From: SSVF
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2023 6:59 AM
Subject: SSVF Program Update Friday February 24, 2023
This weekly update is targeted
towards the SSVF Grantees and shared with valuable partners for awareness.
February
24, 2023
NEW: Revised
HUD-VASH Referral Packet to SSVF
NOTICE:
SSVF Public Health Expiration
REGISTER: SSVF
National Webinar: End of Public Health Emergency Declaration and Stafford Act
Flexibilities March 9, 2023 2:00PM EST
DUE:
Supplemental NOFA Communities Monthly Report Due in UDPaaS
UPDATE:
Budget Guidance Update
ANNOUNCEMENT: SSVF
Spring Regional Meetings
NEW: Revised HUD-VASH
Referral Packet to SSVF
A revised version of
the SSVF and Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)
Referral Packet for Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) has been finalized and
is available for use. The updated version of this packet has been revised to
reflect the realities of the current phase of the Covid-19 pandemic and new
flexibilities available to all grantees, as well as the specific resources that
can be offered by SSVF providers in Supplemental Award communities.
It is essential that
SSVF programs coordinate with their local HUD-VASH partners regarding
their local processes and the use of this updated packet. Communities should
use this revised packet beginning March 1, 2023. Questions should be directed
to your Regional Coordinator.
The packet can be found
on the SSVF website at: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSVF_VASH_Referral_Packet.docx
NOTICE:
SSVF Public Health Expiration
On January 30, 2023,
the Biden Administration announced its intent to end the national emergency and
public health emergency declarations on May 11, 2023, related to the COVID-19
pandemic. These emergency declarations have been in place since January 31,
2020, and gave the federal government flexibility to waive or modify certain
requirements in a range of areas, including SSVF. Additionally, Congress also
enacted legislation- including the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic
Security (CARES) Act, and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that provided
additional flexibilities tied to one or more of these emergency declarations,
and as such, they too are scheduled to expire when the emergency period
expires.
Furthermore, the
previously provided guidance that grantees would have a 90-day grace period
after the public health emergency has ended was incorrect. VA does not have
authority to provide grace periods, and the public health emergency flexibilities
afforded to SSVF will expire on May
11, 2023.
REGISTER: SSVF National
Webinar: End of Public Health Emergency Declaration and Stafford Act
Flexibilities March 9, 2023, 2:00PM EST
The Public Health
Emergency and related Stafford Act flexibilities for SSVF is set to expire on
May 11, 2023. This webinar will discuss the implications of this change and the
requirement for SSVF grantees to return to normal pre-pandemic operations. The
webinar will review guidance related to how temporary financial assistance,
other supportive services and recertification timelines and protocol will go in
effect in May.
SSVF grantees are
strongly encouraged to make this webinar available to All Staff, particularly
program managers and fiscal departments.
Register in advance for
this webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HhO7ZSAjRHuK73m7kByqXg
DUE: Supplemental NOFA
Communities Monthly Report Due in UDPaaS
All grant recipients of
the FY22 Supplemental NOFA funds are required to complete a monthly report
activity in UDPaaS. The January data report is due February 28, 2023, and
should include any data from: January 1, 2023, to January 30, 2023. If you have
any questions, please contact your Regional Coordinator for assistance.
UPDATE: Budget Guidance
Update
SSVF grantees are
encouraged to review the budget graphic for guidance related to the current
SSVF budget cycles. Special attention should be given to timing of when those
funds should be spent and closed. If you have any questions, please contact
your Regional Coordinator for assistance.
The graphic can be
found on the Compliance page of the SSVF website, or by clicking this link:
https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSVF_Budget_Guidance_February_2023.pptx
ANNOUNCEMENT: SSVF
Spring Regional Meetings
The SSVF Program Office
is pleased to announce upcoming Spring 2023 In-Person SSVF Regional Meetings!
These meetings will
focus on using the many services and tools of SSVF to help Veterans overcome
housing barriers and access sustainable permanent housing.
The Regional Meetings
are specifically targeted to SSVF staff who provide services directly to
Veterans on a daily basis,
such as case managers, housing navigators and housing stabilization
specialists. This meeting is NOT designed for executive level staff unless they
also play the roles described above. Grantees are allowed and encouraged to
send three staff and may use those slots to send subcontractors as
long as the staff represent the targeting noted above.
Invitations will be
sent to the assigned owner in UDPaaS.
Please begin to plan on staff attendance in order to quickly register upon
receiving your invitation to these meetings. Contact your Regional Coordinator
if you have any questions.