From:                                                       SSVF

Sent:                                                         Friday, March 10, 2023 6:53 AM

Subject:                                                   SSVF Program Update Friday March 10, 2023    

 

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

 

     

NOTICE: SSVF Public Health Expiration    

RESOURCE: Updated SSVF Supplemental Award Frequently Asked Questions  

NOTICE: Revised HUD-VASH Referral Packet to SSVF   

UPDATE: Budget Guidance Update    

ANNOUNCEMENT: SSVF Spring Regional Meetings   

   

  

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.     

   

 

RESOURCE: Updated SSVF Supplemental Award Frequently Asked Questions  

The frequently asked questions and responses document pertaining to the SSVF Supplemental NOFA 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. 

 

 

NOTICE: 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   

     

    

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.