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  • SOAR Funding and Sustainability Overview

    There is no dedicated source of funding for SOAR programs. As a result, difficulty obtaining funds to pay the salaries of SOAR benefits specialists is a major reason that SOAR services in some areas are severely limited or nonexistent. Despite these challenges, communities have been resourceful in securing funding from a variety of sources.

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  • SOAR Integration in Continuums of Care (CoCs)

    Including SOAR in local CoC planning and projects is a viable strategy for connecting individuals to long-term stable income and improving CoC system performance. CoCs nationwide have included SOAR in their local homeless response systems.

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  • SOAR Supervision Checklist

    SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) case workers assist eligible individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or a co-occurring substance use disorder to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. Due to the unique nature of the position, the following are helpful suggestions and reminders when supervising SOAR case workers.

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  • SOAR Succession Planning

    Staff turnover while there are pending disability applications can confuse and concern the applicant, the Social Security Administration (SSA), and Disability Determination Services (DDS). This checklist helps agencies effectively transfer applications to a new SOAR case worker, resulting in a frustration-free experience for all.

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    Article
  • National Recovery Month

    National Recovery Month is observed every September to educate the public about mental health and substance use disorders and to celebrate the gains accomplished by individuals in recovery. In celebration, the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center extends thanks and appreciation to the 250+ SOAR-trained case workers who identify as “peers.”

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  • SOAR and the VA Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program

    Connecting Veterans with Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits is a critical step to increasing income stability for Veterans and their families, particularly for those Veterans whose work activity is limited by disabling conditions. The SOAR model helps individuals obtain SSA disability benefits while they are pursuing their vocational and housing goals through the GPD Program. 

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    Article
  • Spotlight on Peer Support Workers

    Highlighted below are some of the ways peers from around the country have incorporated their lived expertise into their SOAR work.

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    Article
  • Using ESG-CV Funds for Dedicated SOAR Case Workers

    The CARES Act included additional Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) funding for communities. There is an opportunity for ESG recipients and Continuums of Care (CoCs) to use some of this funding to support dedicated SOAR case workers.

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  • Sample SOAR Job Description

    Is your agency looking to hire a SOAR Benefits Specialist?  Take a look at this Sample Job Description!

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    Article
  • SOAR Funding Strategies

    SOAR programs can be funded through a variety of sources, including foundations, private donors, and businesses operating in your communities. 

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  • SOAR Marketing Strategies

    SOAR programs across the nation are looking for attention-getting ways to communicate with government officials, community providers, potential volunteers, and funders about the work SOAR is doing to help people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness access Social Security benefits. Most of these stakeholders will look online to find information about your program.

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    Article
  • Funding and Sustainability Tools and Resources

    Here are some tools that can assist your efforts to obtain funding for your SOAR program. Sample SOAR proposals and budgets, infographics, and the SOAR Cost Savings/Benefit Calculation Guide are provided, as well as links to external resources and trainings.

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    Article