From: SSVF

Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 6:51 PM

To: SSVF

Subject: SSVF Program Update Friday July 28, 2017

Topics:

1. Register Now: SSVF National Webinar on August 10, 2017 at 2:00 PM EDT

2. New Release: SSVF SOAR Toolkit

3. Register Now: SSVF Webinar Series SSVF SOAR and Benefit Toolkit on August 17, 2017 2:00 PM EDT

4. Reminder: Program Change Request Process

Title: VA’s Suicide Prevention Overview

Description: Overview of the VA’s efforts related to suicide prevention and resources available to Veterans who may be in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, to be presented by Joshua Brown, MPA/MHA, LCSW, VA Office of Suicide Prevention.

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

New Release: SSVF SOAR Toolkit

The SSVF Program is pleased to announce the release of the SSVF SOAR Toolkit. Connecting Veterans with Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits is a critical step to increasing income stability for Veterans and their families, particularly for those Veterans whose work activity is limited by disabling conditions. SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) directly contributes to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families’ (SSVF’s) goal of promoting housing stability among very low-income Veteran families by increasing access to critical income supports. SSVF grantees are encouraged to utilize the resources in this toolkit to expand use of the SOAR model so that any Veteran with disabling conditions who is experiencing or at risk for homelessness is able to quickly connect with a SOAR provider for SSI/SSDI application assistance. It is the SSVF Program Office’s expectation that all grantees utilize SOAR through either direct provision, a subcontract relationship, or through a specific Memorandum of Understanding that clearly outlines referral processes and expectations across partners.

On Thursday, August 17th at 2pm EDT, SSVF will host a special webinar on the toolkit. The webinar registration link is included in this update.

The SSVF SOAR Toolkit is attached to this update and available on the SSVF Website at:

https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSVF_SOAR_Toolkit_Final_v1.pdf

This special SSVF webinar will review the new SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) and Benefits Toolkit. This tool provides a wealth of information on SSI/SSDI, Veterans and disability benefits, integrating SOAR into community planning efforts, and resources for grantees when implementing SOAR. During the webinar, the expectations of grantees and SOAR will be reviewed, and the toolkit will be presented. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity.

This webinar will be recorded. Please register even if you are unsure if you can participate so that you can receive the link to the recording.

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

Reminder Program Change Request Process:

All requests for program changes, including budget modifications, must be submitted to the SSVF program office though the GIFTS grant management system. The Program Change requirement form can be submitted until August 15, 2017. Grantees are encouraged to review the Program Change Companion Guide prior to submitting their change request in GIFTS. The Companion Guide provides detailed instructions for completing the Program Change requirement form and includes information on timelines for submission and approval of requests. The link to the Program Change Companion Guide on the SSVF website can be found here:

https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/Companion_Guide_to_Program_Changes_FY2017_Final.pdf

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.