Safer Ground Hotel Voucher Program
In an effort to expand resources for households experiencing homelessness with a household member at high-risk for complications if infected with COVID-19, Alameda County is implementing the Safer Ground Hotel Voucher Program. This program allows eligible households and their service provider(s) to apply for financial resources to pay for stays in non-congregate housing (typically a hotel) for up to 90 days.
Please thoroughly read the documents below for more information about the program details, eligibility requirements, and application process.
Safer Ground Hotel Voucher Information for Service Providers
Safer Ground Hotel Voucher Application
HMIS Release of Information
HMIS Client Profile
Health Shelter Intake Form
Vendor Form
W-9
HCSA Housing Assistance Fund Invoice Form
Medical Verification (completed by healthcare professional)
Individual High Risk Certification
Health Shelter Exit Form
Please call (510) 567-8007 or email covidhousing@acgov.org with any questions regarding this program.
Program Eligibility
-Refraining from having any visitors
-Refraining from congregating in public spaces
-Engaging in regular and thorough hand-washing
-Remaining in their room except for essential trips
-Wearing a face covering outside the room and during essential trips
Household Eligibility
Eligible households must meet at least one criteria in BOTH Category A and B below:
Category A – Residential Criteria
At the time of referral, the applicant(s) must be sleeping in one of the following locations:
Category B – Clinical Criteria
At the time of referral, one or more members of the household must document that they meet one or more of the following medical statuses by providing medical documentation or by providing written self-certification of eligibility using the Individual high risk certification form. Participants approved based on self-certification must provide medical evidence to continue in the program beyond the first 30 days.
Providers are encouraged to reach out with any questions related to eligibility, the application materials, or the requirements of the program after reviewing the documents and prior to completing the application at covidhousing@acgov.org or by calling (510) 567-8007.
Please thoroughly read the documents below for more information about the program details, eligibility requirements, and application process.
Safer Ground Hotel Voucher Information for Service Providers
Safer Ground Hotel Voucher Application
HMIS Release of Information
HMIS Client Profile
Health Shelter Intake Form
Vendor Form
W-9
HCSA Housing Assistance Fund Invoice Form
Medical Verification (completed by healthcare professional)
Individual High Risk Certification
Health Shelter Exit Form
Please call (510) 567-8007 or email covidhousing@acgov.org with any questions regarding this program.
Program Eligibility
- Referrals must come from an eligible service provider working with an eligible household or individual
- Service provider and eligible household must identify an appropriate housing site willing to accept the applicant
- Service provider must agree to provide ongoing support to the household throughout their participation in the Safer Ground hotel voucher Program
- Household agrees to shelter-in-place during their stay, including:
-Refraining from having any visitors
-Refraining from congregating in public spaces
-Engaging in regular and thorough hand-washing
-Remaining in their room except for essential trips
-Wearing a face covering outside the room and during essential trips
Household Eligibility
Eligible households must meet at least one criteria in BOTH Category A and B below:
Category A – Residential Criteria
At the time of referral, the applicant(s) must be sleeping in one of the following locations:
- On the street or other places not meant for human habitation
- Emergency shelter
- Transitional housing program for individuals experiencing homelessness
- Exiting a health care or other institution with no identified residence at time of discharge
- In a congregate living facility for less than 90 days with no way to self-isolate AND was sleeping in one of the above categories prior to entering the facility
Category B – Clinical Criteria
At the time of referral, one or more members of the household must document that they meet one or more of the following medical statuses by providing medical documentation or by providing written self-certification of eligibility using the Individual high risk certification form. Participants approved based on self-certification must provide medical evidence to continue in the program beyond the first 30 days.
- Chronic heart disease, i.e. heart failure, coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies, pulmonary hypertension
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Immunocompromised from a solid organ transplant, blood, or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies
- Sickle cell disease
- Obesity - Body Mass Index (BMI) >30
- Chronic kidney disease
- Poorly controlled HIV infection with a CD4 count <300 or not on HIV treatment
- Chronic steroid use or immune weakening medications
- Moderate to severe asthma
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Active cancer diagnosis in treatment or not
- Chronic liver disease
Providers are encouraged to reach out with any questions related to eligibility, the application materials, or the requirements of the program after reviewing the documents and prior to completing the application at covidhousing@acgov.org or by calling (510) 567-8007.
