Client storytelling is a staple of the nonprofit business model, ever present in advocacy, clinic tours, fundraising—and news articles like the one you are reading right now.
SOAR Reaches Record Numbers!
01.28.20
"We are one piece in helping. A starting block."
- Tristan Roberts, SOAR Coordinator
The 2019 National SOAR Outcomes Report is out! And the Maryland SOAR program got lots of well-deserved recognition—making it into multiple SOAR Super Star categories. SOAR programs (of which Health Care for the Homeless is lead in Baltimore City) connect people experiencing homelessness with financial stability by helping them apply for SSI/SSDI benefits.
In 2019, Maryland stood out for...
- Top Approval Rates: Ranked #3 for highest average cumulative approval rate nationwide
- Consistency and Impact: Produced 1,316 decisions with an 86% approval rate
- Most Improved Capacity: Collectively, Arkansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Maryland and Louisiana went from 290 decisions in a year to 446 decisions in the following year (54% increase)
- Bonus: Processed initial claims three weeks faster (86 days vs. 108 days nationally)
Check out the full report here.
Congratulations to the whole team!
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Tristan Roberts, SOAR Coordinator
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Marc Bowman, Disability Assistance Outreach Specialist
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Shantelle Jackson, Disability Assistance Outreach Specialist
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Rachel Masciarelli, Disability Assistance Outreach Specialist
To refer clients to the program or find out more, read this one-pager explaining our SOAR process at Health Care for the Homeless!
More Recent News
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The Trans Rights Advocacy Coalition (TRAC) has been the driving force in championing trans rights policy changes in Maryland. Due to stigma and structural discrimination, transgender people—particularly transgender people of color—experience high rates of homelessness. Following the implementation of the Trans Health Equity Act in January, we talked with TRAC leadership about their work and community.
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04.19.24
Since starting in January 2022, REI Health Specialist Arie Hayre-Somuah, LMSW, MPH has worked with our clinical teams to identify health disparities and move us closer to health equity. This year, she is turning her focus to the topic of health literacy.
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04.02.24
We are delighted to announce the promotion of Hanna Mast from Senior Communications Manager to Director of Communications. Get to know more about her work in the Q&A below!
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