From: SSVF

Sent: Friday, February 19, 2021 10:12 AM

Subject: SSVF Program Update Friday February 19, 2021

Attachments: Essential Worker Letter Template.docx

TOPICS:

NEW: Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program

NEW: Essential Worker Letter Template (attached)

REGISTER: SSVF Webinar Series: SSVF Health Care Navigator Supervisor and Manager Office Hours February 19, 2021 12:00pm EST

SURVEY: Tell us what you think about the SSVF Website

NEW: Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA)

The recent stimulus bill created ERA. ERA provides $25 billion for households unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Low-Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) maintains a national database of programs offering rental assistance. This database is updated regularly and can be found at: https://nlihc.org/rental-assistance. Eligibility criteria for ERA:

• Experienced unemployment, reduction in income, or financial hardship due to COVID-19  
• Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and
• Has an income at or below 80% of AMI

As 90 percent of ERA funding must be used for direct financial assistance, SSVF grantees may co-enroll ERA recipients, with SSVF providing case management services while ERA provides TFA.

NEW: Essential Worker Letter Template

The attached document titled “Essential Worker Letter Template” is a sample letter that your agency might use for staff that are providing services to homeless Veterans and are seeking a COVID-19 vaccine. In some localities, your agency may be required to provided supporting documentation, such as this template letter, to qualify as a member of a priority group. As priority groups vary by locality, it is necessary for you to understand local rules and regulations to determine which, if any, priority group your staff may belong.

REGISTER: SSVF Webinar Series: SSVF Health Care Navigator Supervisor and Manager Office Hours February 19, 2021 12:00pm EST

Please register for the SSVF National Webinar: SSVF Health Care Navigator Supervisor and Manager Office Hours February 19, 2021 12:00pm EST at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2782144162735247118

SSVF Health Care Navigators (HCNs) play a critical role in breaking down barriers to Veteran health care needs and ensuring equitable, efficient access to VA and non-VA health care resources. The SSVF Program Office has been providing ongoing support and training for newly hired Health Care Navigators since November 2020. This Office Hours is open to all SSVF staff, with a particular focus on HCN Supervisors and Managers. We will review the general guidance provided to HCNs to date, the training and technical assistance that have been put in place, as well as strategies and considerations for effective supervision and support for HCNs from SSVF managers and supervisors. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

SURVEY: Tell us what you think about the SSVF Website

The SSVF Website and University has been the central location for guidance, training materials and information related to the SSVF Program Office since 2011. SSVF is now exploring options to rework its website. We are reaching out to SSVF Grantees to learn more about how they use the site, what they like and do not like about the site, and how we can improve the sites ability to deliver useful, timely guidance moving forward.  Our goal is to ensure the SSVF website is a relevant destination to SSVF Grantees and other stakeholders. Please complete the following brief, anonymous survey as soon as possible to help with our planning: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9YHDZ2M

Regards,

SSVF Program Office