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Whole community conference July 19, 2012

Whole community conference July 19, 2012. HOMELESS POPULATIONS IN DISASTER PLANNING Sabrina Edgington, MSSW, Program and Policy Specialist National Health Care for the Homeless Council. Vulnerabilities contributing to disaster risk.

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Whole community conference July 19, 2012

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  1. Whole community conferenceJuly 19, 2012 HOMELESS POPULATIONS IN DISASTER PLANNING Sabrina Edgington, MSSW, Program and Policy Specialist National Health Care for the Homeless Council

  2. Vulnerabilities contributing to disaster risk • Limited access to media outlets to receive emergency communication • Limited resources to take risk deduction measures • Laws that criminalize homelessness push people out of public areas making them harder to reach • Most shelters are closed during the day • Lack of transportation for evacuation • Poor social support networks • High prevalence of mental illness, trauma, disability

  3. Establish a homeless specific Interagency plan Develop an interagency emergency plan that describes: • Entity responsible for maintaining and updating the plan • Entities that have a supporting role in maintaining the plan • Description of incident command and contact information • Roles and responsibilities of various entities • Documentation protocols/after action reporting

  4. organizing homeless service providers • Homeless Commissions • Homeless Coalitions/ Homeless Alliance • HUD Continuums of Care (CoC) - local planning bodies responsible for coordinating the full range of homelessness services in a geographic area, which may cover a city, county, metropolitan area, or even an entire state. Contact your local Continuum of Care lead: www.hudhre.info/index.cfm?do=viewCocContacts

  5. Formalize roles and responsibilities • Which residential shelters/churches will open its doors during severe weather and emergencies (when Red Cross shelters aren’t open)? • Plan for logistics (security, cots, hygiene kits, food, etc.) • Which agencies will deploy outreach teams to communicate emergency information? • Which agencies will assist in transportation to shelters/churches or when evacuation is needed? • Where are the pick up points?

  6. Formalize roles and responsibilities • Which agencies will be called to provide services at alternate sites when needed? • How will recovery assistance be coordinated? • How will people experiencing homelessness become aware of these efforts?

  7. Incident command

  8. Some Response resources Homeless Outreach Teams • Trained in engagement strategies • Skilled in trauma informed communication • Knows the homeless community • Trusted by the homeless community • Culturally competent

  9. Some Response resources Health Centers/Mobile Medical Teams • Federally Qualified Health Centers (Health Care for the Homeless projects) receive federal funding to provide primary care and other services • Some are equipped with mobile medical vans • Federal liability coverage to provide care at emergency service sites if its in their service area • May be a source for outreach workers and case managers Contact your local FQHC: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

  10. Recovery resources • Housing • People living in camps may be eligible for rental assistance and compensation for personal belongings (FEMA - non-traditional living quarters) • HUD allows people affected by disasters to be moved to the top of waiting lists; also allows resources to be shifted from one program to another. • Disaster Case Management

  11. Project homeless connect • One stop resource fair for people experiencing homelessness • Great place to provide preparedness material/ recruit people for trainings/give away emergency kits • Can be coordinated after a disaster to provide access to information and services • Can be a way to help people connect with friends and support • Volunteer opportunity

  12. Questions? MORE INFORMATION National Health Care for the Homeless Council Emergency Preparedness Resources www.nhchc.org/resources/clinical/tools-and-support/emergency-preparedness/ CONTACT INFORMATION: Sabrina Edgington sedgington@nhchc.org 615/226-2292

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