Guidance in Addressing COVID-19

Coronavirus is impacting individuals, families, communities, organizations, and state and local governments throughout the United States. NCHYF wants to share with you guidance in a number of areas, which is continuously being updated.

General Guidance

• Measures to address COVID-19 in your community, including at home, in childcare settings and schools, homeless centers, at work, and in faith-based settings
• Information for higher-risk and special populations
• Information specifically related to domestic and international travel
• Guidance to help owners, administrators, or operators of shared (also called "congregate") housing facilities — working together with residents, staff, and public health officials — prevent the spread of COVID-19
• General Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19, including how it spreads, symptoms, and what to do if you are sick

Public Health and Universal Precautions

• Discontinuation of Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 Not in Healthcare Settings (CDC) - Provides interim guidance for healthcare workers and public health officials. 
• Testing in Homeless Shelters & Encampments (CDC) - Provides considerations on the appropriate use of testing in homeless shelters and encampments. 
• COVID-19 Infection Control Inventory and Planning (ICIP) Tool for Homeless Service Providers (CDC)
• Stress and Coping in Outbreaks (CDC)
• Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health (SAMHSA) – Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
• Mental and Behavioral Health Resources During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response)
• COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (CDC)
• When and How to Wash Your Hands (CDC)
• What You Need to Know About Handwashing (CDC video)
• Household Checklist (CDC) – Planning and preparedness to protect you and your family during a COVID-19 outbreak
• Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks (SAMSHA)

Information for RHY Program Grantees and Other Youth-Serving Organizations

All RHY Programs

• FY 2020 Coronavirus Supplemental Funding: Examples of Allowable Uses of Funds for the FYSB Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (FYSB)
• FY 2020 Coronavirus Supplemental Funding Guidance: ACF Reporting Requirement for the FYSB Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (FYSB)
• COVID-19: FAQs for RHY Program Grantees (FYSB)
• RHY COVID-19 FAQs Listening Session (FYSB video)
• Language and Guidance on Flexibilities (ACF)
• Information Memorandum IM-ACF-OA-2020-01: ACF Grant Flexibilities (ACF)
• Supporting Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness during the COVID-19 Outbreak: Questions to Consider (United States Interagency Council on Homelessness)  
• Emergency Responders: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself (CDC)
• Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks (SAMSHA)
• Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak (SAMHSA)
• Homeless System Response: System Planning: A Framework for Homelessness Prevention (HUD)

Basic Center Programs

• Investigating Cases in Homeless Shelters (CDC)
• Shelter Management during an Infectious Disease Outbreak (HUD)
• Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility: Everyday Steps, Steps When Someone Is Sick, and Considerations for Employers (CDC)
• Interim Guidance for Homeless Service Providers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (CDC)
• Helping Children with Traumatic Separation or Grief Related to COVID-19 (National Child Traumatic Stress Network—NCTSN)  
• Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with COVID-19 (NCTSN)
• Shelter Management during an Infectious Disease Outbreak (HUD)
• Non-Congregate Approaches to Sheltering for COVID-19 | Homeless Response (HUD)
• COVID-19 Guidance for Shared or Congregate Housing (CDC)

Street Outreach Programs

• Protecting Health and Well-being of People in Encampments during an Infectious Disease Outbreak (HUD)
• Responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness (CDC)

Transitional Living Programs

• Economic Impact Payments for COVID-19: The Basics (Youth.gov)
• Shelter Management during an Infectious Disease Outbreak (HUD) 
• Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility: Everyday Steps, Steps When Someone Is Sick, and Considerations for Employers (CDC)
• Interim Guidance for Homeless Service Providers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (CDC)
• Talking With Children About Coronavirus Disease 19: Messages for Parents, School Staff, and Others Working With Children (CDC)
• Non-Congregate Approaches to Sheltering for COVID-19 | Homeless Response (HUD)
• COVID-19 Guidance for Shared or Congregate Housing (CDC)

Maternity Group Homes

• Guidance for Child Care Programs that Remain Open (CDC)
• Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with COVID-19 (NCTSN)
• Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks (SAMHSA)
• Children and Disasters: Promoting Adjustment and Helping Children Cope (American Academy of Pediatrics)
• Helping Children Cope with Disasters (FEMA)
• COVID-19 Guidance for Shared or Congregate Housing (CDC)

Faith-Based and Community Organizations

• COVID-19: People Who Need to Take Extra Precautions  (CDC)
• Interim Guidance for Administrators and Leaders of Community- and Faith-based Organizations (CDC)
• Helping Children Cope With Emergencies (CDC)
• Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks (SAMSHA)
• Non-Congregate Approaches to Sheltering for COVID-19 | Homeless Response (HUD)
• COVID-19 Guidance for Shared or Congregate Housing (CDC)