From: SSVF

Sent: Friday, May 20, 2016 4:04 PM

Subject: SSVF Program Update: May 20th, 2016

Importance: High

Topics:

1. National SSVF Webinar on May 26, 2016 at 2:00 PM EDT

2. Reminder:  RRH Waiver Request Process Due by May 31, 2016

3. Reminder:  SSVF Q3 Program Change Requests Due on June 1, 2016

4. Reminder:  Community Plan Update:  Submissions Due on June 3, 2016

5. SSVF Grantee Expenditure Rates

National SSVF Webinar on May 26, 2016 at 2:00 PM EDT

SSVF Webinar Series: Using Conflict Resolution for Effective Homeless Prevention and Diversion

The concept of empowering clients is central to the way the Domestic Violence (DV) community works with victims and survivors of domestic abuse, and it is one of the National Alliance to End Homelessness' Principles of Good Homeless Prevention. The conflict resolution field also recognizes the importance of empowerment, and mediators use specific interventions to support clients as they regain control of their lives after a crisis and/or conflict.

This presentation will show how Cleveland Mediation Center encourages client choice and decision-making to Veterans who are about to lose their housing or are in need of new housing (prevention). It will demonstrate how empowerment is a key component of helping those who may be entering the shelter system to immediately return to safe and appropriate housing (diversion).

Please register at:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4047832640930597377

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Reminder:  RRH Waiver Request Process Due by May 31, 2016

As reviewed on the SSVF National Webinar broadcast on January 21, 2016, SSVF grantees may wish to request a RRH Waiver for the current grant cycle.  All grantees that were approved for a “Prevention Waiver” in previous grant cycles need to re-apply using the new process described on the January 21^st webinar (which can be viewed at the webinar link posted below).  RRH Waiver requests must be submitted by May 31, 2016.  This is a community-wide strategic request that should be submitted only after coordinating with your relevant community stakeholders.  In addition, a COC endorsement is required for each request.  To initiate the process, please consult with your Regional Coordinator to have a preliminary discussion about the need for a RRH Waiver and the process for submission.  Your Regional Coordinator is also available should you have any questions or encounter any issues during the process.

National Webinar recordings are available at:

http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/?page=ssvf_university/webinar_library

The RRH waiver form may be found under SSVF Developed Tools at:

http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/?page=/official_guide/program_operations

Reminder:  SSVF Q3 Program Change Requests Due on June 1, 2016

To assist grantees with their Program Change submissions, the SSVF Program Office has released a FY2016 Companion Guide for Program Changes, which can be found at: (http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.asp?page=/official_guide/reporting_and_monitoring_requirements).

This guide provides clarification on the various types of program changes and includes detailed instructions for accessing and completing the GIFTS requirement form.  Please thoroughly review this guide prior to submitting any program change requests, as it was based directly off of grantee feedback and developed in order to prevent mathematical errors that resulted in the declination of previously submitted program change requests.  Requests that do not contain sufficient detail/documentation will be denied by the Program Office. 

It should be noted that the majority of Q2 submission errors involved the budget modification/new position sections.  While the Companion Guide includes more detailed information, general guidance regarding those sections is provided below: 

• Dollar amounts must be entered for all budget fields, regardless of whether that specific budgeted category is being modified. 
• For example:  a budget modification that changes the distribution of funds in Personnel and TFA must also include the dollar amounts for OTNP, Administration, and Vehicles.
• Without this information the calculations to determine the correct HHS subaccount distributions will result in an error.
• The sum of all dollar amounts entered into the requirement form must equal your award amount. 
• Any submissions with discrepancies will be denied.
• Modified amounts cannot exceed the NOFA/Final Rule limitations (e.g. Administration cannot exceed 10%).
• Detailed explanations are required for all budget modifications. 
• Be specific - explanations should detail where funds are being moved to and from and the reason why.
• If you are adding new positions, please note that the budget modification section must be completed along with the new position section of the requirement form.

Requirement forms for Q3 submissions are available at this time.  Program change submissions are due no later than 6/1/16.  Please direct any questions to your Regional Coordinator.

Reminder:  Community Plan Update:  Submissions Due on June 3, 2016

Community Plan submissions are due on Friday, June 3^rd.  Grantees should refer to the Program Update: Special Edition on May 5^th for additional guidance, instructions, and the submission link.

SSVF Grantee Expenditure Rates

As part of the SSVF Program Office oversight process, grantee spending is being assessed on a monthly basis based off the HHS Payment Management System accounts.  Grantees should implement on-going efforts to evaluate progress toward program goals, including projected spending, to ensure all Veteran families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness have access to services.  It is important that grantees anticipate what funding is needed for remaining months of the fiscal year and submit any requests for changes to the budget as part of the Q3 Program Change process.  Please reach out to your SSVF Regional Coordinator if there are any questions or concerns about your agency’s current expenditure rates.

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.