Integrating SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Continuum of Care (CoC) programs expands support systems for people experiencing homelessness by increasing access to stabilizing income and health benefits. This blog highlights the top strategies shared in a recent SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance Center webinar on how CoCs effectively partner with SOAR to support housing stability and system performance.
Why is integration between SOAR and CoCs essential for addressing homelessness?
HUD’s Continuum of Care (CoC) program uses a community-wide approach to addressing homelessness by uniting local resources to improve housing stability. Integrating SOAR into CoC initiatives is extremely beneficial, as the SOAR model assists eligible applicants with applying for Social Security benefits. These benefits, including health insurance and stable income, directly impact individuals’ ability to access and maintain housing, enhancing overall CoC system performance and providing a comprehensive approach to ending homelessness.
How does SOAR improve the effectiveness of homeless response systems?
SOAR aids eligible individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness in navigating the complex SSI/SSDI application process. The SOAR model expedites the disability benefit application process, leading to life-stabilizing benefits for participants. SOAR directly supports HUD’s system performance goals, particularly employment and income growth. Stable income helps people secure permanent housing and reduces reliance on emergency services.
How can local communities integrate SOAR into their homeless response systems?
Communities implement SOAR in various ways, often through dedicated steering committees or task forces within CoCs. For example, in Springfield, Missouri, the local CoC created a SOAR-focused steering committee to drive integration, facilitate communication with local Social Security offices, and increase the number of SOAR-trained providers.
How has SOAR integration impacted a CoC?
A great example of SOAR’s impact on a CoC is the Texas Balance of State CoC. This CoC covers a vast area of Texas and the CoC has effectively used SOAR to support income stability in homeless services. They strategically incentivized SOAR’s use in funding applications, ensuring alignment with HUD’s goals. This approach resulted in increased SOAR worker capacity, enhancing community-level support for people eligible for SOAR assistance.
What role do SOAR-trained case managers play in CoCs?
SOAR-trained case managers support people in assembling thorough SSI/SSDI applications and often coordinate with healthcare providers to gather relevant medical evidence. They provide follow-up support, advocate for SOAR applicants during the application process, and help sustain participants’ long-term financial stability through income and healthcare access.
Why should CoCs prioritize SOAR in funding applications?
Including SOAR in funding applications aligns with HUD’s priorities for increasing participant income and improves project performance in competitive funding opportunities. For example, the Texas Balance of State CoC, assigns higher scores to projects using SOAR, boosting applicants’ chances of receiving HUD funds.
How does SOAR promote equity in homeless services?
SOAR improves equity by ensuring that people with disabilities—often underserved in homeless systems—can access benefits, income, and healthcare. This approach enhances CoCs’ ability to serve diverse populations with tailored support, fostering inclusive, community-wide progress toward ending homelessness.
What are the benefits of involving people with lived experience in SOAR programs?
People with lived experience bring invaluable insights to SOAR initiatives, strengthening participant trust and engagement. Involving them in CoC activities like SOAR workgroups fosters a more responsive and supportive homeless response system tailored to actual needs.
For more details on effective strategies for SOAR and CoC integration, check out the full webinar recording on the SOAR website.