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

        

TOPICS:        

UPDATE: Shallow Subsidy Compliance Guide Updated 

UPDATE: Rent Reasonableness Checklist Updated (document attached)

DUE: Resolution Activity for FY 2022 Grant Awards Due 12/15/2021 

REMINDER: SSVF Notice of Funding Opportunity for FY2023 Published 

REGISTER:  SSVF Webinar: Hiring, Retention and How to Build a Strong SSVF Workforce 12/16/2021 at 2:00 PM EST   

RESOURCE: Podcast Series: Addressing and Talking About Racial Equity and Justice in Homeless Programs 

 

 

 

UPDATE: Shallow Subsidy Compliance Guide Updated 

 

The Shallow Subsidy Compliance Guide has been updated to reflect the recent increase in the allowable subsidy rate, per the Interim Final Rule, which was published on November 10, 2021.  

The Shallow Subsidy Compliance Guide may be accessed here:  Shallow Subsidy Compliance Guide (va.gov) 

 

 

 

UPDATE: Rent Reasonableness Checklist Updated (document attached)

 

The SSVF Program Office has made changes to the SSVF Rent Reasonableness Checklist Form.  Grantees are no longer required to certify compliance with local payment standards for SSVF housing placements.  Grantees should continue to follow guidance within the SSVF Program Guide regarding Rent Reasonableness determinations.   

  

NOTE: The Rent Reasonable Checklist within the SSVF Program Guide will be updated at a later date.  Grantees will need to use the updated from located on the SSVF website at: Homeless Veterans | Core Concepts (va.gov) Please contact your Regional Coordinator with any questions. 

 

 

 

DUE: Resolution Activity for FY 2022 Grant Awards Due 12/15/2021 

 

The SSVF Program Office has published the Grant Agreement Resolution Activity for Grantees awarded for FY 2022.  This activity verifies the key program components for each grant award, including service area, households to be served, homelessness prevention threshold score, subcontracts (if applicable) and confirmation of the budgeted Services, TFA and administrative allocations within approved budget for FY 2022.  When completing this form, please keep in mind that responses must reflect program components that have been approved by VA.  Significant changes to the grant program that may occur after this resolution process will require submission of a Program Change Request at a later date this fiscal year. 

  

SSVF Grant Resolution activities are due no later than 12/15/2021.   

  

Grantees are required to complete this activity within the Smart Simple grants management system found at SmartSimple | *Company Name* (udpaas.com).  If your organization did not receive this important email or if you have any questions about completing the online requirement form, please contact your SSVF Regional Coordinator. 

 

 

 

REMINDER: SSVF Notice of Funding Opportunity for FY2023 Published 

 

The SSVF Program Office and VA are pleased to announce the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) published in the Federal Register.  This NOFO for supportive services grants provides funding opportunities to new and existing grants.  This NOFO is competitive, and applicants are urged to closely review the NOFO and associated training available on the SSVF website: Homeless Veterans | Core Concepts (va.gov) 

 

Applicants are required to apply online via SSVF's grants management system, SmartSimple.  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.  

 

Those SSVF programs with multi-year awards (Priority 1) that are not required to submit a renewal application this year, must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) indicating the agency’s desire to continue program operations in FY 2023.   

 

NOTE: An email was sent on November 23, 2021, to SmartSimple account owners for those multi-year Grantees who will need to complete the LOI process.   All grants are eligible to be renewed subject to the availability of funding.   

 

Applications are due no later than February 7, 2022 at 4 pm EST.  Please contact ssvf@va.gov if you have questions or concerns. 

 

 

 

REGISTER:  SSVF Webinar: Hiring, Retention and How to Build a Strong SSVF Workforce 12/16/21 at 2:00pm EST   

 

The SSVF Program Office staff and Technical Assistance staff will provide an overview of the allowable uses of SSVF funds to support hiring and retention.  Examples of how to attract and retain talent while creating a diverse workforce will be discussed.  Additionally, Grantees will be provided examples of hiring and staff retention practices from fellow SSVF Grantees.   

 

Please register using the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7351919003410195216 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.  SPECIAL NOTE:  This will be the only webinar held in December.   

 

 

 

RESOURCE: Podcast Series: Addressing and Talking About Racial Equity and Justice in Homeless Programs 

 

The National Center on Homelessness among Veterans invites VA Homeless Program staff and leadership to engage in conversations regarding VA health care services as well as managing Homeless Programs with an awareness and sensitivity to racial equity. 

 

Tune into the first 2 episodes of podcast series: 

Addressing Race as a HUD-VASH Program Coordinator - Omar Bryce, LCSW 

Creating Safe Places to Have the Conversations - Karima Clayton, PhD 

 

Additional episodes recently released:   

Addressing Race - Military Service and VA Health Care - Omar Bryce, LCSW 

Women Homeless Program Leaders of Diverse Backgrounds Leading with Authenticity - Monica Diaz, MBA, BA, L-NHA, C-RCFE    

 

The podcast series including the initial 2 episodes is available on the following site: https://www.spreaker.com/show/vha-homeless-programs 

 

 

With Regards,  

SSVF Program Office