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Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless 160 Broad Street Providence, RI 02903 Phone 401.421.6458 Fax 401.421.6426
See staff page for contact information.
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Request for Assistance Social Security Income/Social Security Disability Income Outreach, Access and Recovery Technical Assistance Grant (SOAR) Need: The “Rhode Island Emergency Shelter Information Project Annual Report” (July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006) notes that 33% of those who are homeless have no income. Of those who have experienced long term homelessness, 84% have annual incomes under $5,000. One of the most significant barriers to ending long-term homelessness is reported to be lack of income and a related lack of eligibility for subsidized housing and Medicaid services. The Rhode Island homeless system has identified adoption of an SSI/SSDI enrollment project as the most important immediate action step in our plan to end homelessness. Our experience has confirmed this need. Increased enrollment would provide eligibility for housing and access to other mainstream services. The State of Rhode Island has received a SOAR technical assistance grant from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in order to develop and implement an action plan designed to increase access to SSI/SSDI. Key stakeholders met on October 16 and 17, 2007 for a professionally facilitated in-state forum. As an initial step, a Request for Assistance is being issued in order to enable agencies to propose appropriate staff persons to become Rhode Island’s first SOAR Trainers. Request: The SOAR Leadership Committee is requesting assistance to implement Rhode Island’s planned approach to increase successful enrollment of homeless persons in SSI/SSDI through a statewide “train the trainers” model. Our goal is to ensure that each region of the state has agencies with designated staff trained in outreach and completion of applications targeted at those who are homeless and disabled. These trained staff would have established links to liaisons within the Social Security Administration and the state Disability Determination Services. The Committee will select one representative from each of three agencies to attend SAMHSA’s Stepping Stones for Recovery Train-the-Trainer Program to be held January 7-10, 2008 in Baltimore, Maryland. This training will provide the selected agencies with the capacity for on-going state-wide training and technical assistance to case managers and to others who are assisting the homeless with SSI/SSDI applications. Through this approach, we would ensure access to specialized assistance in applying for SSI/SSDI to the entire homeless population. Request for Assistance Scope of Work:
Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants include the Community Mental Health Organization in each region, community service organizations, and/or area shelter and supportive housing providers. Budget: Registration cost and travel expenses for two persons will be provided through funding HHS and HUD. The State of Rhode Island Dept. of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals and the Corporation for Supportive Housing will provide funding for two additional participants. Please e-mail (preferred) fax, or send your application no later than November 14, 2007 to: Karen Jeffreys, Associate Director Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless 160 Broad Street Providence, RI 02903 Fax: 421-6426 Please include:
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United Way Donor Number 6077
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