interested in attending this training, please contact PatriciaPalomo@sarahomeless.org to access the registration link.

This training is for anyone who conducts Homelink assessments, opens and closes Homelink claims, sends or receives referrals; or if you are new to Homelink and need to get certified to obtain access.

December Homelink Orientation Training Dates:
  • December 9, 2020, 9 am – 5pm
  • December 16, 2020, 9 am – 5pm

Please note that only 10 spots are available for both dates.
Attention Homelink Referral Partners: Updated Referral Notification Link
There is an updated link for requesting Homelink referrals. Click here to read the procedure and access the link. Please email ce@sarahomeless.org with any questions!
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
New Legislation for Texas Youth
Experiencing Homelessness: HB 123
  • HB 123 is a law that waives fees for youth that want to obtain state identification (i.e. driver's license, state ID).
  • This facilitates access to essential services for youth and young adults that are experiencing homelessness.
  • Allows young people to use a school or shelter as their address. 
  • Allows youth experiencing homelessness to obtain a Texas Identification card without meeting the standard Texas residency requirements.
  • Allows youth experiencing homelessness to obtain a Texas Identification card without the signature, presence of, or permission from a parent or guardian of the child or youth.
EVICTION MORATORIUM

For more information on the Eviction Moratorium issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, call 210-207-5910 or click here.

December 10 , 2020 at 7:00 PM

All community members are welcome to attend and hear from local community leaders public health experts and faith leaders on the latest
information on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.

Townhall live stream will be on ksat.com and Facebook live @SAMetroHealth

December 15 , 2020
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CST

Join THN as they host a panel discussion on assisting immigrant families access rent relief through local programs during COVID, providing tenant advocacy and anti-eviction work, and exploring solutions for assisting unhoused immigrants in status or documentation-limbo in accessing housing.
SNAPS Youth Collaboration Webinars

HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) and True Colors United, are hosting two webinars that will focus on enhancing collaboration with youth/young adult community partners. This is a continuation of the Core Principles of Youth Collaboration webinar presented in November 2018. Click the dates below to access the zoom meeting link.


SARAH EVENTS & NEWS
Every Wednesday | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
COVID-19 & Homelessness Weekly Coordination Call
DECEMBER 9 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Coordinated Entry Advisory Committee
DECEMBER 10 | 10 am - 11 am
Point-in-Time Count Committee
DECEMBER 11 | 11 am - 12 pm
Housing Strategies Workgroup
DECEMBER 11 | 2 pm - 3:30 pm
Chronic Homelessness Workgroup
DECEMBER 15 | 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Family Homelessness Workgroup
DECEMBER 17 | 3:00 pm - 5 pm
SARAH CoC Board of Directors Meeting
DECEMBER 18 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Youth Homelessness Workgroup
DECEMBER 22 | 1:30 pm - 2 pm
CoC Monthly Call
Please email contactsarah@sarahomeless.org with the name of the meeting to be added to our distribution list.
SARAH Employment Opportunity
Data and Performance Coordinator
To view more information visit us online at sarahomeless.org