http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Browse.aspx An RSS feed of the latest additions to the Homelessness Resource Center knowledgebase. 30 The purpose of this report is to help people across Canada have a better understanding of our homeless situation based on evidence rather than myths, and bring to the public’s attention programs that work in helping the homeless. With better information, we hope Canadians can make informed and intelligent giving decisions that will create results for those in need. 11/23/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Homeless-in-Canada-A-Funders-Primer-in-Understanding-the-Tragedy-on-Canadas-Streets-47156.aspx International human rights law recognizes everyone’s right to an adequate standard of living, including adequate housing. Despite the central place of this right within the global legal system, well over a billion people are not adequately housed. Millions around the world live in life- or healththreatening conditions, in overcrowded slums and informal settlements, or in other conditions which do not uphold their human rights and their dignity. Further millions are forcibly evicted, or threatened with forced eviction, from their homes every year. 11/23/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/The-Right-to-Adequate-Housing-47155.aspx Although self-mutilation has been studied from medical and individual perspectives, it has rarely been examined within a social stress context. As such, we use a social stress framework to examine risk factors for self-mutilation to determine whether status strains that are often associated with poorer health outcomes in the general population are also associated with self-mutilation among a sample of young adults in the United States who have a history of homelessness. Data are drawn from the Homeless Young Adult Project which involved interviews with 199 young adults in 3 Midwestern United States cities. The results of our path analyses revealed that numerous stressors including running away, substance use, sexual victimization, and illegal subsistence strategies were associated with more self-mutilation. In addition, we found that certain social statuses exacerbate the risk for self-mutilation beyond the respondents' current situation of homelessness. We discuss the implications of our findings for the social stress framework and offer suggestions for studying this unique population within this context. 11/23/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Self-injurious-behavior-among-homeless-young-adults-A-social-stress-analysis-47153.aspx Back On My Feet is a non-profit organization that promotes self-sufficiency, confidence, strength, and self-esteem. They do this through a community-supported running club program for people experiencing homelessness. Back On My Feet operates eleven running clubs in Philadelphia and Baltimore in partnership with shelters in both cities. James Singletary is one member of this program. He has benefited from the group support, the discipline of running, and the shared experience of learning what it means to be on a team. 11/23/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Back-On-My-Feet-Running-For-Change-47152.aspx The Edwin Gould Academy in New York serves youth who age out of the foster care system or exit the juvenile justice system. Without family support or a safety net, these youth are at high risk for homelessness, substance use, and other problems. Jim Golden, Edwin Gould Academy’s Executive Director, discusses the network of community partnerships that support these youth. 11/23/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/The-Edwin-Gould-Academy-Building-Support-Networks-for-Youth-Leaving-Foster-Care-and-Juvenile-Justice-47151.aspx What therapeutic interventions can help promote positive parent-child interactions? The PACT Therapeutic Nursery in Baltimore, Maryland has developed an attachment-based therapeutic child-care program for very young children and parents living in emergency shelters. Programs use a strengths-based approach to promote improved social, emotional, and cognitive development for children and parents who have suffered the trauma of homelessness. 11/23/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Becoming-Their-Baby’s-Best-Teacher-Therapeutic-Interventions-For-Parents-and-Children-47150.aspx The Fourth Street Clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah has created an innovative model to respond to the spread of H1N1 influenza. People who are homeless are extremely vulnerable to the flu and other respiratory infections. Jennifer Hyvonen, Co-Director of Development and Communications, speaks with the HRC about the model. They have set up an alternative care site to diagnose, isolate, and treat people who are homeless with H1N1 influenza. 11/23/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Prepared-for-Flu-Season-An-H1N1-Emergency-Response-Model-47149.aspx Shannon Moriarty is the editor and lead blogger for the End Homelessness blog at Change.org. The HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans talks with Shannon about how blogging helps fight damaging stereotypes of people who are homeless. Blogging also raises awareness and connects people. Shannon shares tips for homeless service providers interested in creating a blog. 11/23/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Blogging-for-Change-QandA-with-Shannon-Moriarty-of-Changeorg-47148.aspx Current models of knowledge transfer/exchange tend to disseminate promising practices to the community through reports, conferences and scientific journals. Although useful to some stakeholders, these models limit the participation of the homeless/formerly homeless community, service providers and policy makers. The purpose of this project was to create a more inclusive model of knowledge exchange that integrated ‘lived expertise’ with ‘expert knowledge’ to generate strategies for housing stability across the life course. Given the prevalence of episodic homelessness, understanding how to support housing stability from the perspective of ‘lived expertise,’ is critical to preventing returns to homelessness and transforming a house into a home. 11/23/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Final-Report-prepared-for-the-Homelessness-Knowledge-Development-Program-Homelessness-Partnering-Secretariat-47147.aspx A song and music video entitled From Stilettos to Moccasins was developed from the findings of a research project that examined the role of identity and stigma in Aboriginal women's healing from illicit drug abuse in Canada. The song was written in 2009 by Aboriginal women who are healing from illicit drug abuse and problems with the law, and those who are helping them on their journeys. It is sung by Violet Naytowhow, a Cree singer/songwriter and Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards nominee from Prince Albert, SK. The video is directed by Mae Star Productions in Saskatoon, SK. An accompanying discussion guide is currently under development. For more information on the project, please visit: http://www.addictionresearchchair.com. This project is based on a partnership among the University of Saskatchewan, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, and the National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation. 11/20/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/From-Stilettos-to-Mocassins-47146.aspx By official estimates, three hundred people live and sleep on the streets of Nanaimo, British Columbia. On any given day, a percentage of these people are barred from a 40-block area of the city core known as the “Red Zone.” Kim Goldberg has spent the last three years verse-mapping and photographing Nanaimo’s back alleys, graffiti galleries, underpasses and homeless encampments. In this extraordinary book, Goldberg reconstructs a landscape of urban decline through a stunning combination of poem, image, artist projects and journal entries until the city itself becomes a persona speaking to us in the samizdat of cities everywhere—graffiti. Goldberg’s tumble down the rabbit hole of broken glass and shattered lives ultimately lands her in her own smouldering red zone of passion, obsession and shame. “I can no longer discern where the political ends and the personal begins. The deeper I push into this swollen red midden of hidden box springs and open books, the more my own flesh burns…” 11/20/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Red-Zone-47145.aspx This website details Alberta's Pandemic Response Plan 11/19/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Pandemic-H1N1-2009-Response-Plan-47144.aspx Crimes of hate and violence have continued to plague the forgotten and most vulnerable members of our society: homeless people. Since 1999, the National Coalition for the Homeless has been tracking the cataclysm of violent crimes that have been committed against homeless persons. The National Coalition for the Homeless has for the tenth year published this report that documents the unfortunate trend of violence towards the homeless. 11/19/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Hate-Violence-and-Death-on-Main-Street-USA-A-Report-on-Hate-Crimes-and-Violence-Against-People-Experiencing-Homelessness-2008-47143.aspx Inspired by the Homeless Employment Survey conducted by the House the Homeless, Inc in December, 2007, which led to the May 21, 2009 statewide forum, “Let’s Get to Work Forum and Initiative,” the Employment Committee of the Sacramento Ending Chronic Homeless Initiative [ECHI] decided to administer a similar skilled-based survey. The Employment Committee has a goal of 500 surveys on homeless men, women and families. This report covers the results of the first 182 surveys administered to homeless men and women at the 2009 Sacramento Homeless Connect, held on May 29, 2009 11/19/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Homeless-Employment-Report-Findings-and-Recommendations-47142.aspx This report is an investigation into 2,815 homeless deaths in Los Angeles County between January, 2000 and May, 2007, based on statistics provided by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office. 11/19/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Dying-without-Dignity---Homeless-Deaths-in-Los-Angeles-County-2000-2007-47141.aspx Homelessness is a complex problem that requires creative minds to aid in developing a solution. On this page, the Executive Director of On time for Recovery documents the "face of homelessness" in the United States, his motivation for developing this creative solution: provide homeless individuals with watches. 11/19/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/On-Time-for-Recoverys-Homelessness-page-47140.aspx This blog page documents the success of outreach workers from On Time for Recovery in their efforts to assist the homeless with getting to appointments and scheduling activities in their lives. 11/19/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/On-Time-for-Recoverys-Blog-47139.aspx The Living Cities Catalyst Fund is a powerful way for qualified investors to pool and invest flexible capital to revitalize America’s cities and transform the lives of low income people. (Authors) 11/19/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Catalyst-Fund-47138.aspx Constable Al Arsenault, along with six other policemen, document the people on their beat to create a powerful film about drug abuse. This group of officers developed a unique relationship with addicts in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. In this documentary, drug addicts talk openly about how they got to the streets and send a powerful message of caution to others about the dangers of drug abuse. 11/18/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Through-a-Blue-Lens-47137.aspx This Oscar®-winning animated short from Chris Landreth is based on the life of Ryan Larkin, a Canadian animator who, 30 years ago, produced some of the most influential animated films of his time. Ryan is living every artist's worst nightmare - having lost his ability to create and succumbing to addiction, he panhandles on the streets to make ends meet. Through the use of computer-generated characters, Landreth interviews his friend and colleague in an effort to shed light on his downward spiral. Some strong language. Viewer discretion is advised. 11/18/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Ryan-47136.aspx Murray Siple's feature-length documentary follows a group of homeless men who have combined bottle picking with the extreme sport of racing shopping carts down the steep hills of North Vancouver. This subculture depicts street life as much more than the stereotypes portrayed in mainstream media. The film takes a deep look into the lives of the men who race carts, the adversity they face and the appeal of cart racing despite the risk. Shot in high-definition and featuring tracks from Black Mountain, Ladyhawk, Vetiver, Bison, and Alan Boyd of Little Sparta. 11/18/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Carts-of-Darkness-47135.aspx This documentary follows Jimmy Quinlan, one of some 5000 men and women who have abandoned their jobs and families to live in the streets and alleys in Montreal. This film, a powerful portrayal of life on skid row, tells of Jimmy's "agonies," especially his attempt to get off the bottle. It's something he's tried before and will probably have to try again. 11/18/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/The-Agony-of-Jimmy-Quinlan-47134.aspx This documentary portrays the front-line street workers who serve the needy under the umbrella of the Salvation Army. One of the world's largest social agencies, the Army is a religious institution that serves the practical needs of people first, believing that religion is of no use to anyone who is hungry, homeless and hopeless. Join filmmaker Rosemary House as she peers into the hearts and minds of people on both sides of the street – those who help, and those who need help. Shot in the streets of Toronto at Christmastime, the film chronicles the small hopes and tiny victories of life lived below the poverty line and the daily rewards for those who work to serve others. 11/18/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Salvation-47133.aspx The Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau is a program of the National Coalition for the Homeless that is comprised of people who are or have been homeless. It works to educate the public about homelessness and what can be done to end it. This approach is a unique and necessary tool because it establishes a significant platform for those whom homelessness affects directly to talk personally about their experiences. Additionally, the Speakers' Bureau creates opportunities for members to advocate for themselves and others, as well as build the necessary bridges with the rest of society so that we may work cooperatively to end this disgrace called homelessness. 11/18/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Faces-of-Homelessness-A-Manual-47132.aspx Each year, as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, many people take time to consider what they are thankful for, and donate some of their time to those less fortunate. Every year, in the spirit of Thanksgiving and education, the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness co-sponsor National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, one week prior to Thanksgiving. During this week, schools, communities and cities throughout the nation endeavor to bring a greater awareness to the issues of hunger and homelessness. This manual not only serves as a guide to evaluate past efforts, but also as a tool to inspire your community to get involved with National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week! 11/18/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/National-Hunger-and-Homelessness-Awareness-Week-November-15-21-2009-47131.aspx Each year since 1990, on or near the first day of winter, which is the longest night of the year, the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) has sponsored National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness and to remember our homeless friends who have paid the ultimate price for our nation’s failure to end homelessness. Beginning in 2005, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council and the National Consumer Advisory Board joined NCH as co-sponsors of this meaningful event. In an effort to maximize the impact of the day, we encourage local and statewide organizations to hold memorials for those who have died homeless in their communities. In 2008, more than 120 cities conducted Memorial Day events on or around December 21 to honor the more than 3200 people who died homeless last year. 11/18/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Homeless-Persons-Memorial-Day-2009-Organizing-Manual-47130.aspx The twentieth anniversary of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act on July 22, 2007, marked the onset of the third decade of the national government response to mass homelessness in the United States. An assembly of nonprofit organizations concerned with homelessness used the occasion of the McKinney Act anniversary to declare five fundamental principles that must animate public policy in a nation without mass homelessness. 11/18/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Endorsing-Five-Fundamentals-to-Prevent-and-End-Homelessness-A-Challenge-to-Candidates-for-Public-Office-47129.aspx The Energy Efficiency Opportunity Fund is a Groundbreaking Social Investment Fund that will finance innovative job-creation and energy-saving efforts in low-income communities. (Authors) 11/18/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Energy-Efficiency-Opportunity-Fund-47127.aspx Food Banks Canada leads national initiatives in order to bring about positive change on behalf of our nation’s hungry. These include advocacy, food acquisition and sharing, as well as raising awareness of the issue of hunger. Here are highlights of 2008 activities. 11/18/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Building-Momentum-47125.aspx This study examines the nature of traumatic experiences on children and the effects that they have on the longevity of life and/or premature death. 11/18/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Adverse-Childhood-Experiences-and-the-Risk-of-Premature-Mortality-47117.aspx 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Pandemic-H1N1-2009-Response-Plan-47116.aspx General infecton control. 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Influenza-A-H1N1-and-the-Homeless-Information-for-Shelter-Facilties-47115.aspx A comprehensive report on hunger and food bank use in Canada, and recommendations for change. 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Hunger-Count-2009-47114.aspx This is the fourth edition of the Ontario Health Plan for an Influenza Pandemic (OHPIP), which is designed to guide planning at both the provincial and local levels across Ontario. It describes how Ontario’s health care system will respond to an influenza pandemic. OHPIP sets out a comprehensive province-wide approach to health preparedness and response planning, and provides information to guide local pandemic planning groups. OHPIP endeavours to strike a balance between providing enough direction to ensure a consistent provincial health response to an influenza pandemic, and giving local jurisdictions the flexibility to respond to different scenarios that may arise during a pandemic. 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Ontario-Health-Plan-for-an-Influenza-Pandemic-47111.aspx This document provides a pandemic plan for housing, residential, and school service providers in Renfrew County. 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Renfrew-County-and-District-Pandemic-Influenza-Plan-A-Planning-Guide-for-Housing-Residential-and-School-Service-Providers-47109.aspx This checklist will help you to plan your response to an influenza pandemic, as it might affect your program or facility. The checklist is divided into three sections. 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Pandemic-Response-Planning-Checklist-for-Homeless-and-Housing-Services-Providers-47107.aspx This document is an annex to the Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan for the Health Sector. 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/The-Role-of-Emergency-Social-Services-in-Planning-for-Pandemic-Influenza-in-Canada-47105.aspx The purpose of this planning guide is to help Alberta’s vulnerable populations and the Shelter Serving Agencies prepare for seasonal and pandemic influenza. These populations include seniors, persons with developmental disabilities, special needs, addictions and/or mental health issues, as well as those who are homeless (sheltered or unsheltered). 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Influenza-Planning-Guide-for-Albertas-Vulnerable-Populations-and-Shelter-Serving-Agencies-47104.aspx The purpose of this Plan is to inform British Columbians about the global and local risks of an influenza pandemic, and to provide the information and guidelines needed to fulfill roles and responsibilities to minimize these risks. 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/British-Columbia-Pandemic-Influenza-Preparedness-Plan-47103.aspx This guide will provide you with information to help you prepare for and protect yourself and your family against the H1N1 flu virus. Find out the symptoms, risks, and how to care for someone who is sick, as well as information to find additional resources from local sources. 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Your-H1N1-Preparedness-Guide-47102.aspx The purpose of this tool kit is to provide a user-friendly electronic package designed to assist exercise planners in the Canadian health sector plan, design and prepare a generic, scalable pandemic influenza tabletop exercise. 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Tool-Kit-Pandemic-Influenza-Exercise-for-the-Health-and-Emergency-Social-Services-Sectors-47101.aspx The goals of influenza pandemic preparedness and response are: First, to minimize serious illness and overall deaths, and second to minimize societal disruption among Canadians as a result of an influenza pandemic. These goals will be realized only through the coordinated efforts of all levels of government in planning and preparation. 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/The-Canadian-Pandemic-Influenza-Plan-for-the-Health-Sector-47100.aspx The purpose of this document is to help staff to prevent or reduce transmission of H1N1 influenza (flu). Shelter staff and volunteers have an important role in protecting clients and the community from contagious diseases such as flu. At this time, the primary means to reduce spread of influenza is to:  Separate staff and clients with flu-like illness from non-ill clients  Practice hand washing, and  Use cough etiquette 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Preventing-H1N1-Influenza-Flu-A-Guideline-for-Homeless-Shelters-Emergency-Shelters-and-Transitional-Facilities-47099.aspx The following symptoms have been observed during the first wave of pandemic H1N1 and should also be considered in the clinical diagnosis of ILI at this time: 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Clinical-Decision-Making-Algorithm-for-Adults-Adolescents-47098.aspx Summary of Infection Prevention Guidelines for Influenza including Pandemic H1N1 Influenza 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Residential-Care-Facilities-and-Community-Residential-Programs-Summary-of-Infection-Prevention-Guidelines-for-Influenza-47097.aspx The goal of the pandemic planning process is to minimize serious illness and mortality, and to reduce societal disruption in the population during an influenza pandemic. Planning will consider possible risks, hazards and vulnerabilities in order to reduce the negative impacts both on individuals and society as a whole. The planning process will identify the human and physical resources required to respond to a pandemic and to mitigate its effects. 11/17/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Pandemic-Influenza-Planning-Guidelines-Roles-and-Responsibilities-for-the-Health-Sector-47096.aspx Influenza pandemics are unpredictable but recurring events that can have severe consequences on human health and economic well being worldwide. Advance planning and preparedness are critical to help mitigate the impact of a global pandemic. This WHO guidance document Pandemic influenza preparedness and response significantly updates and replaces WHO global influenza preparedness plan: The role of WHO and recommendations for national measures before and during pandemics which was published in 2005. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Pandemic-Influenza-Preparedness-and-Response-A-WHO-Guidance-Document-47095.aspx While WHO and the United Nations (UN) have encouraged each country to create a national pandemic preparedness plan (PPP), these national plans, developed by government ministries including health and agriculture, may not take sufficiently into account refugee and displaced populations. This is particularly of concern in countries where health-care programmes for these populations are implemented by humanitarian agencies, often coordinated by UN organizations. This gap could leave these populations more vulnerable to the impact of a pandemic. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Pandemic-Influenza-Preparedness-and-Mitigation-in-Refugee-and-Displaced-Populations-47094.aspx The Nova Scotia Health System Pandemic Influenza Plan, based on the Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan (2004), will outline roles, responsibilities, and key activities of the healthsector response before, during, and following an influenza pandemic. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Nova-Scotia-Health-System-Pandemic-Influenza-Plan-47093.aspx The plan identifies mechanisms to implement contigency plans and divides the contigency planning process into three periods: -Inter-pandemic -Pandemic -Post-pandemic 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Pandemic-Influenza-Contingency-Plan-47092.aspx A pandemic plan serves to strengthen a health care system’s capacity to prevent, be prepared for and respond to public health risks. The Saskatchewan Pandemic Influenza Plan for the Health Care System (SPIP) was developed by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health (MoH) and provides the foundation for a provincial health care system response. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Saskatchewan-Pandemic-Influenza-Plan-for-the-Health-Care-System-47091.aspx We report rates of influenzalike illness (ILI) and influenza vaccination among homeless persons at 3 shelter clinics in New York City examined from 1997 through 2004. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Influenza-like-Illness-among-Homeless-Persons-47090.aspx Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that occurs primarily during the winter months in temperate climates. The illness is usually self-limited, but the elderly and persons with chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for serious complications. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications. To prevent the spread of influenza, residents of shelters and homeless persons should consider receiving annual influenza vaccination. The optimal time for vaccination is in the fall, and vaccination of all homeless persons on the same day or within the same week may be an effective strategy. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/The-Health-Care-of-Homeless-Persons-47089.aspx Ottawa’s Interagency Influenza Pandemic Plan is a living document and continues to evolve to reflect important developments in the political, legislative and scientific landscape. It was first released in 2005 and revised in 2008 to ensure a coordinated community response in Ottawa during an influenza pandemic. The goal of this joint effort is to curtail serious illness and death, and minimize societal disruption in the event of a pandemic. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Ottawas-Interagency-Influenza-Pandemic-Plan-47088.aspx This general planning guide has three purposes. First, it provides background information on pandemic influenza. Second, it outlines Toronto Public Health’s (TPH) role during an influenza pandemic. Third, it identifies issues and critical elements of emergency preparedness that businesses should consider in planning for an influenza pandemic. This guide will help planners develop more detailed business continuity plans for their organization. Although TPH will identify broad public health issues, every organization must plan for the specific disruptions it will face during a pandemic. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Toronto-Pandemic-Influenza-Plan-A-Planning-Guide-for-Homeless-and-Housing-Service-Providers-47087.aspx Toronto Public Health has prepared a number of planning guides to assist community partners in developing their own pandemic influenza plans. These documents were based on planning assumptions for a moderately severe pandemic and are therefore not meant to provide specific direction for responding to the 2009 H1N1 novel virus. The guides are intended to be used as planning tools. All agencies, businesses and other partners in the community should use these tools alongside the specific advice provided by federal, provincial and local authorities during an actual pandemic situation. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Toronto-Pandemic-Influenza-Plan-A-Planning-Guide-for-Community-Agencies-47086.aspx This guidance document is being provided by the MOHLTC in response to pH1N1 influenza. It is based on current, available scientific evidence and expert opinion about this emerging disease and is subject to review and change as new information becomes available. Given that there may be seasonal influenza and pH1N1 influenza circulating in the community at the same time, this guidance should assist shelters in preventing and managing ILI. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Guidance-for-the-Prevention-and-Management-of-Influenza-like-Illness-in-Shelters-during-the-Pandemic-H1N1-2009-47085.aspx This paper will demonstrate that it is both critical and possible for these two trends – attention to equity in health planning, and an increased capacity to address emergencies – to be connected. It will argue that the most vulnerable and health disadvantaged communities are most threatened during emergencies, and that commitments made between emergencies ought not to be put aside in times of crisis. Rather, there is no time when these commitments are more important. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Bridging-the-Preparedness-Divide-A-Framework-for-Health-Equity-in-Ontarios-Emergency-Management-Programs-47084.aspx This report responds to a Council recommendation that the Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer undertake a cost benefit analysis of the enhanced Streets to Homes Program to assess the social costs that are offset by this program as an aid to discussions with the Province and the Federal Government respecting the possibility of cost sharing this program, and report thereon to the Executive Committee. Previous research demonstrates that individuals who are housed through Streets to Homes are less likely to use costly emergency services such as shelters, ambulance and emergency hospital care, police services and jails. Just as these benefits across a range of service systems are shared by the City, the Province and the Federal government, the investment in the enhanced Streets to Homes Program should also be shared by all orders of government. This report provides general information on the estimated cost savings possible through changes in use of services by clients of the Streets to Homes Program. Once the enhanced program has been operational for a full year, further detailed analysis of the service use changes and cost savings will be conducted. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Cost-Savings-Analysis-of-the-Enhanced-Streets-to-Homes-Program-47082.aspx Homeless shelters and other homeless service sites continue to play an important part in protecting the health of the people they serve. People using homeless services depend on providers to maintain healthy living environments and to take measures to decrease the risk of influenza transmission. Homeless persons may bear particular risk of contracting influenza because of crowded and unsanitary living conditions, stressed immune systems, and close contact with highly transient persons. This is also the case for other communicable diseases, but the rapidly developing H1N1 epidemic calls for increased precautions and vigilance. Maintaining the health of an entire population who are at higher risk of influenza transmission is a significant task for organizations with limited resources and staff capacity. For this reason, pandemic influenza planning and response requires that homeless service providers collaborate with local, state, national, tribal, and territorial efforts. The purpose of this manual is to provide guidance for homeless shelters and other homeless service providers to plan for and to respond to the special needs of homeless individuals during the influenza season. Different facilities will need to tailor the guidance to meet the needs of their staff and the people they serve. This manual consolidates a number of materials developed by credible authorities. Information found in this manual includes: ■ General information about the 2009–2010 seasonal influenza and H1N1 (“swine flu”) influenza ■ Symptoms of influenza ■ Influenza transmission ■ Methods to decrease the spread of influenza among residents, clients, staff, volunteers, and visitors to homeless shelters and other homeless service sites ■ Caring for clients who have influenza or influenza-like illness ■ The importance of working with local, state, tribal, territorial, and national agencies 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Pandemic-Influenza-Guidance-For-Homeless-Shelters-and-Homeless-Service-Providers-47081.aspx The purpose of this planning guide is to help Seattle-King County homeless service agencies— including shelters, day programs, housing programs, and others—prepare for an influenza pandemic. This planning guide: • Provides information on influenza, what homeless agencies can expect, and where to get more information. Outlines Public Health—Seattle & King County’s (PHSKC) role during an influenza pandemic. • Lays out issues of special concern for homeless service agencies on pandemic flu preparation and response, and offers initial guidance. • Identifies areas for future discussion and planning. • Encourages organizations to start incorporating new practices in their day-to-day operations now that will help them during an influenza pandemic or any other emergency. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/An-Influenza-Pandemic-Planning-Guide-for-Homeless-and-Housing-Service-Providers-47080.aspx Emergency planning ought to be a top governmental priority; recent disasters have exposed system gaps and vulnerabilities in the Canadian emergency management system. The issue carries extremely high stakes, as it affects the livelihood of all Canadians and exacerbates the unmet needs of the most vulnerable groups. In this paper, we aim to address this topic and identify system and knowledge gaps, through careful studies of disasters in the recent Canadian history and the emergency responses to each. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Emergency-Preparedness-in-Canada-Case-Studies-on-Vulnerable-Populations-in-Large-Scale-Crises-47079.aspx While everybody is affected by a pandemic, everyone is not affected equally. People with compromised health face greater risks, and those with less income have less ability to take the practical steps to mitigate their risk. For instance, people living in homeless shelters with dozens or even hundreds of others cannot simply “stay at home and avoid contact with others” – which is advice commonly given during pandemics. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/When-it-comes-to-pandemics-no-one-can-be-left-out-47078.aspx The Calgary Homeless Foundation imported and adapted the ‘Vulnerability Index’ from Common Ground in New York City and have tested it in Calgary. With our program partners we’ve been successful in housing dozens of people off of the VI and have generated some outstanding new insight into our homeless population in the process. We’ve updated and adapted the Vulnerability Index into a Canadian re-housing tool we now call the “Re-Housing Triage and Assessment Survey (RTAS).” The RTAS is a survey that can be used to assess the health and vulnerability of homeless people in your community. It will help you to prioritize and match resources with client needs, by making sure that the supports and housing available in your communities are being accessed by those who need them the most. With the help of a Service Canada grant, we created a toolkit to show you how to use the RTAS. This toolkit is user friendly, adaptable to many settings and contexts and has been developed using research and best practices to ensure its value as an action tool for ending homelessness. The information in this toolkit can be used by community based service providers, government departments, funders, researchers or any organization interested in ending homelessness. This toolkit will show you how to use the Rehousing Triage and Assessment Survey (RTAS). The RTAS can be used to assess the health and vulnerability of homeless people in your community. It will help you to prioritize and match resources with client needs, by making sure that the supports and housing available in your communities are being accessed by those who need them the most. 11/16/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Re-Housing-Triage-and-Assessment-Survey-Toolkit-47077.aspx Most people who live in the United States of America have a home. They live just like we do, in houses or apartments. They have plenty of food to eat and a warm bed to sleep in. But not everybody is like us, some people don’t have homes. These people are homeless. This lesson can be used with elementary students to raise awareness about homlessness. 11/14/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Homelessness-Fact-Sheet-for-Elementary-Students-47076.aspx This lesson will look at a day in the life of a homeless person and offer students a different point of view. It will demonstrate the importance of social justice and encourage students to adopt values and actions that help other people. While written for a Catholic Elementary School, this lesson may be easily adapted for public school use. 11/14/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Day-in-the-Life-of-a-Homeless-Person-Lesson-Plan-47075.aspx The Kids Without Homes Toolkit was developed to raise awareness about homelessness and to provide compliance training for the McKinney-Vento Act. The toolkit was developed by the Region 12 Education Service Center in collaboration with Region 10 Education Service Center and the THEO office. 11/13/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Kids-Without-Homes-Toolkit-47074.aspx Featured here are lesson plans ranging from k-9. The curriculum is segmented into grades kindergarten to third, fourth to sixth, and seventh to ninth. Download the lesson plans appropriate for your students. The Coalition grants unlimited use to the curriculum when it is used for educational purposes. We also hope that this curriculum will be a valuable resource for your school to increase the sensitivity of staff and students, so that this school is a welcoming and caring place for those children who do not have a home. 11/13/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Classroom-Curriculum-47073.aspx On November 10, 2009, the National Alliance to End Homelessness released the 2008 Data Update to Vital Mission: Ending Homelessness Among Veterans. 11/13/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/2008-Data-Update-to-Vital-Mission--Ending-Homelessness-Among-Veterans-47070.aspx The Teacher Toolkit (the Toolkit) was created by the Homelessness and Housing Umbrella Group (HHUG). The HHUG is a non-partisan group consisting of concerned individuals, including individuals with lived experience, agencies and groups committed to preventing and reducing homelessness in Waterloo Region (www.hhug.ca). This resource was designed to provide you with the tools and information necessary to teach children about local and broad issues of homelessness in an age-appropriate manner. The information and materials in this guide are designed for elementary students – Grades K-8 – but elements can be adapted for older students as well. 11/13/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Teacher-Toolkit-A-resource-package-designed-to-assist-educators-in-teaching-students-about-homelessness-in-Waterloo-Region-47069.aspx Ensure that the workforce services system is designed to more effectively and efficiently serve people experiencing homelessness. 11/12/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/NCH-Public-Policy-Recommendations-Access-to-Workforce-Services-47068.aspx Bridge the gap between high housing costs and low incomes by authorizing and funding two million new Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income families. 11/12/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/NCH-Public-Policy-Recommendations-Housing-Choice-Vouchers-47067.aspx Ensure that each American receives a livable income -- an annual wage or public income security assistance amount that is set at a level sufficient to obtain and maintain safe and decent permanent housing and other basic human needs. The livable income level should vary for individuals and families and be indexed to the cost of affordable housing in the geographic area in which they reside. 11/12/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/NCH-Public-Policy-Recommendations-Universal-Livable-Incomes-47066.aspx Reduce violent crime against homeless people by including them as a protected class under federal hate crimes statutes. 11/12/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/NCH-Public-Policy-Recommendations-Homeless-Hate-Crimes-Legislation-47065.aspx Ensure homeless people with addictions and mental illness receive the necessary treatment and assistance to help them recover and end their homeless conditions. 11/12/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/NCH-Public-Policy-Recommendations-Homeless-Access-to-Recovery-through-Treatment-Act-47064.aspx Ensure that people in rural areas experiencing homelessness receive the same opportunities for homeless assistance as homeless persons in urban and suburban populations by establishing a rural homeless assistance program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 11/12/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/NCH-Public-Policy-Recommendations-Rural-Homeless-Assistance-Act-47063.aspx Implement the newly reauthorized HUD McKinney-Vento (HMV) programs in a manner that allow all homeless people to be eligible for HMV housing and services and that ensures maximum flexibility to communities in their use of federal funds. 11/11/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/NCH-Public-Policy-Recommendations-HUD-McKinney-Vento-Reauthorization-47062.aspx Assure the federal response to the national mortgage foreclosure crisis includes actions to prevent homelessness among owners and tenants losing their homes. 11/11/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/NCH-Public-Policy-Recommendations-Foreclosure-and-Homelessness-Prevention-47061.aspx Seek additional dedicated funding sources for the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) to finance the production, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable housing units for low and very-low income people. 11/11/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/NCH-Public-Policy-Recommendations-National-Housing-Trust-Fund-47060.aspx End homelessness through a comprehensive national response that addresses the housing, health care, income, and civil rights causal factors and consequences of extreme poverty. 11/11/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/NCH-Public-Policy-Recommendations-Bring-America-Home-Act-47059.aspx HRC is sponsoring FREE ACCESS to the full text of each article. Check out the links below to download the full articles. You can also earn 10 continuing education credits by reviewing these articles. Each article below has information and a form to complete to request credits. 11/10/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Special-Section-of-the-American-Journal-of-Orthopsychiatry-Parenting-and-Homelessness-47058.aspx This film is an exploration of how the drug afflicted homeless population affects society as a whole with exclusive interviews with Chicago's top social and political leaders. Schodorf's relationship with the men allows the viewer to get a true inside look at what life is like as a permanent resident of the streets. Poverty in Chicago, also, investigates the devastating loss of over 150 lives in the winter of 2006 at the hand of a deadly heroin epidemic. (Authors) 11/10/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Poverty-In-Chicago-47057.aspx Psychological First Aid for Youth Experiencing Homelessness is designed to provide a framework and a model for intervention by direct care staff working in drop-in centers, emergency and transitional shelters, and group homes so they can better understand and address the needs of homeless youth who are often impacted by trauma. (Authors) 11/10/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Psychological-First-Aid-for-Youth-Experiencing-Homelessness-47056.aspx In the absence of an adequate supply of affordable, quality housing, child welfare agencies are placed in the unenviable position of separating families to protect children from the debilitating effects of homelessness. This article presents recommendations for cost effective housing-child welfare partnerships that will shift the burden of providing adequate housing back to housing agencies. These partnerships have the potential to move child welfare agencies closer to achieving permanence and well-being for all children. (Authors) 11/10/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Reunifying-families-cutting-costs--housing-child-welfare-partnerships-for-permanent-supportive-housing-Housing-and-homelessness-47055.aspx This resource, developed by the Hollywood Homeless Youth Partnership, explores the benefits of helping youth recognize how trauma impacts their lives. It provides information about how to work with youth through the recognition process. 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Trauma-Informed-Consequences-for-Homeless-Youth-47054.aspx Trauma is very prevalent amongst homeless youth and being able to recognize the signs of trauma is integral to organizations working with this population. These ten tips, written by the Hollywood Homeless youth Partnership, provide useful insight to all organizations working with homeless youth. 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/10-Reasons-for-Integrating-Trauma-Informed-Approaches-in-Programs-For-Runaway-and-Homeless-Youth-47053.aspx This report, by Erik Sten, chronicles the city commissioners process of establishing a goal oriented plan to end homelessness in Portland, Oregon through listening to the homeless population of the city. 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/A-Human-Connection-How-Portland-Ore-Made-a-Huge-Dent-in-Chronic-Homelessness-47052.aspx Educating Children Without Housing: A Primer on Legal Requirements and Implementation Strategies for Educators, Advocates and Policymakers, 3rd Edition, provides innovative strategies for educators and school administrators, state coordinators and policymakers, and advocates and attorneys to play a role in ensuring the education rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness. (Authors) 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Educating-Children-Without-Housing-A-Primer-on-Legal-Requirements-and-Implementation-Strategies-for-Educators-Advocates-and-Policymakers-3rd-Edition-47051.aspx A comprehensive guide containing practical information to help immigrants settle into everyday life in the United States, as well as basic civics information that introduces new immigrants to the U.S. system of government. This guide is available in 14 languages. (Author) 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Welcome-to-the-United-States-A-Guide-for-New-Immigrants-47050.aspx Learn about federal benefits policy and how potential changes and reforms can affect the immigrant community in Massachusetts. MIRA monitors federal policy concerning food stamps, health care, cash assistance, and services for immigrant victims of violence. (Author) 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Access-to-Benefits-47049.aspx Runaway and Homeless Youth and the Law: Model State Statutes is a unique publication that provides guidance for policymakers, advocates, attorneys and service providers on how state laws can assist homeless and runaway youth. (Authors) 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Runaway-and-Homeless-Youth-and-the-Law-Model-State-Statutes-47048.aspx This comprehensive National Immigration Law Center webpage contains a list of public benefit resources for new immigrants, including: federal eligibility, state eligibility, and legal rights. 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Immigrants-and-Public-Benefits-47047.aspx Public charge has been part of U.S. immigration law for more than 100 years as a ground of inadmissibility and deportation. Receiving public benefits does not automatically make an individual a public charge. This fact sheet seeks to inform non-citizens about public charge determinations and help them to make informed choices about whether to apply for certain public benefits. (Author) 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Public-Charge-Fact-Sheet-47046.aspx The 2009 Annual report from the Community Housing Partnership provides details about the San Fransisco based organization and their successes in working with the areas homeless population. 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Community-Housing-Partnership-2009-Annual-Report-47045.aspx This document provides an overview of immigrant eligibility for the major federal public assistance programs. Some states provide assistance to immigrants who are not eligible for federally funded services. (Author) 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Overview-of-Immigrant-Eligibility-for-Federal-Programs-47044.aspx This article discusses the averse effects of trauma on life longevity. It provides a review of a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, title: "Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Risk of Premature Mortality." 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Traumatic-Childhood-Takes-20-Years-Off-Life-Expectancy-47043.aspx Research suggests that may families facing homelessness---especially women and their children---have experienced traumatic events. By following the guidelines in this resource, shelter providers can help families in crisis feel safe and connect to services---the first step to long-term stability. This product was developed by the Ambit Network, a Minneapolis-based university-community partnership. 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Psychological-First-Aid-for-Families-Experiencing-Homelessness-Fostering-Resilience-Among-Displaced-Traumatized-Families-47042.aspx Every year 24,000 youth in the foster care system turn eighteen and age out of care. These youth are expected to live independently long before the majority of their peers, with few resources and little or no family support. They are at a high risk for homelessness. Dominique Wright is one of these youth. She and her daughter Aniya have found a place to call home at the Edwin Gould Academy in New York City. The Edwin Gould Academy provides resources and support for young people who have grown up without a safety net. 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/An-Awesome-Feeling-Youth-Who-Have-Aged-Out-of-Foster-Care-Find-Support-in-New-York-City-47041.aspx The PACT (Intervention with Parents and Children Together, Inc.) Therapeutic Nursery serves children under age 3 who are living in emergency shelters with their parents. “We have found that there are often major delays in speech and language and play has regressed. There is a link between language and play.” This article gives an overview of the PACT Therapeutic Nursery’s efforts to support families experiencing homelessness. 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/Essential-Bonds-PACT-Therapeutic-Nursery-in-Baltimore-47040.aspx The University of New Mexico School of Medicine is developing and integrating a four-year curriculum in poverty and health. The goal is to prepare tomorrow’s clinicians to effectively address the profound impact of poverty on individual and population health. Included herein: curriculum plan; teaching and learning activities; resources to guide others in developing curricula; and many resources specific to teaching poverty and health. 11/9/2009 http://pathprogram.samhsa.gov/Resource/The-University-of-New-Mexico-School-of-Medicine-poverty-and-health-curriculum-47039.aspx