The Homeless Health Infectious Disease (HHID) program aims to reduce the negative health impacts for people experiencing homelessness (PEH) by building the capacity of local homeless service agencies, bridging the gap between local health entities, and engaging other community stakeholders to prepare for and respond to infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and amplified the health disparities and weaknesses within our public health system that inequitably impact marginalized and underserved populations in the United States. PEH face disproportionate rates of underlying chronic health conditions and substance use disorders, stigma, and marginalization that often disenfranchise them from health and social services. Insecure social living conditions can lead to a heightened risk of infection and adverse outcomes of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

Through the HHID program, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is partnering with homeless service agencies and other congregate living settings regionally to create initiatives to reduce the negative health impacts associated with the chronic conditions and transmission of infectious diseases among unhoused populations.

The HHID Program develops guidance for homeless service agencies across the Indiana Balance of State (BOS) in the following two formats.

Infectious Disease Guidance

These documents contain disease specific–transmission control guidance to aid in the mitigation of infectious disease transmission within a congregate living setting. Partners are encouraged to adopt all feasible measures from the guidance to protect agency residents and staff.

Each guidance document is partnered with an informational webinar that can be found below.

Respiratory Illness Guidance - Congregate Living

Respiratory Illness Guidance - Congregate Living Webinar

COVID-19 Guidance - Congregate Living

COVID-19 Guidance - Congregate Living Webinar

Quick Guides

The quick guides are short 1-to-2-page informational guidance sheets covering a specific topic or health risk.

Recognizing Hypothermia and Frostbite

Staying Safe During Respiratory Season

Contact

The HHID Program can be reached at HHID@ihcda.in.gov for all questions, concerns, or partner inquiries.