Barrier Busters New Member Orientation

Barrier busters overview Over 90 social service providers in Washtenaw County Focus on improving coordination and communication between agencies Network Listserv Monthly meetings for Sharing resources Professional/Skill Development Access to Barrier Busters Emergency Unmet Needs Fund (BBEUNF) www.washtenaw.org/barrierbusters

What is Membership? Members Agree To Staff Agrees To Provide administrative support Provide financial request approval Organize meetings and meeting content Manage the Listserv Barrier Busters Network Manual Establish at least one “Barrier Buster” Participate through regular attendance at monthly meetings Communicate through confidential listserv Identifying barriers and gaps in services to vulnerable populations

Listserv l-barrierbusters@listserver.ewashtenaw.org Use For… Resource information for clients or agencies Job postings (from sender’s agency only) Announcements Trainings Professional Development Agency event invitations Remember… No member agency complaints Protect confidentiality of clients Reply to sender only (unless relevant to the membership)

Barrier Buster Meetings Location Meeting Structure Barrier Buster Meetings Check your agenda’s – we are trying out new locations! Welcome and Introductions                               1:30 PM   Community Presentations                               1:35 PM Text and Learn for Kindergarten                             Ypsilanti District Library, Gillian Ream Gainsley Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights                         1:40 PM WICIR, Rachel Frey    -    Refugee Resettlement Services                                                                   2:05 PM                Jewish Family Services of Ann Arbor, Presenter TBA StandingUpdates                            2:25 PM HAWC Feedback BB EUNF                                                                                                                           Brainstorming & Mingling                                            2:30 PM Day/Time 4th Wednesday of every month (unless otherwise noted) 1:30-3:00pm

Barrier Busters Meeting Agenda, Minutes & Presentation https://www.washtenaw.org/2665/Meeting-Agenda-Minutes-Presentations

Requesting Funds Agency Intake Form Barrier Buster ROI Barrier Busters Emergency Unmet Needs Fund (BBEUNF) – Sources of Funding Funds total approximately $400,000 Local Funds – $150,000 Washtenaw County General Funds Ann Arbor General Funds Various of Grants and Donations State and Federal Funds - $250,000 DHS LCA (Deliverable Fuels) MEAP (Michigan Energy Assistance Program) DHS CSBG – Utility and Housing Assistance For emergencies… If request is needed in 24-48 hours contact all 3 Master Busters via email l-bbstaff@listserver.ewashtenaw.org Must Have Documents Agency Intake Form Barrier Buster ROI Agency Plan of Action Form Copy of Bill (for the Barrier Buster Request) Keep these on file for Barrier Busters monitoring purposes

Requesting Funds Here are some examples of what funding can be used for. *All rent arrearage requests and requests for move-in costs must be approved by Housing Access of Washtenaw County. Clients in need of these requests should call (734)961-1999. **For other questions about eligibility, contact OCED at 734-544-6748.

Housing Access for Washtenaw County HAWC is the County’s central intake for individuals and families who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. The central intake is the single point of entry for all emergency shelters and housing resources that are available to serve people experiencing homelessness in the county. Residents of Washtenaw County may call HAWC for housing assistance, information and/or referral. Please note: there is a severe shortage of housing resources in Washtenaw County and HAWC is not able to help all people who are experiencing a housing crisis.

SERVICES AVAILABLE HAWC Literally Homeless (Category 1): Household that lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, meaning: The household literally has a primary nighttime residence that is a public place or place not meant for human habitation; is living in a shelter. Shelter Referral Move-in Assistance Housing Choice Voucher (waitlist) Imminent Risk of Homelessness (Category 2): Household that will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence; within 14 days of the date of application for homeless assistance; No subsequent residence has been identified; and the household lacks the resources or support networks needed to obtain other permanent housing Prevention Assistance Security Deposit Rental Arrerages Diversion Services (housing resources) Examples: housing websites, housing resource list, legal resources, other county information.

COMMON DOCUMENTS HAWC Valid Identification (household members over the age of 18 Social Security Card (all household members) Birth certificates (household members under the age 18) Proof of SER application (T-number) Approval Letter (Move-in Assistance) 7 Day Notice or Summons (Eviction Prevention) Proof of Income (3 months of Pay Stubs or SSI/SNAP etc. within 90 days) Homelessness Verification Letter (Shelter) Not all clients need ALL these documents

All Clients Experiencing a Housing Crisis Contacting HAWC HAWC Ashlee Cunningham Program Director Phone: 734-548-7273 Email: Ashlee_Cunningham@usc.salvationarmy.org Kara Painter Community Relations Phone: 734-548-6390 Email: Kara_Painter@usc.salvationarmy.org Please subscribe to our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cmS9Rr Hotline 734-961-1999 All Clients Experiencing a Housing Crisis

Encompass Requesting Funds Hyperlink to Encompass Login page

FAQ What if I forget my password/username? Email Barrier Busters staff l-bbstaff@listserver.ewashtenaw.org I’m unable to make a barrier buster request. Who do I contact? I’m not getting barrier buster meeting updates or listserv emails. What do I do?

Who To Contact Master Busters - Urgently Needed Funds Moonson Eninsche Stacy Poncher Marti Lachapell l-bbstaff@listserver.ewashtenaw.org Listserv, Administrative Support Kevin Mathew mathewk@washtenaw.org Stacy Poncher ponchers@washtenaw.org Utility Assistance Application TBD Who To Contact Budget Counseling Referrals United Way Financial Empowerment Marshall Averill 734-677-7205 maverill@uwwashtenaw.org MSU Extension 734-997-1678 GreenPath Debt Solutions 888-860-4220 Christian Credit Counselors 800-557-1985 Habitat for Humanity Education Program 734-274-3718

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