Functional Needs Support Services in Shelters

1. Functional Needs Support Services in Shelters July, 2012

2. CMIST Framework for Needs Identification • Communication • Maintaining Health • Independence • Safety, Support services and Self Determination • Transportation

3. Communication • Personal amplification devices • Hearing aid batteries • Communication board • Video phone or TTY • Sign language interpreter • Other language interpreter • Information in Large Print, Braille, other languages, or electronic formats

4. Maintaining Health • Medication • Catheters • Basic first aid supplies • Access (transportation) to dialysis and other health services • Protective undergarments • Nutritional drinks • Straws • Glucose meter, lancets and test strips

5. Independence • Access to electrical power, batteries, chargers • Wheelchairs • Portable, raised toilet seats • Accessible cots • Privacy screens • Personal Care Attendants

6. Safety, Support Services and Self-Determination • Personal Assistance Services • Assistance accessing programs • Mental health services • Case management / case coordination • Supervision • Safety from abuse, neglect and exploitation

7. Transportation • Lift-equipped vehicles • Transporting equipment or service animals • PCA services while in transit • Access to accessible public transportation • Information in alternate formats or other languages to know what transportation services are available and how to access / request transportation services

8. Ways to Procure Equipment and Services for Shelters • Directly purchasing and storing equipment • MOA/MOUs • Non-governmental organizations • Continuing services at the shelter that an individual typically receives in their home • Local and State contracts • National contracts • Volunteers and trained shelter staff

9. Directly Purchasing and Storing Equipment • Non-perishable equipment • Storage at the facility that will be used as a shelter • Storage in a separate facility with a plan to transport to the shelter

10. MOA/MOUs and Contracts • Legwork must be done in advance • Remember to include all aspects of a service in the contract • Drivers for accessible vehicles • Wear and tear of any equipment that will be returned • Staff overtime • Coordination needs • State and local contracts • Pros • Cons

11. Continuing Services an Individual Already Uses • Benefits • They know the individual and his or her needs • Individual is more comfortable • No gap in services

12. Service and Advocacy Organizations • Subject matter expertise • Know what supplies and services may be needed and where to go to procure those services • Providing resources and services • Providing coordination of services

13. Volunteers and Trained Shelter Staff • Readily available • Can be very well trained • Need to ensure proper skills • Need for coordination • Respect survivor choice

14. FEMA National Contracts • Types of contracts • Interpreters • Alternate formats • Personal Care Assistant Services • Considerations • Take longer • More expensive • Often not local