There are three funding opportunities out on the street: SRO-based housing, project-based rapid re-housing, and tenant-based rapid re-housing for families. Non-profits are urged to apply!

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.

New Guidance: Indoor Dining and Best Practices
Starting September 8, free meal providers are allowed to transition their meal services indoors at 25% capacity. Follow the guidelines and learn more about Philadelphia’s full reopening guidance for restaurants and mobile food vendors.

OHS Shelters are Safe
Our amazing provider network has served over 6,500 participants since the pandemic began with only 120 positive COVID cases. Learn how we're keeping residents and staff safe.

People at Highest Risk for COVID should be at the Prevention Site
This federally funded program is designed to help those most at risk of serious illness should they contract COVID-19. Learn more about the criteria and find the referral form online.

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.

Volunteers Needed: Kensington Outdoor Meal Site
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: September 4 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. 

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

De-Escalation/Trauma-Informed Care | September 22
Learn more about de-escalation and trauma-informed care, get best practices tips from providers, hear and share stories from those with first-hand experiences, and participate in an interactive simulation. Register now.

Anti-Hunger "Slack" | September 24
The anti-hunger network uses Slack for continued collaboration and communication beyond conference calls and emails. Not familiar with the platform? No problem! Learn the basics from Ashlyn Cancellieri, Service Coordinator at Pathways to Housing PA. Register now.

All trainings are virtual; please ensure that you have access to technology. Video call details will be shared as the date nears.

Questions? Contact Amara O'Connell, Kensington Transition to Housing First VISTA.

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.

Sexual Violence, Human Trafficking and How To Support Survivors
Focus on identifying safety nets for sexual violence survivors with a special emphasis on persons living in shelters and transitional housing programs. Sign up. 

Domestic and Sexual Violence and Cultural Considerations
Examine how cultural dynamics may affect a survivor's perceptions or options in seeking housing services. Sign up.

Effects of DV on Children and Parenting
Address how intimate partner violence impacts a survivor's parenting style, parenting ability, and the lasting impact of abuse on parent/child dynamics. Sign up.

Legal Options For Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence
Discuss legal protections for survivors as it relates to shelter and housing, family medical leave, and VAWA regulations and city ordinance for survivors. Sign up.

These trainings are offered by OHS and the Office of Domestic Violence Strategies. Questions? Contact the OHS Training Unit for help.

Ready to Vote?
The General Election is quickly approaching; let's make sure that our community is heard at the polls and beyond! Our friends at Project HOME put together this awesome voter registration toolkit.

Act Now: SSI/SSDI Recipients Can Get Child Stimulus Payments
You can still get the $500 Economic Impact Payment for your children if you haven't already received it or filed for it. Use the non-filers tool to file by September 30.

Grant Opportunity Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation
If your organization operates within a 20-mile radius of a Food Lion store, funding is available to support children at risk of hunger and feeding agencies by helping to increase their "fresh" capacity so families can put nutritious meals on their tables. Apply by September 15.

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.

Supplemental Security Income for Children Fact Sheet Series
Use these fact sheets 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. 

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.

September 16 | Voter Registration Information Session
Discuss the importance of advocacy, voter registration, and mail-in ballots. Enroll.

October 5 – October 6 | Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
Designed for behavorial health staff, learn how to recognize a crisis and intervene. Enroll.

October 6 | Live Conversation with Ta-Nehisi Coates and NLIHC
This live-stream event will address racial equity and housing justice in relation to COVID-19. 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.