Application Deadline March 15, 2013
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) Technical Assistance Center is accepting applications from Continuums of Care (CoCs) that have not yet participated in the federally-sponsored SOAR Technical Assistance Program.
SAMHSA’s SOAR program assists states and localities to expedite access to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability programs – Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – for persons who are homeless or at risk for homelessness and who have a mental illness, a co-occurring substance use disorder or other serious medical condition. Currently, all 50 states participate in the federally-sponsored SOAR technical assistance (TA).
CoCs are invited to submit a brief, 3-5 page application in response to the
Request for Applications (RFA) to participate in the SOAR TA Project by
March 15, 2013. A message of interest and intent to file an application is requested, but not required, by February 27.
Participation in SOAR requires local commitment and collaboration while working closely with the SOAR State Team Lead to ensure that the effort is consistent with that of other communities in the state. In many states, the local and/or balance of state CoCs are actively involved in SOAR implementation at both the state and local levels. Some examples include:
-
New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota and Texas – In each of these states, the organization responsible for the Balance of State CoC is also the lead agency for the state’s SOAR efforts.
-
Phoenix, Arizona – Valley of the Sun United Way and the Corporation for Supportive Housing have established an infrastructure for SOAR within the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care on Homelessness. The CoC lead, Brande Mead, Maricopa Association of Governments in Phoenix, AZ is a key member of the local SOAR steering committee.
-
Kings/Tulare counties, California – Sarah Scott, President of the Kings/Tulare Continuum of Care serves as the local SOAR Team Lead. The CoC facilitates the SOAR steering committee, helps plan local trainings and is working to customize its HMIS system to track SOAR outcomes.
-
St. Louis, Missouri – The CoC is heavily involved with the rollout of SOAR in its community. The CoC lead also serves as the local lead for the SOAR initiative, organizing and conducting quarterly meetings, supporting trainings and ensuring follow up with those who have been trained.
-
Bakersfield, California – Follow the incredible journey of the Kern County Homeless Collaborative.
If you have questions or need more information about the RFA, please contact Deborah Dennis, Project Director, SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance Center via
e-mail or by phone at 518-439-7415, ext. 5238.
Download the Request for Applications and attachments:
Request for Applications
Attachments
SOAR Overview
SOAR Outcomes for 2011
Strategies for SOAR Implementation
Stepping Stones to Recovery Curriculum Overview
Roles and Responsibilities of SOAR Trainers
Memo to Program Directors Considering SOAR/SSR Training for Staff
SOAR Online Application Tracking System Brochure
