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HEALTH CENTER PROGRAM

HEALTH CENTER PROGRAM

HEALTH CENTER PROGRAM

HEALTH CENTER PROGRAM

PURPOSE: THE CONTINUUM OF CARE (COC) PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY-WIDE COMMITMENT TO THE GOAL OF ENDING HOMELESSNESS; PROVIDE FUNDING FOR EFFORTS BY NONPROFIT PROVIDERS, STATES, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO QUICKLY HOUSE HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHILE MINIMIZING THE TRAUMA AND DISLOCATION CAUSED TO HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES BY HOMELESSNESS; PROMOTE ACCESS TO AND EFFECTIVE UTILIZATION OF MAINSTREAM PROGRAMS BY HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES; AND OPTIMIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY AMONG INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. THE MOST RECENT COC AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT LISTING AWARDS BY STATE AND COC IS ACCESSIBLE AT HTTPS://WWW.HUD.GOV/PROGRAM_OFFICES/COMM_PLANNING/COC/AWARDS. SELECT THE LINK UNDER THE FUNDING AND AWARD INFORMATION SECTION FOR THE APPROPRIATE FISCAL YEAR.; ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM FUNDS MAY BE USED TO PAY FOR THE ELIGIBLE COSTS USED TO ESTABLISH AND OPERATE PROJECTS UNDER FIVE PROGRAM COMPONENTS: (1) PERMANENT HOUSING, WHICH INCLUDES PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, AND RAPID REHOUSING; (2) TRANSITIONAL HOUSING; (3) SUPPORTIVE SERVICES ONLY; (4) HOMELESS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (HMIS), AND (5) IN SOME CASES, HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION. THIRTEEN TYPES OF ASSISTANCE MAY BE PROVIDED THROUGH THE CONTINUUM OF CARE (COC) PROGRAM: (1) COC PLANNING ACTIVITIES/COSTS FOR DESIGNING AND CARRYING OUT A COLLABORATIVE PROCESS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN APPLICATION TO HUD; (2) UNITED FUNDING AGENCY (UFA) COSTS FOR FISCAL CONTROL AND ACCOUNTING NECESSARY TO ASSURE THE PROPER DISBURSAL OF, AND ACCOUNTING FOR, FEDERAL FUNDS AWARDED TO SUBRECIPIENTS UNDER THE CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM, (3) ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY (INCLUDING STRUCTURES) FOR USE IN THE PROVISION OF HOUSING OR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES; (4) REHABILITATION OF STRUCTURES TO PROVIDE HOUSING OR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES; (5) NEW CONSTRUCTION, INCLUDING THE BUILDING OF A NEW STRUCTURE OR BUILDING AN ADDITION TO AN EXISTING STRUCTURE FOR USE AS SUPPORTIVE HOUSING; (6) LEASING OF A STRUCTURE OR STRUCTURES, OR PORTIONS THEREOF, TO PROVIDE HOUSING OR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES; (7) RENTAL ASSISTANCE, WHICH MAY BE SHORT-TERM, MEDIUM-TERM, OR LONG-TERM, AS WELL AS TENANT-BASED, PROJECT-BASED, OR SPONSOR-BASED, FOR TRANSITIONAL OR PERMANENT HOUSING; (8) SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO ASSIST PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN HOUSING; (9) OPERATING COSTS OF SUPPORTIVE HOUSING; (10) COSTS OF IMPLEMENTING AND OPERATING HMIS; (11) PROJECT ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS; (12) RELOCATION COSTS; AND (13) INDIRECT COSTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH 2 CFR PARTS 200, AS APPLICABLE. IN ADDITION TO USING GRANT FUNDS FOR THE ELIGIBLE COSTS DESCRIBED ABOVE, RECIPIENTS AND SUBRECIPIENTS IN CONTINUUMS OF CARE DESIGNATED AS HIGH PERFORMING COMMUNITIES MAY ALSO USE GRANT FUNDS TO PROVIDE HOUSING RELOCATION AND STABILIZATION SERVICES AND SHORT- AND/OR MEDIUM-TERM RENTAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS AS SET FORTH IN 24 CFR 576.103 AND 24 CFR 576.104, IF NECESSARY TO PREVENT THE INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY FROM BECOMING HOMELESS. LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS: NO ASSISTANCE PROVIDED UNDER PROGRAM (OR ANY STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDS USED TO SUPPLEMENT THIS ASSISTANCE) MAY BE USED TO REPLACE STATE OR LOCAL FUNDS PREVIOUSLY USED, OR DESIGNATED FOR USE, TO ASSIST HOMELESS PERSONS OR PERSONS AT-RISK OF HOMELESSNESS.; EXPECTED OUTCOMES: DECREASE IN THE NUMBER INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, MORE SPECIFICALLY USING PERFORMANCE INDICATORS SUCH AS THE LENGTH OF TIME HOMELESS, RETURNS TO HOMELESSNESS OVER TIME, AND EXITS TO PERMANENT HOUSING. COC PERFORMANCE PROFILE REPORTS CAN BE FOUND AT HTTPS://WWW.HUDEXCHANGE.INFO/PROGRAMS/COC/COC-PERFORMANCE-PROFILE-REPORTS/.; INTENDED BENEFICIARIES: INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.; SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES: THE SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES ARE UNKNOWN AT THE TIME OF AWARD.

CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM

PURPOSE: THE CONTINUUM OF CARE (COC) PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY-WIDE COMMITMENT TO THE GOAL OF ENDING HOMELESSNESS; PROVIDE FUNDING FOR EFFORTS BY NONPROFIT PROVIDERS, STATES, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO QUICKLY HOUSE HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHILE MINIMIZING THE TRAUMA AND DISLOCATION CAUSED TO HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES BY HOMELESSNESS; PROMOTE ACCESS TO AND EFFECTIVE UTILIZATION OF MAINSTREAM PROGRAMS BY HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES; AND OPTIMIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY AMONG INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. THE MOST RECENT COC AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT LISTING AWARDS BY STATE AND COC IS ACCESSIBLE AT HTTPS://WWW.HUD.GOV/PROGRAM_OFFICES/COMM_PLANNING/COC/AWARDS. SELECT THE LINK UNDER THE FUNDING AND AWARD INFORMATION SECTION FOR THE APPROPRIATE FISCAL YEAR.; ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM FUNDS MAY BE USED TO PAY FOR THE ELIGIBLE COSTS USED TO ESTABLISH AND OPERATE PROJECTS UNDER FIVE PROGRAM COMPONENTS: (1) PERMANENT HOUSING, WHICH INCLUDES PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, AND RAPID REHOUSING; (2) TRANSITIONAL HOUSING; (3) SUPPORTIVE SERVICES ONLY; (4) HOMELESS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (HMIS), AND (5) IN SOME CASES, HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION. THIRTEEN TYPES OF ASSISTANCE MAY BE PROVIDED THROUGH THE CONTINUUM OF CARE (COC) PROGRAM: (1) COC PLANNING ACTIVITIES/COSTS FOR DESIGNING AND CARRYING OUT A COLLABORATIVE PROCESS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN APPLICATION TO HUD; (2) UNITED FUNDING AGENCY (UFA) COSTS FOR FISCAL CONTROL AND ACCOUNTING NECESSARY TO ASSURE THE PROPER DISBURSAL OF, AND ACCOUNTING FOR, FEDERAL FUNDS AWARDED TO SUBRECIPIENTS UNDER THE CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM, (3) ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY (INCLUDING STRUCTURES) FOR USE IN THE PROVISION OF HOUSING OR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES; (4) REHABILITATION OF STRUCTURES TO PROVIDE HOUSING OR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES; (5) NEW CONSTRUCTION, INCLUDING THE BUILDING OF A NEW STRUCTURE OR BUILDING AN ADDITION TO AN EXISTING STRUCTURE FOR USE AS SUPPORTIVE HOUSING; (6) LEASING OF A STRUCTURE OR STRUCTURES, OR PORTIONS THEREOF, TO PROVIDE HOUSING OR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES; (7) RENTAL ASSISTANCE, WHICH MAY BE SHORT-TERM, MEDIUM-TERM, OR LONG-TERM, AS WELL AS TENANT-BASED, PROJECT-BASED, OR SPONSOR-BASED, FOR TRANSITIONAL OR PERMANENT HOUSING; (8) SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO ASSIST PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN HOUSING; (9) OPERATING COSTS OF SUPPORTIVE HOUSING; (10) COSTS OF IMPLEMENTING AND OPERATING HMIS; (11) PROJECT ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS; (12) RELOCATION COSTS; AND (13) INDIRECT COSTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH 2 CFR PARTS 200, AS APPLICABLE. IN ADDITION TO USING GRANT FUNDS FOR THE ELIGIBLE COSTS DESCRIBED ABOVE, RECIPIENTS AND SUBRECIPIENTS IN CONTINUUMS OF CARE DESIGNATED AS HIGH PERFORMING COMMUNITIES MAY ALSO USE GRANT FUNDS TO PROVIDE HOUSING RELOCATION AND STABILIZATION SERVICES AND SHORT- AND/OR MEDIUM-TERM RENTAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS AS SET FORTH IN 24 CFR 576.103 AND 24 CFR 576.104, IF NECESSARY TO PREVENT THE INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY FROM BECOMING HOMELESS. LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS: NO ASSISTANCE PROVIDED UNDER PROGRAM (OR ANY STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDS USED TO SUPPLEMENT THIS ASSISTANCE) MAY BE USED TO REPLACE STATE OR LOCAL FUNDS PREVIOUSLY USED, OR DESIGNATED FOR USE, TO ASSIST HOMELESS PERSONS OR PERSONS AT-RISK OF HOMELESSNESS.; EXPECTED OUTCOMES: DECREASE IN THE NUMBER INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, MORE SPECIFICALLY USING PERFORMANCE INDICATORS SUCH AS THE LENGTH OF TIME HOMELESS, RETURNS TO HOMELESSNESS OVER TIME, AND EXITS TO PERMANENT HOUSING. COC PERFORMANCE PROFILE REPORTS CAN BE FOUND AT HTTPS://WWW.HUDEXCHANGE.INFO/PROGRAMS/COC/COC-PERFORMANCE-PROFILE-REPORTS/.; INTENDED BENEFICIARIES: INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.; SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES: THE SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES ARE UNKNOWN AT THE TIME OF AWARD.

HEALTH CENTER PROGRAM

CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM

PROJECT LAUNCH: SERVING CHILDREN FROM BIRTH THROUGH AGE 8 AT MERCY CARE - MERCY CARE IS A FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER SERVING NEARLY 16,000 HOMELESS AND ECONOMICALLY OR SOCIALLY DISENFRANCHISED INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES ANNUALLY IN GEORGIA’S FULTON AND DEKALB COUNTIES, INCLUDING THE CITY OF ATLANTA. WE PROVIDE EXTENSIVE INTEGRATED PRIMARY CARE, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, VISION AND DENTAL SERVICES. PROJECT LAUNCH WILL ENABLE US TO PROVIDE CRITICAL BH SCREENING, REFERRAL AND TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AT OUR TWO CLINICS THAT SERVE PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: MERCY CARE CHAMBLEE (MCC) AND MERCY CARE AT CITY OF REFUGE (COR). MCC SERVES A PRIMARILY HISPANIC IMMIGRANT POPULATION; 67% OF PATIENTS HERE SPEAK A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH AT HOME AND 86% OF CHILDREN AGES 0-8 SERVED AT THIS CLINIC LIVE WITHIN 100% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL. IN THE COR CATCHMENT AREA, 84% OF RESIDENTS ARE BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN AND 40% ARE ENTRENCHED IN GENERATIONAL POVERTY. OUR GOALS ARE TO: (1) PROMOTE THE WELLNESS OF YOUNG CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO 8 YEARS OF AGE BY ADDRESSING THE SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, COGNITIVE, PHYSICAL, AND BEHAVIORAL ASPECTS OF THEIR DEVELOPMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH OF THEIR ADULT CAREGIVERS; (2) PROMOTE THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND MENTAL HEALTH OF ADULT CAREGIVERS OF YOUNG CHILDREN TO EMPOWER THEM TO CREATE SAFE, NURTURING ENVIRONMENTS, PROMOTE RESILIENCE, PREVENT SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL DISORDERS, AND IDENTIFY AND TREAT BEHAVIORAL CONCERNS EARLY; (3) DISSEMINATE EFFECTIVE AND INNOVATIVE EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICES AND SERVICES THAT ARE RECOVERY-ORIENTED, TRAUMA-INFORMED, AND EQUITY-BASED. WE WILL SCREEN APPROXIMATELY 4,400 CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS ANNUALLY, REFER 100% OF THOSE WITH POSITIVE SCREENINGS FOR MENTAL HEALTH OR DEVELOPMENTAL CONCERNS TO MENTAL HEALTH OR RELATED SERVICES, AND PROVIDE 400 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICE ENCOUNTERS TO CHILDREN AGES 0-8 ANNUALLY. WE WILL CONDUCT AT LEAST 18 GROUP PARENT TRAININGS PER YEAR AND 12 COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION TRAININGS PER YEAR. WE WILL ALSO DEVELOP A YOUNG CHILD WELLNESS COUNCIL AND SOCIAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH FOR CHILDREN FROM BIRTH THROUGH AGE 8. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS SERVED OVER FIVE YEARS WILL BE 22,000.

PROJECT LAUNCH: SERVING CHILDREN FROM BIRTH THROUGH AGE 8 AT MERCY CARE - MERCY CARE IS A FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER SERVING NEARLY 16,000 HOMELESS AND ECONOMICALLY OR SOCIALLY DISENFRANCHISED INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES ANNUALLY IN GEORGIA’S FULTON AND DEKALB COUNTIES, INCLUDING THE CITY OF ATLANTA. WE PROVIDE EXTENSIVE INTEGRATED PRIMARY CARE, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, VISION AND DENTAL SERVICES. PROJECT LAUNCH WILL ENABLE US TO PROVIDE CRITICAL BH SCREENING, REFERRAL AND TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AT OUR TWO CLINICS THAT SERVE PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: MERCY CARE CHAMBLEE (MCC) AND MERCY CARE AT CITY OF REFUGE (COR). MCC SERVES A PRIMARILY HISPANIC IMMIGRANT POPULATION; 67% OF PATIENTS HERE SPEAK A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH AT HOME AND 86% OF CHILDREN AGES 0-8 SERVED AT THIS CLINIC LIVE WITHIN 100% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL. IN THE COR CATCHMENT AREA, 84% OF RESIDENTS ARE BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN AND 40% ARE ENTRENCHED IN GENERATIONAL POVERTY. OUR GOALS ARE TO: (1) PROMOTE THE WELLNESS OF YOUNG CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO 8 YEARS OF AGE BY ADDRESSING THE SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, COGNITIVE, PHYSICAL, AND BEHAVIORAL ASPECTS OF THEIR DEVELOPMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH OF THEIR ADULT CAREGIVERS; (2) PROMOTE THE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND MENTAL HEALTH OF ADULT CAREGIVERS OF YOUNG CHILDREN TO EMPOWER THEM TO CREATE SAFE, NURTURING ENVIRONMENTS, PROMOTE RESILIENCE, PREVENT SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL DISORDERS, AND IDENTIFY AND TREAT BEHAVIORAL CONCERNS EARLY; (3) DISSEMINATE EFFECTIVE AND INNOVATIVE EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICES AND SERVICES THAT ARE RECOVERY-ORIENTED, TRAUMA-INFORMED, AND EQUITY-BASED. WE WILL SCREEN APPROXIMATELY 4,400 CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS ANNUALLY, REFER 100% OF THOSE WITH POSITIVE SCREENINGS FOR MENTAL HEALTH OR DEVELOPMENTAL CONCERNS TO MENTAL HEALTH OR RELATED SERVICES, AND PROVIDE 400 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICE ENCOUNTERS TO CHILDREN AGES 0-8 ANNUALLY. WE WILL CONDUCT AT LEAST 18 GROUP PARENT TRAININGS PER YEAR AND 12 COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION TRAININGS PER YEAR. WE WILL ALSO DEVELOP A YOUNG CHILD WELLNESS COUNCIL AND SOCIAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH FOR CHILDREN FROM BIRTH THROUGH AGE 8. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS SERVED OVER FIVE YEARS WILL BE 22,000.

FY 2024 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICE EXPANSION - ST. JOSEPH’S MERCY CARE SERVICES, INC. (MERCY CARE), AWARD #H80CS00022, IS A FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER (FQHC) SERVING OVER 17,000 HOMELESS AND ECONOMICALLY OR SOCIALLY DISENFRANCHISED INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES ANNUALLY IN GEORGIA’S FULTON AND DEKALB COUNTIES, INCLUDING THE CITY OF ATLANTA, AND IS THE ONLY HEALTHCARE FOR THE HOMELESS FQHC IN THE CITY. FULTON AND DEKALB ARE SPRAWLING COUNTIES COVERING OVER 800 SQUARE MILES AND 1.8 MILLION PEOPLE, WITH DRASTICALLY DISPARATE RATES OF POVERTY AND DISEASE ACROSS NEIGHBORHOODS AND RACIAL/ETHNIC GROUPS AND SIGNIFICANT UNMET HEALTHCARE NEEDS. MERCY CARE’S PATIENT POPULATION REFLECTS THE MOST VULNERABLE SEGMENTS OF OUR SERVICE AREA: 54% OF OUR CLIENTS ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, 53% ARE UNINSURED, AND OF THOSE FOR WHOM WE HAVE INCOME DATA, 80% LIVE AT OR BELOW 100% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (BH) AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS (SUD) ARE COMMON, WITH 5,845 (33%) OF CURRENT PATIENTS HAVING A BH OR SUD DIAGNOSIS. DESPITE THE HIGH PREVALENCE OF THESE DIAGNOSES, ONLY 3,737 PATIENTS RECEIVED BH SERVICES, 542 RECEIVED SUD SERVICES, AND 19 RECEIVED MEDICATION FOR OPIOID USE DISORDER (MOUD) AT MERCY CARE IN 2023. THE OBJECTIVE OF BH SERVICE EXPANSION IS TO CLOSE THE GAP BETWEEN THOSE DIAGNOSED AND THOSE WHO RECEIVE TREATMENT. MERCY CARE WILL INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PATIENTS RECEIVING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUD SERVICES, INCLUDING MOUD, AS WELL AS INCREASE THE NUMBER OF BH AND SUD VISITS BY IMPROVING ACCESS TO SERVICES WITHIN OUR EXISTING INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (IBH) PROGRAM MODEL. THE IBH MODEL OFFERS BH SERVICES IN THE SAME SETTING AS PRIMARY CARE SERVICES. THE JUXTAPOSITION OF PRIMARY CARE EXAM ROOMS WITH BH CONSULT ROOMS ENSURES A NO-WRONG-DOOR APPROACH TO ACCESSING BH AND SUD SERVICES, ENABLING TRUSTED PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS TO DO WARM HAND-OFFS TO BH STAFF BEFORE A PATIENT LEAVES THE CLINIC. ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE IMPROVING EFFICIENCIES IN THE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS SYSTEM A ND DELIVERY OF CARE TO CREATE MORE APPOINTMENT SLOTS AND REDUCE OR ELIMINATE BARRIERS TO ACCESSING BH SERVICES. MERCY CARE ALSO WILL EXPAND PHARMACY AND PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS’ ROLE IN THE USE OF FDA-APPROVED MOUD. IN ADDITION, MERCY CARE WILL HELP CLIENTS ADDRESS SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH THAT IMPACT RECOVERY FROM BH AND SUD CONDITIONS, SUCH AS FOOD INSECURITY, HOMELESSNESS, AND LACK OF TRANSPORTATION. ALL SERVICES WILL BE RECOVERY-ORIENTED, TRAUMA-INFORMED, AND EQUITY-BASED.

CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS - ST. JOSEPH’S MERCY CARE SERVICES, INC. (MERCY CARE) IS A FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER AND THE ONLY HEALTHCARE FOR THE HOMELESS DESIGNATED HEALTH CENTER IN ATLANTA. THE ORGANIZATION SERVES OVER 17,000 HOMELESS AND ECONOMICALLY OR SOCIALLY DISENFRANCHISED INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES ANNUALLY IN GEORGIA’S FULTON AND DEKALB COUNTIES, INCLUDING THE CITY OF ATLANTA. FULTON AND DEKALB ARE SPRAWLING COUNTIES COVERING OVER 800 SQUARE MILES AND 1.8 MILLION PEOPLE, WITH DRASTICALLY DISPARATE RATES OF POVERTY, CRIME, AND DISEASE ACROSS NEIGHBORHOODS AND RACIAL/ETHNIC GROUPS. IN 2023, 67% OF ADULT PATIENTS AND 14% OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WERE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS; 67% LIVED AT OR BELOW 200% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL; 63% OF ADULTS AND 23% OF CHILDREN DID NOT HAVE INSURANCE; AND 37% WERE BEST SERVED IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH. IMPORTANTLY, 48% OF MERCY CARE’S PATIENTS WERE BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN AND 41% WERE HISPANIC OR LATINO/A, DEMONSTRATING THE DISPARATE VULNERABILITY AMONG THESE RACIAL AND ETHNIC GROUPS. SERVICES INCLUDE DENTAL CARE, PRIMARY AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE, INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES, VISION CARE, HEALTH EDUCATION, TB SCREENINGS AT SHELTERS, BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER SCREENINGS, PEER SUPPORT, STREET MEDICINE, AND RECUPERATIVE CARE FOR MEDICALLY FRAGILE MEN AND WOMEN EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. ADDITIONALLY, MERCY CARE PROVIDES A COMPREHENSIVE CONTINUUM OF HIV/AIDS SERVICES THAT INCLUDES PREVENTION, EDUCATION, RAPID TESTING AND COUNSELING, AND EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES. FY 2024 COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING (CPF) FROM HRSA WILL BE USED TO PURCHASE HEALTH EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE CRITICAL TO FULFILLING MERCY CARE’S MISSION OF PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY HEALTHCARE TO ALL INDIVIDUALS REGARDLESS OF ABILITY TO PAY. EQUIPMENT INCLUDES AN ADA-COMPLIANT, WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE MOBILE MEDICAL VAN TO CONDUCT STREET MEDICINE ACTIVITIES THAT WILL ENABLE TEAMS TO TRANSPORT CLIENTS WITH DISABILITIES TO CLINICS OR HOSPIT ALS FOR FURTHER TREATMENT; AN ULTRA-WIDEFIELD FUNDUS IMAGING SYSTEM FOR MERCY CARE OPTOMETRISTS TO PROVIDE THE CURRENT STANDARD OF CARE FOR VISION PATIENTS; AND A DIGITAL PANORAMIC X-RAY IMAGING DEVICE TO ENABLE MERCY CARE DENTISTS TO ADEQUATELY VISUALIZE PATIENTS’ TEETH, UPPER AND LOWER JAWS, AND SURROUNDING STRUCTURES AND TISSUES. FUNDING ALSO WILL SUPPORT THE USE OF PHARMACY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE, WHICH IS ESSENTIAL FOR MANAGING PHARMACY WORKFLOW AND INVENTORY, AND THE ADDITION OF REMAINING DEPARTMENTS TO THE ORGANIZATION’S ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS SYSTEM. LASTLY, THE CPF AWARD WILL ENABLE THE UPGRADE OF ONE FIXED CLINIC’S SECURITY SYSTEM TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF CLINIC STAFF AND PATIENTS.

PURPOSE: THE CONTINUUM OF CARE (COC) PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY-WIDE COMMITMENT TO THE GOAL OF ENDING HOMELESSNESS; PROVIDE FUNDING FOR EFFORTS BY NONPROFIT PROVIDERS, STATES, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO QUICKLY HOUSE HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHILE MINIMIZING THE TRAUMA AND DISLOCATION CAUSED TO HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES BY HOMELESSNESS; PROMOTE ACCESS TO AND EFFECTIVE UTILIZATION OF MAINSTREAM PROGRAMS BY HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES; AND OPTIMIZE SELF-SUFFICIENCY AMONG INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. THE MOST RECENT COC AWARD ANNOUNCEMENT LISTING AWARDS BY STATE AND COC IS ACCESSIBLE AT HTTPS://WWW.HUD.GOV/PROGRAM_OFFICES/COMM_PLANNING/COC/AWARDS. SELECT THE LINK UNDER THE FUNDING AND AWARD INFORMATION SECTION FOR THE APPROPRIATE FISCAL YEAR.; ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM FUNDS MAY BE USED TO PAY FOR THE ELIGIBLE COSTS USED TO ESTABLISH AND OPERATE PROJECTS UNDER FIVE PROGRAM COMPONENTS: (1) PERMANENT HOUSING, WHICH INCLUDES PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, AND RAPID REHOUSING; (2) TRANSITIONAL HOUSING; (3) SUPPORTIVE SERVICES ONLY; (4) HOMELESS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (HMIS), AND (5) IN SOME CASES, HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION. THIRTEEN TYPES OF ASSISTANCE MAY BE PROVIDED THROUGH THE CONTINUUM OF CARE (COC) PROGRAM: (1) COC PLANNING ACTIVITIES/COSTS FOR DESIGNING AND CARRYING OUT A COLLABORATIVE PROCESS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN APPLICATION TO HUD; (2) UNITED FUNDING AGENCY (UFA) COSTS FOR FISCAL CONTROL AND ACCOUNTING NECESSARY TO ASSURE THE PROPER DISBURSAL OF, AND ACCOUNTING FOR, FEDERAL FUNDS AWARDED TO SUBRECIPIENTS UNDER THE CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM, (3) ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY (INCLUDING STRUCTURES) FOR USE IN THE PROVISION OF HOUSING OR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES; (4) REHABILITATION OF STRUCTURES TO PROVIDE HOUSING OR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES; (5) NEW CONSTRUCTION, INCLUDING THE BUILDING OF A NEW STRUCTURE OR BUILDING AN ADDITION TO AN EXISTING STRUCTURE FOR USE AS SUPPORTIVE HOUSING; (6) LEASING OF A STRUCTURE OR STRUCTURES, OR PORTIONS THEREOF, TO PROVIDE HOUSING OR SUPPORTIVE SERVICES; (7) RENTAL ASSISTANCE, WHICH MAY BE SHORT-TERM, MEDIUM-TERM, OR LONG-TERM, AS WELL AS TENANT-BASED, PROJECT-BASED, OR SPONSOR-BASED, FOR TRANSITIONAL OR PERMANENT HOUSING; (8) SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO ASSIST PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN HOUSING; (9) OPERATING COSTS OF SUPPORTIVE HOUSING; (10) COSTS OF IMPLEMENTING AND OPERATING HMIS; (11) PROJECT ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS; (12) RELOCATION COSTS; AND (13) INDIRECT COSTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH 2 CFR PARTS 200, AS APPLICABLE. IN ADDITION TO USING GRANT FUNDS FOR THE ELIGIBLE COSTS DESCRIBED ABOVE, RECIPIENTS AND SUBRECIPIENTS IN CONTINUUMS OF CARE DESIGNATED AS HIGH PERFORMING COMMUNITIES MAY ALSO USE GRANT FUNDS TO PROVIDE HOUSING RELOCATION AND STABILIZATION SERVICES AND SHORT- AND/OR MEDIUM-TERM RENTAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS AS SET FORTH IN 24 CFR 576.103 AND 24 CFR 576.104, IF NECESSARY TO PREVENT THE INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY FROM BECOMING HOMELESS. LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS: NO ASSISTANCE PROVIDED UNDER PROGRAM (OR ANY STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDS USED TO SUPPLEMENT THIS ASSISTANCE) MAY BE USED TO REPLACE STATE OR LOCAL FUNDS PREVIOUSLY USED, OR DESIGNATED FOR USE, TO ASSIST HOMELESS PERSONS OR PERSONS AT-RISK OF HOMELESSNESS.; EXPECTED OUTCOMES: DECREASE IN THE NUMBER INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, MORE SPECIFICALLY USING PERFORMANCE INDICATORS SUCH AS THE LENGTH OF TIME HOMELESS, RETURNS TO HOMELESSNESS OVER TIME, AND EXITS TO PERMANENT HOUSING. COC PERFORMANCE PROFILE REPORTS CAN BE FOUND AT HTTPS://WWW.HUDEXCHANGE.INFO/PROGRAMS/COC/COC-PERFORMANCE-PROFILE-REPORTS/.; INTENDED BENEFICIARIES: INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.; SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES: THE SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES ARE UNKNOWN AT THE TIME OF AWARD.

MINORITY AIDS INITIATIVE: SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT FOR RACIAL/ETHNIC MINORITY POPULATIONS AT HIGH RISK FOR HIV/AIDS - MERCY CARE IS A FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER SERVING NEARLY 16,000 HOMELESS AND ECONOMICALLY OR SOCIALLY DISENFRANCHISED INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES ANNUALLY IN GEORGIA’S FULTON AND DEKALB COUNTIES, INCLUDING THE CITY OF ATLANTA. MERCY CARE PROVIDES PRIMARY, BEHAVIORAL, DENTAL, AND VISION CARE; PRIMARY HIV TREATMENT AND CARE; CASE MANAGEMENT; PEER SUPPORT; AND SUPPORT FROM OUTREACH AND ENROLLMENT SPECIALISTS AND COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS, ALL IN ONE INTEGRATED SETTING. THE POPULATION OF FOCUS FOR THIS GRANT IS INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH OR AT RISK FOR HIV/AIDS WHO HAVE, OR ARE AT RISK FOR, SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER (SUD) OR SUD WITH CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS (COD), SPECIFICALLY HOMELESS, LOW-INCOME, AND/OR UNINSURED BLACK HETEROSEXUALS AND MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN (MSM) WHO LIVE IN HIGH-NEED CATCHMENT AREAS OF FULTON AND DEKALB COUNTIES. THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO INCREASE ENGAGEMENT IN CARE BY ACHIEVING THE FOLLOWING GOALS: EXPAND SCREENING FOR HIV, HEPATITIS B AND C, SUD, AND CODS TO PREVENT NEW INFECTIONS AND IDENTIFY MORE PATIENTS IN NEED OF SERVICES; INCREASE LINKAGE TO CARE FOR THOSE NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH HIV TO IMPROVE HIV-RELATED OUTCOMES; IMPROVE TREATMENT ADHERENCE AND VIRAL LOAD SUPPRESSION AMONG THOSE RECEIVING HIV CARE TO IMPROVE HIV-RELATED OUTCOMES; IMPROVE SYMPTOMS OF CODS IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH CODS; IMPROVE STAFF COMPETENCIES IN EVIDENCE-BASED SCREENING METHODS; AND ADDRESS BARRIERS THAT PREVENT CLIENTS FROM RECEIVING HEPATITIS CARE, PRIMARILY CONTINUED IV DRUG USE, TRANSIENCY, NON-ADHERENCE, AND LIMITED RESOURCES. MERCY CARE EXPECTS TO SERVE 38,500 PEOPLE OVER THE COURSE OF THE FIVE-YEAR PROJECT.

MINORITY AIDS INITIATIVE: SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT FOR RACIAL/ETHNIC MINORITY POPULATIONS AT HIGH RISK FOR HIV/AIDS - MERCY CARE IS A FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER SERVING NEARLY 16,000 HOMELESS AND ECONOMICALLY OR SOCIALLY DISENFRANCHISED INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES ANNUALLY IN GEORGIA’S FULTON AND DEKALB COUNTIES, INCLUDING THE CITY OF ATLANTA. MERCY CARE PROVIDES PRIMARY, BEHAVIORAL, DENTAL, AND VISION CARE; PRIMARY HIV TREATMENT AND CARE; CASE MANAGEMENT; PEER SUPPORT; AND SUPPORT FROM OUTREACH AND ENROLLMENT SPECIALISTS AND COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS, ALL IN ONE INTEGRATED SETTING. THE POPULATION OF FOCUS FOR THIS GRANT IS INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH OR AT RISK FOR HIV/AIDS WHO HAVE, OR ARE AT RISK FOR, SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER (SUD) OR SUD WITH CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS (COD), SPECIFICALLY HOMELESS, LOW-INCOME, AND/OR UNINSURED BLACK HETEROSEXUALS AND MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN (MSM) WHO LIVE IN HIGH-NEED CATCHMENT AREAS OF FULTON AND DEKALB COUNTIES. THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO INCREASE ENGAGEMENT IN CARE BY ACHIEVING THE FOLLOWING GOALS: EXPAND SCREENING FOR HIV, HEPATITIS B AND C, SUD, AND CODS TO PREVENT NEW INFECTIONS AND IDENTIFY MORE PATIENTS IN NEED OF SERVICES; INCREASE LINKAGE TO CARE FOR THOSE NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH HIV TO IMPROVE HIV-RELATED OUTCOMES; IMPROVE TREATMENT ADHERENCE AND VIRAL LOAD SUPPRESSION AMONG THOSE RECEIVING HIV CARE TO IMPROVE HIV-RELATED OUTCOMES; IMPROVE SYMPTOMS OF CODS IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH CODS; IMPROVE STAFF COMPETENCIES IN EVIDENCE-BASED SCREENING METHODS; AND ADDRESS BARRIERS THAT PREVENT CLIENTS FROM RECEIVING HEPATITIS CARE, PRIMARILY CONTINUED IV DRUG USE, TRANSIENCY, NON-ADHERENCE, AND LIMITED RESOURCES. MERCY CARE EXPECTS TO SERVE 38,500 PEOPLE OVER THE COURSE OF THE FIVE-YEAR PROJECT.

THE SSVF PROGRAM'S PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES GRANTS TO PRIVATE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND CONSUMER COOPERATIVES, WHO WILL COORDINATE OR PROVIDE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO VERY LOW-INCOME VETERAN FAMILIES WHO ARE RESIDING IN PERMANENT HOUSING, ARE HOMELESS AND SCHEDULED TO BECOME RESIDENTS OF PERMANENT HOUSING WITHIN A SPECIFIED TIME PERIOD; OR AFTER EXITING PERMANENT HOUSING WITHIN A SPECIFIED TIME PERIOD, ARE SEEKING OTHER HOUSING THAT IS RESPONSIVE TO SUCH VERY LOW-INCOME VETERAN FAMILY'S NEEDS AND PREFERENCES. GRANTEES WILL USE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES GRANT FUNDS TO PROVIDE SUPPORTIVE SERVICE. ALL GRANTEES ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE OUTREACH SERVICES, CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING VA BENEFITS AND ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING AND COORDINATING OTHER PUBLIC BENEFITS. IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIRED SERVICES, GRANTEES MAY ALSO PROVIDE TEMPORARY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PAID DIRECTLY TO A THIRD PARTY ON BEHALF OF A PARTICIPANT FOR CHILD CARE, EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE, TRANSPORTATION, RENTAL ASSISTANCE, UTILITY-FEE PAYMENT ASSISTANCE, SECURITY DEPOSITS, UTILITY DEPOSITS, MOVING COSTS, AND GENERAL HOUSING STABILITY ASSISTANCE (WHICH INCLUDES EMERGENCY SUPPLIES), IN ACCORDANCE WITH 38 CFR PART 62. ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL SUPPORTIVE SERVICES MAY INCLUDE LEGAL ASSISTANCE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES. GRANTEES WILL USE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES GRANT FUNDS TO PROVIDE SUPPORTIVE SERVICE. ALL GRANTEES ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE OUTREACH SERVICES, CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING VA BENEFITS AND ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING AND COORDINATING OTHER PUBLIC BENEFITS. IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIRED SERVICES, GRANTEES MAY ALSO PROVIDE TEMPORARY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PAID DIRECTLY TO A THIRD PARTY ON BEHALF OF A PARTICIPANT FOR CHILD CARE, EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE, TRANSPORTATION, RENTAL ASSISTANCE, UTILITY-FEE PAYMENT ASSISTANCE, SECURITY DEPOSITS, UTILITY DEPOSITS, MOVING COSTS, AND GENERAL HOUSING STABILITY ASSISTANCE (WHICH INCLUDES EMERGENCY SUPPLIES), IN ACCORDANCE WITH 38 CFR PART 62. ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL SUPPORTIVE SERVICES MAY INCLUDE LEGAL ASSISTANCE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES.

CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM

HEALTH CENTER PROGRAM

HEALTH CENTER PROGRAM