Multimorbidity and Social Drivers of Homelessness and Health: Introduction to This Special Issue.

This introduction describes the impetus and context for this special issue on multimorbidity in homeless populations. The guest editors begin the introduction by describing the problem of homelessness which has been exacerbated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The editors then describe the content of this special issue, which includes original research examining special populations such as homeless youth, aging populations, and Veterans as well as medical and behavioral health conditions such as tuberculosis, HIV, and opioid use disorder. Two editorials are also included in this special issue that comment on the history of homelessness and the link between homelessness and suicide. The editors acknowledge the different stakeholders that helped support this special issue and highlight the need for continued research and innovative solutions to improve the health, housing, and well-being of homeless populations.

SOAR Online Course Increases Capacity for Assisting Individuals with Disabilities in the US.

For adults with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness, chances of being approved for social security disability benefits are very low, without assistance. Assisting with the Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application process can be challenging for case managers who lack capacity and expertise. Training caseworkers to document disability and submit complete, high-quality applications using the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) model improves efficiency and outcomes. Nationally, 65% of applications using the SOAR model are approved, with decisions received in an average of 81 days in 2015. The SOAR Online Course was created to expand training opportunities for individuals to learn how to effectively assist with SSI/SSDI applications for individuals experiencing or at risk for homelessness. From October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015, 1049 individuals from 49 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico successfully completed the SOAR Online Course. The course is a unique public health training model; in that, it incorporates a realistic and multimodal practice SSI/SSDI application with comprehensive feedback provided by experts. Local SOAR leaders around the county are trained to facilitate and guide groups through the course. This study evaluated data on online course usage, user experience, and the translation from learning to practice for online course trainees. We found that successful course completions were most concentrated in areas that had local SOAR leaders, trainees through the online course had higher data entry rates about case outcomes in the SOAR Online Application Tracking system, and that trainees reported a high satisfaction rate with the course and comprehensive feedback. The evaluation found that key success factors for online training models include the integration of a practice case component (or other generative learning activity), support from local facilitators, and feedback and technical assistance for trainees.