Developed through SAMHSA funding, the SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) model has emerged as a promising practice for assisting persons with disabilities who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to secure Social Security disability benefits. For many such individuals, these benefits provide a direct path out of homelessness and into housing, providing them with a greater opportunity to manage their disability and advance on the path to recovery. Unfortunately, while acknowledging the benefits of SOAR implementation, many states, communities, and service providers struggle to secure the necessary funding for staffing SOAR programs.
This webinar will feature presentations from Kristin Lupfer, Project Director of the SOAR Technical Assistance Center, as well as individuals who have successfully funded SOAR implementation at an agency and state level. Participants will learn of strategies and funding opportunities that can be used to support SOAR outreach workers and will have the chance to submit their questions to the presenters.
PRESENTERS:
Kristin Lupfer, M.S.W. , is Project Director of the SAMHSA SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) Technical Assistance (TA) Center at Policy Research Associates, Inc. Kristin earned her M.S.W. at the Columbia University School of Social Work. Her previous experience includes work as a Supported Employment Specialist and caseworker assisting people with disabilities who were experiencing homelessness in New York City and Atlanta. In addition, she has conducted research and data analysis with the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. Prior to joining the SOAR TA Center, Kristin was the Director of the Georgia SOAR program. Kristin oversees all aspects of the SOAR TA Center, including delivery of onsite TA; development of the SOAR online course; supervision of staff; development of new materials; and technical assistance to SOAR states on strategic planning, collaborations, funding, sustainability, and implementation.
Emily Carmody, LCSW, is a Project Specialist with the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness (NCCEH), a statewide membership nonprofit that works to secure resources, encourage public dialogue, and advocate for public policy change to end homelessness. Emily is the state lead for the North Carolina SOAR program and advises on projects concerning health and human services. She has worked in homeless services for ten years in Connecticut; Washington, DC; Michigan; and North Carolina and has been with NCCEH since May 2010. After receiving her Master's in Social Work from the University of Michigan in 2007, Emily moved to Durham, North Carolina, where she was a member of the Durham County PATH outreach team for two years.
Peter J. Pike is the inaugural Executive Director of the Colorado Disability Benefits Support Program (DBS), a nonprofit organization established to assist adults with disabilities, including those with chronic illnesses/condition, to acquire income, health insurance and other base care needs to stabilize their lives, health, and housing situation. Peter has 20 years of experience assisting individuals with disabilities navigating public assistance programs and obtaining employment. In his role as Director, he has led the organization from concept to service implementation. Mr. Pike is SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) certified and received national certification as a SOAR trainer. Colorado DBS serves as the state hub for the SOAR intervention and employs 6.5 staff providing disability benefits advocacy.
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