Balance of State Workgroups

The Coordinated Entry Workgroup has been established to develop coordinated assessment policies and procedures and oversee all aspects of implementation. This committee is made up of a Coordinated Entry Lead from each LHC. They are also charged with the responsibility to outreach and to educate local communities about coordinated entry. Responsibilities include:

• Monitoring implementation and effectiveness of the Coordinated Entry System
• Ensure nondiscriminatory processes while still prioritizing clients with the highest need
• Identify best practices statewide
• Hold quarterly meetings with all LHC Coordinated Entry Leads
• Review and update BOS Policies and Procedures annually
• Develop measures of effectiveness and review outcomes
• Report quarterly to the BOS Board

Balance of State Coordinated Entry Access Points

Coordinated Entry in the Utah Homeless Management Information System (UHMIS)

Established to provide support to LHC’s and agencies via data review and Statewide performance expectations. Workgroup meets monthly.

Members include: 

1. The BOS Representative on the UHMIS Steering Committee is the suggested Chairperson of this workgroup. 
2. A representative from each LHC in the BOS
3. A representative from UHMIS team
4. BOS Collaborative applicant(s)
5. Identified Chair – self-nominated/volunteer (no vote required)

Resources: UHMIS website | HMIS Training Slides | HMIS

The Infectious Disease workgroup was established as a part of a Department of Health and Human Services and Office of Homeless Services agreement to aid in the collaboration and coordination with healthcare providers and homeless service providers. This workgroup aims to address client service gaps, coordination due to infectious disease outbreaks, and improve the quality of care for those who test positive for an infectious disease while experiencing homelessness. Members are volunteers. Membership includes local and state health departments, medical providers, homeless service providers, those with lived experience, and others interested in increasing client care attend the infectious disease work group.

• Review CDC, HUD, or State infectious disease guidance documents and provide BOS-specific agency recommendations
• Review of current infectious disease trends throughout the BOS
• Coordinate services for those who test positive for infectious disease and are experiencing homelessness, including but not limited to testing services, mitigation services, quarantine and isolation, wrap-around services, and possible case management
• Review current PPE and other medical supply needs throughout the state to eliminate service gaps
• Infectious disease education includes but is not limited to detection and mitigation techniques, a review of how infectious disease spread, public health guidelines, etc.

The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count Workgroup has been established to oversee the work of the annual unsheltered PIT count and quarterly sheltered PIT counts.  This committee is made up of a PIT lead from each LHC. Members work closely with the State of Utah PIT coordinator and HMIS team to assure HUD regulations for the count are adhered to and adequate support is available locally. Responsibilities include:

• Review HUD PIT planning documents & create plan to implement the PIT Count statewide
• Hold quarterly meetings with all LHC PIT Leads
• Create method for unsheltered count
• Compile list of Emergency Shelter and Transitional Housing projects that should participate in the PIT
• Review PIT results and determine how to use the information to improve services  for persons experiencing homelessness
• Set deadlines and help ensure agencies are submitting required information in accordance with those deadlines
• Attend state training regarding administration practices and reporting requirements
• Volunteer recruitment
• Assist in writing the final report to HUD
• Assist in preparing and submitting the HIC report
• Report quarterly to the BOS Board

Are you interested in helping our state develop a plan to address youth homelessness?
By being a part of YAB you will provide suggestions to improve programming and services for youth in your community. This is an opportunity for you to share your experiences, knowledge, and how it feels or felt to be homeless.

Requirements:

• Must be 15 – 24 years of age
• Must commit to one meeting per month (stipend for participation)
• Experienced homelessness or are currently experiencing homelessness, suggested not required

Committee works with community partners in the BOS CoC to explore opportunities for collaboration and establishment of new partner relationship. Duties include:

• Grant Writing outside of HUD CoC NOFO Competition
• Legislative Tracking
• Fundraising Education
• Low Income Housing Tax Credit Education, updates and development
• Report quarterly to the BOS Board