Community of Practice Description
Those without stable housing face both immediate dangers and long-term health consequences from extreme weather. Health centers that serve homeless individuals, including Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) health centers, witness these impacts firsthand. Despite being on the frontlines of emergency response, many health centers are not actively involved in disaster planning at the patient, clinic, or local level.
This community of practice will focus on strengthening the role of health centers in weather emergency preparedness and response, with a specific focus on homelessness. Over the course of four sessions, participants will explore local emergency resources for unhoused patients and develop a disaster readiness plan to implement within their organizations.
Apply by January 23, 2026. Thank you!
Schedule & Time Commitment
Accepted applicants are asked to attend a total of four 90-minute learning sessions in February & March 2026. Meetings will be held over Zoom:
- Session 1 — Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 – 12 Noon – 1:30 PM Central (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Eastern)
- Session 2 — Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 – 12 Noon – 1:30 PM Central (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Eastern)
- Session 3 — Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 – 12 Noon – 1:30 PM Central (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Eastern)
- Session 4 — Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 – 12 Noon – 1:30 PM Central (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Eastern)
Eligibility
This community of practice is open to representatives of Health Centers (Federally Qualified Health Centers or Potential Health Center Grantees) and Medical Respite Care programs. Given the focus of the series, Health Centers who serve homeless individuals will be prioritized.
If you are not one of the above, you may still apply. We will review the information you provide and may accept applications as space allows.
Cost
No cost/free.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the 4-Session Series,
- Participants will identify and describe the unique challenges and needs of homeless individuals during weather-related emergencies.
- Participants will assess and prioritize community and program needs through a structured needs assessment process that incorporates local partnerships and available resources.
- Participants will develop strategies to increase access and ensure continuity of quality care for homeless individuals during and after weather emergencies.
- Participants will create a list of recommendations to take back to their health center/community.
Community of Practice Outline
Session 1 – “Introduction to Weather Emergencies and Health-Related Impacts on Homeless Individuals”
- Introduction
- Introduction to intersection of weather emergencies, homelessness, and health
- Guest Speaker Presentation: Firsthand experience from consumer with lived experience
- Q&A
- Optional Homework: Review your health center’s existing emergency protocol and resources for unhoused patients
Session 2 – “Assessing the Needs of Your Health Center and Community
- Identify strengths and weaknesses of existing response plans
- Assessing and prioritizing needs
- Guest Speaker Presentation: Resources and Guidance for Beginning Weather Emergency Readiness Planning
- Optional Homework: Complete needs assessment worksheet
Session 3 – “Building Capacity to Respond to Weather Emergencies”
- Building partnerships and securing resources to better prepare your health center for future emergencies
- Guest Speaker Presentation: Health Center representative sharing their experience
- Optional Homework: Complete outline of emergency response plan
Session 4 – “Looking Longterm: Improving Quality of Emergency Response”
- Reviewing completed work from the training series
- Discuss sustainability and continuous improvement of emergency response
- Optional participant presentations
Thank you for your interest in this series. Please complete the application below to help us get to know you and your program!
