This week OHS hosted a virtual "brown bag" lunch to present funding opportunities for SRO-based housing, project-based rapid re-housing, and tenant-based rapid re-housing for families. Non-profits are urged to apply!

• Listen to a recording of the meeting.

• View the presentation.

• Explore the current RFPs.

Consult these regulations and resources as your organization plans RFPs.

• Homeless definition and habitat criteria.
• ESG Interim Rule
• ESG fact sheet.

• ESG Program Components Quick Guide. Focus on shelter and rapid re-housing.

OHS Shelters are Safe!
Our amazing provider network has served over 6,500 participants since the pandemic began with only 120 positive COVID cases. We have reduced bed density, added bed barriers, expanded testing, and more to ensure our residents and staff are safe during the pandemic. Get more details about our efforts.

People at Highest Risk for COVID should be at the Prevention Site!
There are 260 rooms for individuals who are 65+ years old or those who have certain chronic health conditions and are homeless. This federally funded program is designed to help those most at risk of serious illness should they contract the Coronavirus. Learn more about the criteria and find the referral form online.

Homelessness Prevention is up and running!
Refer to this one-pager for updated information on our Prevention Services. Please call 215-686-7177 if you believe you are eligible. We will call you back.

Apply Now: Eviction Prevention, Emergency Rental Assistance
A second round of rental assistance is now available for Philadelphia tenants affected by COVID-19. Submit an application.

Assistance Programs to Help People during COVID-19
People in need of assistance during COVID-19 can take advantage of these state benefits. Discover what’s available and who should apply.

Volunteers Needed: Kensington Outdoor Meal Site
Help us help Kensington, Monday through Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tasks include setting up and breaking down food service, warmly greeting and serving people grab-and-go meals and water, and helping remind people of social distancing. Register for a shift.

Next Homeless Services Provider Update Call: August 28 at 11:15 a.m.
Join us for our next COVID-19 briefing by video or dial 929-205-6099 and use meeting ID 448 623 922. 

If you'd like to share ways that your programs have been coping with COVID that may be beneficial for others, email Roberta.cancellier@phila.gov and Frederick.gigliotti@phila.gov to schedule a 10-minute presentation slot.

Important Resources and Information
Visit the OHS website for a complete list of updated information and resources regarding the current pandemic. 

Housing First Harm Reduction Learning Opportunity
It's important that all staff working in homeless services understand the basics regarding housing first and harm reduction. Offered online via the iSpring Learning Management System (LMS), this course reviews strategies that are currently being used to service the most chronically homeless individual. The more we know, the better we can help people. Take the Housing First Harm Reduction Quiz. 

PhilaHMIS Trainings
Standard housing, provider, and non-funded provider trainings are offered online via the iSpring LMS. Complete online.

CEA-BHRS
E-learning trainings are being offered for providers that utilize Philadelphia’s coordinated entry system. Trainings will assist in ensuring the highest need and most vulnerable households are prioritized for assistance. Complete online.

HMIS Privacy and Security Standards
E-learning training for providers with systems or environments that store clients' personal information. Training will assist in better securing details that are collected daily. This training must be completed once per year for all PhilaHMIS users. Complete online.

Need access to the new iSpring LMS? Contact the Training Unit to set up an account. Once situated, you will be able to participate in virtual trainings.

City Receives State CARES Grant for Homeless Services
OHS has received an award of nearly $4.2 million dollars in State CARES Emergency Solutions Grant funds for homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, human services, and legal assistance. Learn more.

2020 Census: Ensuring People Experiencing Homelessness COUNT
With so much at stake, it's important that every Philadelphian is counted, ensuring our city receives adequate federal funding to support housing, health care, and school services. Census workers are available to help respondents in low self-response areas answer questions and directly access the Census questionnaire. Request a specialist at your site.

Statewide COVID-19 Nonprofit Impact Study
Nearly 5 months into PA’s COVID-19 response, the need for advocacy is increasing. Together, we must make sure that state and federal bills include nonprofits of all sizes, carving out budget line items allocated to our work. Take the survey.

Competitive Sales Opportunities
Interested in buying land? PHDC has three available properties on Harold Street. Submit your application by August 31.

Paving the Way to Educational Success Advocate Award
From school district homeless liaisons to provider personnel, recognize individuals who positively impact educational success for students experiencing homelessness or youth in foster care. Nominate an advocate by September 4.

Homes Within Reach Scholarship Opportunities
Two scholarships are available for the 2020 Homes Within Reach Conference, subsidizing 50% or more of the conference registration. Apply by September 23.

New Affordable Housing Development and Service Projects
A partnership between the PA Housing Finance Agency and the City will offer 1,958 affordable units, 184 of which will serve people who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness. Another project will provide financial assistance for 100 people experiencing homelessness who are in shelter or transitional housing. Get more details.

Available Soon: PHA Vacant Houses
PHA seeks public comments on the Community Choice Registration Program, which would allow qualified neighborhood-based nonprofits to redevelop former public housing properties. Comment on the draft.

Supplemental Security Income for Children Fact Sheet Series
Use this tool as a guide to assist children who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, or a co-occurring substance use disorder to apply for SSI. Download the fact sheets.

Make Your Voice Heard: True Colors Survey
Help paint a picture of how individual service providers understand and approach youth homelessness prevention and diversion strategies. Complete the form.

August 27 | HIV & Aging Conference
Explore the role of a peer specialist and how those with lived expertise can help individuals and families in your supportive housing program thrive. Register.

September 14 – October 18 | Advancing the Role of Emergency Shelter in Ending Homelessness
Get an in-depth review of the five key elements of effective shelter, and how to begin implementing change. Enroll.

Join us here at OHS!
OHS seeks a HMIS Content and Configuration Specialist, whose role is responsible for effective HMIS configuration and maintenance of HMIS software and related infrastructure. Apply today.

Do you know a nurse with outstanding patient service?
PHMC has two positions: Office of Homeless Services Nurse Liaison and Shelter Licensed Practical Nurse. These roles will support testing people experiencing homelessness at homeless intake, and help coordinate testing and vaccine efforts throughout the shelter system.

Do you know someone who needs work?
First Step Staffing offers paid, entry-level jobs in light industry like warehouse, janitorial, commercial bakery, and food processing firms. Get more information at 215-333-3349 or online.

Do you know someone who wants a career working with people with behavioral or intellectual disabilities?
District 1199C has a registered apprenticeship program for youth ages 18-24. Find out more.

We launched our strategic plan, Roadmap to Homes, and want to work with you to implement the plan. Anyone interested in supporting Roadmap to Homes can sign up at any time.

Questions? Contact MaryBeth Gonzales, Deputy for Policy, Planning and Performance.