The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic poses a clear risk to people experiencing homelessness as well as service provider organizations. To help better connect people to the services they need, we are creating a database of resources for advocates and providers to use during COVID-19.

While most of these resources will be Connecticut-specific, we are also monitoring and engaging in federal advocacy work through organizations like the National Alliance to End Homelessness and National Low Income Housing Coalition.

A list of resources can be found below:

PSC Resources

On December 4, the HOMEConnecticut Campaign wrote to Governor Lamont asking him to extend the state’s eviction moratorium through at least March 1, 2021 and dedicate at least an additional $100 million to the state’s emergency rental assistance program.

On April 15, the HOMEConnecticut Campaign sent a list of legislative and administrative recommendations to Governor Ned Lamont and top state officials. The list of recommendations aims to preserve housing stability for Connecticut's most vulnerable residents during the current economic downturn.

On March 31, the Reaching Home Campaign sent a letter to Governor Ned Lamont and state COO Josh Geballe, asking that state stimulus funds be set aside to house the homeless and provide rental assistance to families at risk of eviction. This letter can be found here.

On March 16, the Reaching Home Campaign sent the Lamont administration and state lawmakers a list of policy proposals to consider in the wake of COVID-19. This letter can be found here.

PSC has also compiled a list of COVID-19 Response funding opportunities for regional and statewide housing organizations in Connecticut. Click here to view the list of funding opportunities.

 

General Resources

The CDC home page on coronavirus can be found here.

Connecticut's state government is maintaining a state-specific web page on coronavirus, which can be found here. In addition, the State of Connecticut has released a comprehensive coronavirus FAQ on their website.

The Connecticut Data Collaborative has created a COVID-19 dashboard with daily updates on Connecticut data. The dashboard can be found here.

Your local health administration is a vital resource in providing information on COVID-19 in your community. Connecticut residents can find their local health administration here.

On April 10, Governor Ned Lamont issued Executive Order 7X, which extends protections to renters impacted by COVID-19. Click here to view a FAQ put together by the state explaining the executive order.

The Connecticut Department of Housing has compiled a list of COVID-19 housing notices. Click here to view the DOH webpage.

 

For Tenants

ProPublica has produced a database which allows tenants to search whether their homes are covered by state and federal eviction moratoriums. This database can be found here.

 

For Service Providers

The National Alliance to End Homelessness has released "A Framework for COVID-19 Homelessness Response," describing how homeless systems can use the CARES Act and other funding sources to bolster their homelessness response.

The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness has released a resource guide for providers in order to assist with preparation and prevention of spread of COVID-19 in Connecticut.

The CDC has prepared a list of best practices for shelters in order to prevent spread of COVID-19.

The CDC has also released a guide for responding to COVID-19 among people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

The CDC has released a guide for screening shelter clients for respiratory infection symptoms upon entry.

The CDC has created posters for shelter providers in order to inform staff and clients of critical life-saving practices.

HUD's Infectious Disease Toolkit has provided guidance on how to prevent spread of COVID-19 for people experiencing homelessness, at shelters, and at homeless encampments.

CSH has prepared a guide on coronavirus for supportive housing providers.

SAMSHA has released guidance for providers treating substance use disorders during COVID-19.

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) has created a resources webpage for providers, families, and clients. It also includes information on mental health services and telehealth resources.

Connecticut Legal Services has created a resource webpage for providers and clients to get legal information about access to court services, school, work, benefits, housing, and more during the COVID-19 crisis.

 

Affordable Housing Resources

The Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association has collected resources for Connecticut planners and municipalities here.

Shipman & Goodwin has released a COVID-19 Resource Center covering many practice areas, including the category Updates Related to Real Estate and Construction. Click here to view.

Connecticut Home Builders & Remodelers have a list of resources for their members on their homepage.

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) has created a COVID-19 Updates & Resources page.

 

For Advocates

The Connecticut Fair Housing Center is providing regular updates on fair housing enforcement during the coronavirus outbreak.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition has created a map of properties that are covered under the federal moratorium on evictions.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition and National Alliance to End Homelessness are providing regular advocacy updates during COVID-19, including action alerts to ensure a federal housing response. We will be sharing these action alerts as they come out.

 

For Medical Professionals

The Center for Childrens' Advocacy has produced a one-page fact sheet on how pediatricians can advise their patients during COVID-19.

 

For Education Professionals

Schoolhouse Connection has released a COVID-19 checklist for local education agencies and early childhood providers.

The Hope Center for College, Community & Justice has released a coronavirus response guide for organizations that interact with students experiencing homelessness.