The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed how organizations across Texas serve youth and families.
Fortunately, there are so many great resource centers out there to support organizations that serve youth and families in responding to COVID-19. For your convenience, TNOYS has compiled a list of some of the best COVID-19 response resource centers relevant to youth services. Of course, don’t forget to check out the TNOYS resource center here!
EducationData.org
Recently, EducationData.org released an investigative report on student loan refinancing, including when to refinance, current rates from all lenders, and which lenders to avoid. Given the surge in demand for refinancing since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the report set out to shed light on questionable lenders and predatory practices in the industry. Amidst these financially difficult times, it is important to understand your options when looking to refinance student loans. This report provides useful guidance and information to help you make the best decision for you.
National Network for Youth
This webpage includes resources for youth homelessness providers, including federal policy updates, webinars, and videos especially for youth services providers from UC Berkeley School of Public Health’s Community Action Team. NN4Y is also offering weekly virtual office hours on COVID-19 and Runaway and Homeless Youth.
NN4Y recently released a COVID-19 screening and triage tool for providers serving homeless youth. Additionally, the organization has released guidance on helping youth access the recovery rebate.
National Alliance to End Homelessness
This COVID-19 webpage includes webinars, fact sheets, guidance, and other resources for providers serving homeless youth. Notable resources include:
- The organization’s COVID-19 webinar series and new COVID-19 Online Learning Series.
- The Ending Homelessness Forum. This online discussion platform enables homeless system advocates and stakeholders to connect. Sign up for the forum here.
- The Framework for an Equitable COVID-19 Homelessness Response.
- Practice Resources, including tools and resources to help services providers adapt to the pandemic.
- Tools and information on racial equity. These tools allow organizations to assess and address racial inequities surrounding COVID-19 in their communities.
- The COVID-19: Federal Resource Guidelines Series is designed to help communities understand the resources available to them, the activities they can fund, and how to apply for funding.
- Supporting Academic Success and Safety for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- What Communities Can Accomplish with Recent COVID-19 Policy Updates
Texas Homeless Network
This page provides COVID-19 resources categorized by location, provider type, and federal program. Texas Homeless Network is working to compile all funding opportunities available to Texas into a single page. In the meantime, check out this list of available funding options.
SchoolHouse Connection
This webpage provides strategies for schools, early learning programs, and higher education institutions on responding to COVID-19 and homelessness. It includes checklists and guides, policy updates, and information on accessing resources. The FAQ on COVID-19 and Homelessness doc provides answers to questions about McKinney-Vento implementation, funding, transportation, food, housing, mental health, special education, jobs, and more.
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI)
MMHPI releases a weekly COVID-19 Regulatory & Reimbursement Newsletter. Recent newsletters provide updates on telehealth and telephonic care and State and Federal Updates from April 3 and April 9. Visit MMHPI’s COVID-19 webpage for additional mental health resources.
Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network (MHTTC)
MHTTC has developed mental health resources for responding to COVID-19, including webinars and fact sheets. It includes specific resources for Telehealth and School Mental Health.
Texas Council on Family Violence
This webpage provides resources for domestic violence and trafficking prevention providers on communicating with survivors, remote work, legal services, state and national resources, business resources, and webinars.
Their COVID-19 Safety Toolkit provides guidelines, tools, and resources for planning and responding to COVID-19.
TexProtects
TexProtects developed a COVID-19 survival kit for parents and families that includes support for parents, education resources for learning at home, and guidance for coping with COVID-19.
TexProtects’ resources page provides information for keeping children and families safe, including help for youth, financial help, mental health support, and specific COVID-19 resources.
Child Welfare League of America
CWLA’s COVID-19 webpage provides relevant information, news, and resources for child welfare providers. Sections include child welfare response and resources, guidance for youth, news articles, and nonprofit resources, among others.
Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services (TACFS)
TACFS compiled a COVID-19 webpage with valuable information and resources for child welfare providers and foster families.
Texas OneStar Foundation
Texas OneStar Foundation created a resource page called Responding to COVID-19 in Texas: How You Can Serve. It includes valuable information for volunteers, nonprofits, fundraising, communications, workplace readiness, technology, and risk management. The communications and fundraising sections are particularly insightful if your organization is looking for more guidance in either of those areas.
National Health Care for the Homelessness Council
This page provides resources and guidance for meeting the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Of note is the issue brief on medical respite care and alternate care sites, which includes guidance, funding considerations, and similar resources on providing medical respite care.