This toolkit offers resources and guidance to help emergency and public health officials, homeless service providers, and health care providers connect with each other and plan for the disaster needs of people experiencing homelessness in their communities. The Toolkit is divided into three sections:
- Creating an Inclusive Emergency Management System – Section 1 provides guidance for identifying and collaborating with partners to address disaster response and recovery needs of homeless individuals.
- Guidance for Homeless Service Providers: Planning for Service Continuity – Section 2 provides strategies, tools and guidance for homeless service providers to engage in preparedness and minimize service disruption from a disaster.
- Guidance for Health Care Providers – Section 3 provides guidance to enhance the capacity of healthcare settings with providers experienced in serving people who are homeless, and provide expanded care following a disaster or public health emergency.
The toolkit is a joint project of the Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center (VEMEC) in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) Office in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).