Guidance in Addressing COVID-19

RHY grantees are encouraged to work closely with your state and local public health authorities on issues related to addressing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in your organization and community, FYSB wants to share with you federal guidance in a number of areas, which is continuously being updated.

• 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 
• General Frequently Ask Questions, including how it spreads, symptoms, and what to do if you are sick 

If you are unable to find federal guidance to address your concerns or are encountering any challenges in implementing your programs as a result of the COVID-19 virus, please reach out to your federal program manager, so that we can share this information with the relevant stakeholders to connect you to the information and/or resources you need.

Additional resources and information are provided below. This page will be updated as new information becomes available. 

COVID-19 Webinar Series

The Runaway and Homeless Youth Training and Technical Assistance Center (RHYTTAC) will kick off a new COVID-19 Webinar Series on May 17th, 2021. As you know, COVID-19 has dramatically altered the lives of everyone especially youth experiencing homelessness and the service landscape. This webinar series will build greater understanding about the full impacts of the pandemic on Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) grantees and the youth they serve and support programs in addressing these impacts. Click here for more details about this webinar series. 

Rental Assistance

• Renters Rental Assistance Handout (CFPB Information)
• Landlords Rental Assistance Handout (CFPB Information)

Vaccine Information

• COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens (CDC Information)
• COVID-19 Vaccines for Preteen and Teens Toolkit.pdf
• Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination
• Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines
• Key Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines
• Pediatric Healthcare Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Toolkit
• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Questions
• Community-Based Organizations COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit

All RHY Programs

• RHY COVID-19 FAQs (FYSB)
  
• RHY COVID-19 FAQs Listening Session (FYSB)
  RHY COVID19 FAQs Listening Session PowerPoint 508.pdf
  RHY COVID19 FAQs Listening Session Transcript 508.pdf
• RHY Town Hall: Supporting the Emotional Needs of Youth and Staff During a Crisis 
  RHY Town Hall: Supporting the Emotional Needs of Youth and Staff During a Crisis PowerPoint 508.pdf
• Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 COVID-19 ACF Examples of Uses of Funding for RHY Programs
• FY 2020 COVID-19 ACF Reporting Instructions for RHY Programs
• Language and Guidance on Flexibilities (ACF)
  
• Information Memorandum IM-ACF-OA-2020-01
• Supporting Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness during the COVID-19 Outbreak
• How emergency responders can take care of themselves
  
• Coping with Stress During an Infectious Disease (SAMHSA)
  
• Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation
  
• Health and Well-being in a Virtual World

Basic Center Programs

• Shelter Management during an Infectious Disease Outbreak 
• Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility 
• Interim Guidance for Homeless Service Providers
  
• Helping Children with Traumatic Separation or Grief related to COVID-19
• Helping Families Cope with COVID-19
  
• Shelter Management during an Infectious Disease Outbreak
• Non-Congregate Approaches to Sheltering for COVID-19 | Homeless Response

• COVID-19 Guidance for Shared or Congregate Housing 

Street Outreach Programs

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

Transitional Living Programs

• Economic Impact Payments for COVID-19: The Basics (Youth.gov)
  
• Shelter Management during an Infectious Disease Outbreak
• Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility 
• Interim Guidance for Homeless Service Providers
• COVID-19 Parent Handout 
• Children Coping Factsheet 
• Shelter Management during an Infectious Disease Outbreak 
• Non-Congregate Approaches to Sheltering for COVID-19 | Homeless Response 
• COVID-19 Guidance for Shared or Congregate Housing 

Maternity Group Homes

• Guidance for Open Child Care Programs 
• Parent and Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with COVID-19 
• Talking with Children during Outbreaks (SAMHSA) 
• Children and Disasters: Promoting Adjustment and Helping Children Cope 
• Helping Children Cope with Disasters (FEMA): https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2019-07/helping_children_cope.pdf
• COVID-19 Parent Handout 
• Children Coping Factsheet 
• COVID-19 Guidance for Shared or Congregate Housing

Faith-Based and Community Organizations

• Populations needing special precautions (CDC) 
• Interim Guidance for Community and Faith Leaders (CDC) 
• COVID-19 Parent Handout 
• Children Coping Factsheet 
• Coping with Stress During an Infectious Disease (SAMHSA) 
  
• Non-Congregate Approaches to Sheltering for COVID-19 | Homeless Response
• COVID-19 Guidance for Shared or Congregate Housing 

Public Health and Universal Precautions

• Stress and Coping in Outbreaks (CDC) 
• Tip Sheet: Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health (SAMHSA) 
• Mental and Behavioral Health Resources during COVID-19 Public Health Emergency 
• COVID-19 Frequently Ask Questions 
• Handwashing resources 
• Video for handwashing 
• Household Checklist 
• Coping with Stress During an Infectious Disease (SAMHSA)