CoC Updates for March 2021 |
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Greetings,
This month we bring news that includes an open wait list for senior housing, free portable wifi hot spots, and new resources to better understand the homeless system of care.
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CoC Training: COVID-19 Vaccinations for People Experiencing Homelessness |
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We are happy to announce a training that will try to answer all questions related to the vaccination process and will provide insight into the topic. This training, hosted by Health, Housing, and Homeless Services, in partnership with the CCHS Public Health Department will provide a general overview of the COVID-19 vaccination process and equip you and your staff with the knowledge needed to properly navigate the topic with your clientele. Public health providers will be present at the call to answer any questions that may arise. Please invite ALL your staff so that everyone gets the most accurate and up to date information.
Friday, March 12th
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Meeting Link:
Call in: 1-844-517-1271
Meeting #: 187 727 5232
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Contra Costa Extends COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility to Essential Workers |
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Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) updated its eligibility policy for COVID-19 vaccine to extend vaccination eligibility to residents who work in the education and childcare sector, food and agriculture workers, and emergency services workers as defined by Phase 1B of California's vaccination plan.
Residents in these groups, as well as county residents who are 65 years and older who have not yet been vaccinated, can sign up to access state and federal sites through MyTurn (myturn.ca.gov) or by calling 1-833-422-4255.
Essential workers and residents 65 years and older can also request immunization appointments through CCHS and join the county waiting list for COVID-19 vaccine. However, due to a temporary reduction in vaccine supply from the state, all appointments at county sites are filled through the next two weeks at least.
For more information about Contra Costa's response to the COVID-19 pandemic including information about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and appointments, visit cchealth.org/coronavirus.
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Waitlist Open for Senior Housing in Richmond |
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Housing Authority of the County of Contra Costa announces the opening of the listed Project-Based Voucher (PBV) waiting list for The Terraces Senior Apartments at 2100 Nevin in Richmond.
- To apply, you must be 62 years of age or older.
- This is not for the housing choice voucher waiting list.
- Large households for three and four bedroom units are highly encouraged to apply
The list will be open from Monday, March 22, 2021 at 10 AM through Thursday, April 1, 2021, at 4:00 PM
For more details, see the flyer below
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CoC and CES 101 Materials |
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If you want to better understand the homeless system of care including how to connect people to services, we have some tools for you!
Remember, there are 3 ways to connect someone to homeless services:
- Call 211 or text HOPE to 20121
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Go to a CARE center (Richmond and Walnut Creek)
- Connect with CORE mobile outreach by calling 211
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Portable Wifi Hotspots Now Available Through Libraries |
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Contra Costa libraries are now offering Wi-Fi hotspots for checkout. The hotspot provides internet access to families and library patrons who don’t have a connection at home. The lending program will allow students, parents, teachers and families working and studying remotely, access to a free and reliable internet connection.
The portable hotspots connect Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, tablets or smartphones to the internet. The hotspots can connect up to 10 devices at one time and work almost anywhere in the continental U.S.
Hotspots are available for checkout at ccclib.org or by contacting library staff any community library. Patrons must have a library card in good standing in order to check out a hotspot. The lending period is 21 days, and they are available for renewal if there is no waitlist. The hotspot kits come with a case, instructions and charging cord.
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Measure X Community Advisory Board Seeking Members |
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The Community Advisory Board was established on February 2, 2021 following passage of Measure X – a countywide sales tax measure providing general purpose revenue for County programs estimated to generate at least $81 million annually.
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking individuals to serve on the Measure X Advisory Board that represent broad and diverse voices, perspectives and expertise, including but not exclusive to:
- consumer advocacy
- housing and homelessness
- faith leadership
- senior services
- mental health services
- non-partisan civic organizations
- policy organizations
- public health
- racial justice and equity
- safety net services
- substance abuse services
- youth services
The Measure X Community Advisory Board will be focusing primarily on the priority areas identified in the Measure X Needs Assessment, including:
- affordable housing
- safety net services
- support for early childhood, youth, families, and seniors
For paper applications, use this form and return to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by email (ClerkofTheBoard@cob.cccounty.us), or mail to County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor, Martinez, CA 94553 no later than 5pm on Thursday, March 11, 2021.
You may also find this information posted online here.
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Wyatt (name changed to protect privacy) had been homeless on and off since 2013 and struggled with chronic homelessness, substance use and health conditions including a debilitating stroke and an amputation that led to the use of wheelchair. Given his extremely vulnerable health, Wyatt was placed in a Project Roomkey hotel at the beginning of the pandemic.
In November 2020, Wyatt was identified as a candidate for Permanent Supportive Housing (housing with rental assistance and ongoing supportive services). His team helped him find a unit and to prepare for his move into housing, his case manager helped him budget funds, collect all the necessary documents and complete the program application.
One day before his birthday, Wyatt moved into a lovely and comfortable 1-bedroom apartment! A partner agency donated furniture and his case manager and her team personally transported Wyatt's new furniture and belonging and ensured that he was settled in and comfortable in his new home. Wyatt continues to receive support from his case manager and says, “Thank you! I am the happiest man in the world!”
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Upcoming Meetings and Events |
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CoC Training: VAWA Compliance & Strategies for Serving Survivors of Domestic Violence, 3/22
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Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for individuals and families, and the need for safe and affordable housing is one of the most pressing concerns for survivors of violence and abuse. This training will focus on identifying and providing services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking. We will review regulatory safeguards in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the CoC Program Interim Rule, and delve into strategies for recognizing survivors of violence, providing effective support, and protecting client confidentiality and choice.
The training will be provided by Homebase and STAND! For Families Free of Violence.
Audience: This training will be particularly useful for program managers and frontline staff of all programs serving households experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Please note this is a REQUIRED training for agencies that receive funding from HUD, the State of California and/or H3 . Each agency must send at least one staff member.
Monday, March 22, 2021
1 pm - 3 pm
To register for the training, click here
Content questions may be directed to Jaime Jenett at jaime.jenett@cchealth.org or 925-464-0152 cell
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Council on Homelessness Meeting
Thursday, April 1, 2021
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Join our next Council on Homelessness meeting.
Thursday, April 1
1 pm - 3 pm
Phone: 1-844-517-1271 US Toll Free
Meeting number (access code): 146 246 8230
Agenda will be posted here 96 hours before the meeting
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