From:                              SSVF

Sent:                               Thursday, May 05, 2016 10:05 AM

Subject:                          SSVF Program Updates: Special Edition on Community Planning;  May 5, 2016

Attachments:                 June 2016 Community Planning Update Companion Guide.pdf; SSVFCommunityPlanning_JuneQuestions.pdf; June Community Planning Update Questions_BlankDoc.docx

 

Importance:                   High

 

Survey Format/Purpose:   Beginning January 2016, the SSVF program updated the format for community planning updates to include a SurveyMonkey submission rather than Excel template submission. The SurveyMonkey allows the SSVF Program Office to quickly gather and analyze data, and allows SSVF Regional Coordinators to review data for each community in their region.  Data analyses can lead to further efforts in establishing Technical Assistance with the specific communities based upon their stated needs.  Please note this survey may not necessarily be considered your community’s plan; it is an effort to collect community progress data in a standardized, survey format.

 

Survey Goals:

·         Obtain an update on community planning efforts including clarifying the roles of HUD VASH and GPD,

·         Assesses use of bridge housing/change of scope for GPD;

·         Assess data sharing capabilities and need for assistance;

·         Determine the top priorities for planning efforts in each community;

·         Determine which communities intend  submit an ending Veteran Homelessness claim to federal partners (USICH,HUD,VA);Determine barriers to plan submission (training needs);

·         Assess general technical assistance needs;  and

·         Assess sustainability efforts/gaps in resources.

 

How to submit:   Similar to the previous survey, the Program Office can only accept one survey submission per CoC (see exceptions below).  As a result, grantees must coordinate who will submit the survey for each community in their service area.  Does not access the survey link unless you are designated to complete the survey for your community and are ready to submit your answers.   As with previous submissions, grantees must coordinate with their homeless service providers, CoC, and local VA Medical Center(s) to ensure survey answers are consistent with community planning efforts.  Survey submissions should reflect the community’s efforts and needs.  All community and VA providers are responsible for ensuring information provided is accurate.

 

Exceptions for Balance of State and CA-600 CoCs:   Grantees serving Balance of State CoCs may submit multiple survey submissions.  The survey now provides space for BoS submissions to designate the counties covered by their survey responses.  Additionally, grantees serving the Los Angeles City/County CoC (CA-600) may submit a community plan for each SPA region.  This survey now provides space for entering the SPA number that corresponds with each survey submission.

 

Accessing the Survey:  The survey link is included within the Companion Guide.  Please remember to select “done” to submit your survey responses to the SSVF Program Office.

 

Survey Deadline:  All survey responses must be submitted no later than Friday, June 3rd, 2016.

Additional Resources:

The SSVF Program Office has prepared several materials to assist with this process:

1.      June 2016 Community Planning Companion Guide including detailed information/guidance for each survey question;

2.      PDF version of the SurveyMonkey questions (SSVFCommunityPlanning_JuneQuestions); and

3.      A blank WORD document containing all survey questions and response options.  This form can be used to collect responses from stakeholders.  It is recommended that all responses be collected on this document prior to accessing the survey. Please do not submit this Word document to the Program Office.

 

Questions?

We will briefly review the community planning submission process on the May SSVF regional calls.  If you have any questions after reviewing the additional resources please contact your SSVF Regional Coordinator.

 

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.