This weekly update is targeted towards the SSVF Grantees and shared with valuable partners for awareness.        

August 18, 2023    

      

 

RESOURCE: HUD-VASH SSVF Collaborative Case Management Guidance & Collaborative Agreement Sample Documents Published

UPDATE: Customer Satisfaction Survey Update

RESOURCE: Legal Resources

REMINDER: SSVF Data Office Hours August 18, 2023, 12:00pm EST  

REMINDER: Outreach Activities

RESOURCE: HUD-VASH SSVF Collaborative Case Management Guidance & Collaborative Agreement Sample Documents Published

The SSVF Program Office and the HUD-VASH Program Office have collaboratively developed written guidance about the development of Collaborative Case Management in conjunction with the recently released memo.  Additionally, a sample Collaborative Agreement was also developed to support the development of local coordination efforts between programs.  Both of these documents, as well as the HUD-VASH and SSVF Coordination Memo, are on the Coordination and Planning page of our website or viewed at: 

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

https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSVF_VASH_Service_Coordination_Agreement.docx

UPDATE: Customer Satisfaction Survey Update

The goal of the Satisfaction Survey is to ensure that Veteran families receiving supportive services under the SSVF Program are receiving quality services. Each SSVF Grantee is required to register all household for the SSVF designated satisfaction survey within 30 days of the participant’s pending exit from the grantee’s program.  Veteran households that are enrolled using the HUD-VASH or GPD packet and only receive TFA are excluded from the satisfaction survey registration requirement.  If the Veteran is co-enrolled in SSVF and HUD VASH or GPD and receives services other than one-time TFA, the Grantee is required to register Veteran household for the satisfaction survey.    

RESOURCE: Legal Resources

The SSVF Program Office requires all SSVF grantees ensure access to legal supports for Veterans.  In addition to the recently added Legal agreements or contracts held by SSVF grantees, the VA also has other legal resources that may address a Veteran’s legal needs.  The link below provide information and links to additional VA legal services for Veterans. 

Legal Help for Veterans - Office of General Counsel (va.gov)

REMINDER: SSVF Data Office Hours August 18, 2023, 12:00PM EST  

The SSVF Program Office continues to host monthly SSVF Data Office Hours for SSVF Grantees and their community partners.  Our technical assistance partners with Abt Associates will continue to provide “deep dive” education and conduct live Q & A about SSVF data requirements.  These Office Hours are a great opportunity for SSVF grantees to grow their data entry and data quality skills and improve local processes.         

Please register using the following link:  Webinar Registration - Zoom

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

REMINDER: Outreach Activities

The SSVF Program Office would like to remind grantees that outreach is a required activity.  As a core component of the grant, grantees should have a robust outreach strategy to engage Veterans experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.  

SSVF grantees should:  

· Ensure outreach activities cover the full geography and all unsheltered Veterans are offered a pathway to permanent or interim housing in the near term.

· Collaborate with community partners for street outreach including Coordinated Entry Outreach Teams, VA Outreach Teams, Law Enforcement, local businesses such as railroads or gas stations, public services such as street or highway departments, health departments, bus or train stations, advocacy groups including domestic violence providers, organizations specifically focused on supporting marginalized groups.

· Strongly consider hiring in-house or elevating existing the employment of peer specialists in outreach settings and across program operations; ensure outreach personnel include Veterans who have had similar experiences to those for whom Services are designed to support.

· Provide access to training in trauma-informed, culturally responsive outreach and engagement strategies, including Rapid Resolution approaches, motivational interviewing, and implicit bias.