Member Resources
Winter & Holiday Resource Spreadsheet
We have created a spreadsheet specifically for winter and holiday resources available to individuals and families in Washtenaw County! This spreadsheet is a collaborative effort, and we are asking agencies to add their support resources for the BB network to reference this winter season.
Access and edit the spreadsheet here
Examples of resources include winter clothing, gifts/presents, household items, and food/meals.
Barrier Busters Member Frequently Asked Questions
1. I'm having log in problems with my Encompass or DTE account, who do I contact?
All training and technical assistance questions should be first addressed to the dl-bbstaff email group. The BB staff on rotation will get back with you.
2. Encompass says I’ve been suspended due to improper activity?! What did I do?
If a user doesn’t log into Encompass after 4+ weeks, their account is locked. Contact l-bbstaff and your password will be reset.3. A client needs an auto repair, what’s the process?
Please follow the auto repair guidelines located at https://tinyurl.com/4jmrvajn Make sure to upload the required documents to https://tinyurl.com/p77dyr3b4. What’s the maximum I can request?
A client can receive up to $3,000 in a calendar year (transportation requests are capped at $2,000. Requests above $1,000 face additional scrutiny – please make sure the explanation of need field is thoroughly filled out.5. My client received assistance 6 months ago, can we put in a new request? Barrier Busters is for one-time emergency assistance per calendar year. In the event that an additional request is needed in the same calendar year, please contact Barrier Busters staff to discuss the situation.
6. How much is available in emergency assistance, annually?
The current 2023 budget is just over $650,000. However, some funds are restricted to certain populations (such as seniors) or to certain types of assistance (such as eviction prevention).
7. Why are funds only available on a quarterly basis?
To ensure that there’s funding availability year-round, $47,500 in flexible funds are made available at the beginning of each quarter.
8. Housing is listed as an assistance type, can any agency apply for eviction prevention or security deposit funding? All eviction prevention or security deposit assistance have to go through the HAWC/SOS process. Other agencies can request assistance for other housing emergencies, for example: storage lockers, moving vans, and home repair.
9. Why is academic assistance, such as for books or tuition, not considered an emergency? Barrier Busters defines an emergency as a need, that if unpaid, will result in negative impacts to the social determinates of health as it relates to immediate economic stability.
10. I put in a request, but I don’t see it anywhere in Encompass? Should I submit again?
Encompass doesn’t provide an alert that a request has been submitted to the requesting user. Additionally, BB staff have to confirm a client before they’re assigned a case number.
11. A utility payment was never cashed by DTE, and isn’t reflected in DTE ORA?
This can occur if the wrong account number is entered in the “Optional Information to be printed on the check”. Please double check the account number, and put the account number FIRST in the field – this field corresponds to the memo line and is character limited.
Barrier Busters Email List-server
We ask that all members using this resource agree to our List-serve guidelines on content and use.
This link is provided for your reference.
Barrier Busters Emergency Unmet Needs Fund (BBEUNF)
- Encompass Agency Barrier Busters Submission
This is the secure online portal link for Barrier Busters members to submit funding requests. - Auto Assistance Criteria
This link is used to provide a criteria guide for auto repair assistance. - Formstack Upload link for Barrier Busters Request Supporting Documents
This link is used to provide supporting documents for Barrier Busters Requests submitted by screening agencies. Principally, auto repair and dental request. - Map Washtenaw
Map Washtenaw is used by Barrier Busters staff and members to confirm what municipality a resident lives in. - BBEUNF Release of Information (Digital)
This is a secure online release of information for Barrier Busters Emergency Unmet Needs Fund requests and sharing of client information across member agencies to coordinate social services assistance. - BBEUNF Release of Information (Print Copy)
A Release of Information form that can be printed out for "wet" signatures."
Barrier Busters Training Materials
- New Member Orientation
This guide gives an overview of the Barrier Busters program and funds request guidelines and requirements. - Encompass User Guide
This guide shows a step by step walk-through of processes in the Encompass system.