Hello!
The SAMHSA SOAR TA Center is delighted to release the outcomes of SSI/SSDI applications submitted using the SOAR process from 2006 through June 30, 2013. Since SOAR began, more than 19,000 people who were experiencing or at-risk for homelessness have been approved for SSI/SSDI upon initial application through the SOAR approach. An additional 3,000 persons, whose applications were denied initially, were approved on reconsideration or appeal. Taken together, since 2006, the SOAR approach is responsible for assisting 22,100 persons who were experiencing or at risk of homelessness to access Social Security disability benefits.
Click here to see the full Outcomes report.
There are SOAR practitioners in all 50 states and we see growing energy and commitment to expand SOAR to new communities and populations. We just recently received 18 applications from CoCs across the country applying for targeted SOAR technical assistance.
There are new opportunities available with the SOAR online course. The online course trains individuals in the core elements of completing SSI/SSDI applications using the SOAR model and includes the completion of a sample SOAR application packet. The online course is accessible wherever there is an internet connection, thus expanding the impact of SOAR to rural and other communities that have not had previous access to SOAR trainings.
SOAR TA Center resources are transitioning to the development and on-going support of SOAR Community Leaders through training and mentorship at SOAR Leadership Academies. The Leadership Academy is our opportunity to develop and provide ongoing support to local leaders who will help implement SOAR in their communities.
Please let me know if I can answer any questions you may have about these outcomes or SOAR efforts across the country.
Sincerely,
Kristin
Kristin Lupfer, LMSW
Project Director
SAMHSA SOAR TA Center
Policy Research Associates, Inc.
Delmar, NY 12054
(518) 439-7415 x5262
Creating positive social change in the lives of disadvantaged people through research, evaluation, and technical assistance
