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

· NEW: Happy New Year

· NEW: MOA Addendum for all FY2023 Grantees

· RESOURCE: SSVF HUD-VASH Office Hour – New SSVF Flexibilities and Incentive Practices January 6, 2023, 12:00 PM EST

· REMINDER: Supplemental NOFA Communities Monthly Report Due in UDPaaS

· REMINDER: Request for Success Stories for Upcoming SSVF Annual Report

· RESOURCE: Updated SSVF Supplemental Award Questions and Responses

· RESOURCE: SSVF NOFA for FY24 Publication  

· RESOURCE: Food Security Resources

NEW: Happy New Year

As the year 2022 swiftly ends, we feel compelled to take a moment to thank each of you for the great effort, hard work and dedication you have shown this year. For your exceptional service in honoring our Nation’s Veterans, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you.

The Covid-19 pandemic continued to challenge us in ways we never thought possible. But through it all each of you buckled down, used the right tools, at the right time and continued to go above and beyond for a job well done!

We hope that YOU are proud of the work that you have done in 2022 and look forward to what 2023 will bring. Whatever you plan to do, and wherever you plan to be, we wish each one of you a peaceful, safe and Happy New Year!

NEW: MOA Addendum for all FY2023 Grantees

On December 21, 2022, addendums were sent out to be signed by all existing FY23 Grantees. The Addendum #1 allows existing grantees with an FY 2023 grant award the ability to utilize funds to provide resources to landlords (landlord incentives), miscellaneous move-in expenses to Veteran families (tenant incentives) and serve Veteran households who have income up to 80% of the local AMI. This addendum aligns current operations with the upcoming FY24 NOFA currently open for applications.

All signed addendums are due back to the Program Office via UDPaaS no later than January 13, 2022.

This guidance is aligned with Supplemental Award FAQ. Note: This Addendum does not include Housing Navigation Services for HUD-VASH teams. The SSVF Program Office will continue to provide technical assistance and support for grantees implementing these new services throughout 2023.

RESOURCE: SSVF HUD-VASH Office Hour – New SSVF Flexibilities and Incentive Practices January 6, 2023, 12:00 PM EST

Description: The SSVF and HUD-VASH Program Offices have been supporting supplemental award communities (SNOFA) in implementing new incentive services to help expedite permanent housing placements for Veterans. The SSVF Program Office is now expanding this initiative to all grantees nationally. This office hour will review new flexibilities and authorities that all grantees may be able to utilize in the near future and highlight communities who have implemented effective landlord incentive strategies locally.

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vFK9eltKS3ayZHTRm00TOw

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

REMINDER: Supplemental NOFA Communities Monthly Report Due in UDPaaS

All grantee recipients of the FY22 Supplemental NOFA funds are required to complete a monthly report activity in UDPaaS. The NOVEMBER data report is due December 28, 2022 and should include any data from November 1, 2022 through November 30, 2022. Reach out to your Regional Coordinator if you have any questions.

REMINDER: Request for Success Stories for Upcoming SSVF Annual Report (see 3 attachments) 

The SSVF Program Office is seeking success stories to publish in the upcoming SSVF Annual Report, which is shared with Congress and other stakeholders.  Attached you will find a guide to provide information necessary to publish a Success Story on behalf of the SSVF Program.  Please send your signed consent forms (2 total) and story to: ssvf@va.gov and Mark_Silverbush@abtassoc.com.  

RESOURCE: Updated SSVF Supplemental Award Questions and Reponses

The SSVF NOFA was released in June 2022 and provides supplemental awards and new authorities to select high priority communities to address housing barriers and support the VA’s 38,000 Permanent Housing Placement (PHP) goal.

The frequently asked questions and responses document has been updated. These frequently asked questions and responses may be found on the SSVF website: About tab, under the News and Events section, and may also be accessed here

RESOURCE: SSVF NOFA for FY24 Publication

The SSVF Program Office and VA are pleased to announce the newest Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) published in the Federal Register.  This NOFA for supportive services grants provides funding opportunities to new and existing applicants nationwide.  This NOFA is competitive, and applicants are urged to closely review the NOFA and associated training available on the SSVF website  News and Events.  Please share this information with interested partners. 

Applicants are required to apply online via SSVF's grants management system,  UDPaaS .  VA will use the application scoring criteria as described in 38 CFR 62.21, 62.22, and 62.24 and 62.25 for renewal applicants.  Awards are for services to begin October 1, 2023.  

Applications are due no later than February 10, 2023 at 4 pm EST.  Please contact SSVF@va.gov if you have questions.  

Those SSVF programs with multi-year awards (Priority 1) whose project periods do not end by September 30, 2023 are not required to submit a renewal application this year. However, those grantees are required to submit a Letter of Intent Form (LOI) within the grants management system, UDPaaS, indicating the grantee’s desire to continue program operations in FY 2024.  These multi-year Grantees will receive separate notification from the SSVF Program Office on how to submit confirmation of their intent to continue SSVF operations in the upcoming Fiscal Year.  All grants are eligible to be renewed subject to scoring and availability of funding.    

RESOURCE: Food Security Resources

Amazon is offering $20 off $35 grocery purchase with the registration of EBT. Use promotion code 20EBT. Customers can add their SNAP EBT card on amazon.com/snap to receive this promotion if they are not registered. This promotion is valid until March 31, 2023, on one qualifying order of $35 or more (excl. tax, tips, regulatory or delivery fees). Restrictions apply, see amazon.com/EBT20Fresh for details.