The Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center (VEMEC), a part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is pleased to announce the release of a new toolkit. It’s full of information and resources 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.
Individuals and families experiencing homelessness are among the most vulnerable members of our society. They become even more vulnerable during natural disasters or public health emergencies. Enhancing preparedness and continuity planning for healthcare providers and homeless service providers can assist in reducing potential disruptions of services.
The Toolkit is divided into three sections:
1) Creating an Inclusive Emergency Management System
This section will give you guidance for identifying and collaborating with partners.
2) Guidance for Homeless Service Providers: Planning for Service Continuity
Here you can find strategies, tools and guidance for homeless service providers.
3) Guidance for Health Care Providers
This section will provide guidance to enhance the capacity of healthcare settings.
The toolkit is a joint project of the Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center (VEMEC), the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response of the DHHS, and the Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) Office of HUD. The toolkit helps ensure that Veterans and others experiencing homelessness will receive the care that they need during these events.