From:                              SSVF

Sent:                               Friday, July 22, 2016 10:50 AM

Subject:                          SSVF Program Update July 22, 2016

 

Importance:                   High

 

Topics:

 

1.     SSVF Regional Meetings

2.     Reminder:  SSVF Participation Survey

3.     SSVF Homelessness Prevention Screening Toolkit

4.     Grantee Action Needed Regarding Outstanding FFR Financial Status Reports

5.     NAEH Post-Conference Session Focused on Veterans

6.     Progressive Insurance Keys to Progress Vehicle Giveaway Event

.

SSVF Regional Meetings

 

Regional Meetings will take place from August through October.   Day 1 of these meetings will focus on community coordination and program planning efforts of grantees and stakeholders within the CoC (the community where the meeting is located), which is targeted for grantee program managers and directors..  Day 2 will offer a more traditional regional meeting format and will provide introductory training (SSVF 101) and basic practices related to rapid rehousing, Housing First, and homelessness prevention.  It is targeted for new or existing staff providing direct service, such as case managers, intake specialist or housing navigators. Registration information will be provided to grantees (using the GIFTS primary and secondary points of contact).  The email invitation will include registration information for your agency’s assigned regional meeting date and location. Please be aware that grantees may be assigned to a location that is not located within their SSVF region. After registering for the meeting, grantees will receive a separate confirmation email that will have a link to book hotel/lodging. PLEASE ONLY USE THIS LINK to ensure your reservation is included in the reserved block of hotel rooms specifically for SSVF grantees at that location. Please send any questions to Bobby Thompson (Robert.thompson2@va.gov). 

 

 

Reminder:  SSVF Participation Survey

 

Per the SSVF Final Rule and NOFA, grantees are mandated to provide each exiting participant household with an opportunity to complete the SSVF Participant Satisfaction Survey. In order to satisfy this requirement, grantees should electronically distribute the survey to participants within 30 days of the participant's exit from the program, using a customized weblink provided by VA survey vendor, M. Davis and Company (MDAC).

 

Please note that grantees will not get credit for paper surveys nor will they get credit for the weblink registrations that are missing the Veteran’s email or phone number.

 

If your grantee Point of Contact has not received the survey weblink or you have questions regarding the process, please contact M. Davis and Company (MDAC) at 215-790-8900 ext. 132 or vassvf@mdavisco.com.  To review the National Webinar PowerPoint presentation from the March 17th on our website please visit:  http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/?page=/home/.

 

Newly Released SSVF Homelessness Prevention Screening Tool (Version 2)

 

SSVF, together with our Technical Assistance providers, has developed a standardized tool to better support our assessment of risk factors and their connection to homelessness.   The new prevention screening toolkit has been posted to the SSVF website and grantees will be required to adopt the new screening form beginning on October 1, 2016.  However, grantees have the option of implementing the new toolkit now.. Grantees who would like to begin using the new prevention screening form prior to October 1, 2016 should contact their SSVF Regional Coordinator.  The toolkit materials can be downloaded and are also available on the SSVF Forms webpage.  https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSVF_Homelessness_Prevention_Screening_Toolkit_v2_Website.pdf

 

Grantee Action Needed Regarding Outstanding FFR Financial Status Reports (FSR)

 

This is a reminder to grantees that they must close any outstanding (FY 14 and FY 15) FFR Financial Status Reports in the HHS Payment Management System.  It is a Federal requirement that all SSVF grantees submit the Financial Status Report portion of the Federal Financial Report (SF-425). Grantees must complete this report for all subaccounts within the HHS Payment Management System no later than 45 days after the end of the grant term, or at the end of an approved grant extension.

 

IMPORTANT:  Effective August 31, 2016, any failure to complete this process will cause a suspension of your HHS SSVF accountYour HHS account will remain frozen until this delinquency is resolved.  Please note that all SSVF grant accounts associated with that grantee’s banking will be frozen.

 

Instructions can be found within the HHS website. https://www.dpm.psc.gov/training/ffr_training.aspx?explorer.event=true.

Please note that only the FFR Financial Status Report (FSR) is required and the FFR Cash Transaction Report  is NOT required

 

NAEH Post-Conference Session Focused on Veterans

 

Are you going to the National Alliance to End Homelessness conference next week in DC?   If so, there is a post-conference opportunity to network with your peers and meet other colleagues and experts focused on ending homelessness among Veterans.

 

Please join HUD, USICH, VA and our technical assistance partners for a post conference session on Ending Veteran Homelessness on Thursday, July 28 from 1-4 pm.  The convening is at the Renaissance Hotel Washington, DC (same location as the NAEH conference).  The session is being organized by HUD Vets@Home TA leadership team. During this session:

·         Participants will hear from a panel of experts regarding elements of successful community responses to Veteran homelessness and how to sustain local efforts.

·         COCs and practitioners will share information on what works, challenges, and new ideas/solutions.

·         Participants will engage and network with peers working to end Veteran homelessness.

 

This convening is voluntary and provided at no additional costRegister now with the link below. Space is limited!

 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/naeh-post-conference-session-ending-veteran-homelessness-tickets-26175229817  

 

Progressive Insurance Keys to Progress Vehicle Giveaway Event  

 

Progressive Insurance is once again donating 100+ vehicles to Veterans and their families this year.  Please review the details, application due dates, requirements, and giveaway event locations in the attachment.  Grantees can work directly with Veterans to submit applications.  We kindly request if a Veteran in your program is chosen to receive a vehicle, that you please share that success story with the SSVF Program Office or your Regional Coordinator (ensure necessary release of information documents are obtained).

 

Giveaway events are on Thursday, November 10, 2016, between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm at most Progressive Service Center locations, so please mark this date and time on calendars now so you can participate!   Veterans may complete a brief application and essay by August 26, 2016 to be entered into the giveaway event.  The goal is to provide at least one Veteran per Progressive Service Center location with a refurbished vehicle.

 

Thank you,

 

SSVF Program Office

 

NOTE:  If you are receiving this email in error, please disregard.  We request your patience as the SSVF Program Office continues to address system issues with the grants management database.