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

 

    

ATTENTION: SSVF Program Office FY2021 Annual Report  

NOTICE: SSVF Public Health Expiration   

REGISTER: SSVF National Webinar: End of Public Health Emergency Declaration and Stafford Act Flexibilities March 9, 2023, 2:00 PM EST  

NOTICE: Revised HUD-VASH Referral Packet to SSVF  

UPDATE: Budget Guidance Update   

ANNOUNCEMENT: SSVF Spring Regional Meetings  

  

 

ATTENTION: SSVF Program Office FY2021 Annual Report  

This report covers the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, including awards made in 2020 for the FY 2021 period (October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021). The report summarizes the results attained by the 251 SSVF grantees funded for FY 2021. It is intended to inform Congress and the public about the grantees’ important work helping to prevent and end homelessness among our nation’s Veterans.  

 

This report uses data reported by grantees through local Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) and subsequently provided to VA via monthly uploads to the SSVF HMIS data repository. Additional information was obtained from grantee quarterly reports and surveys of SSVF program participants. 

 

The full report is available on the SSVF website and by following the link: here. 

 

 

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, 2:00 PM 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  

 

 

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.  

 

 

With Regards,

SSVF Program Office

 

Website: www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf

 

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 1-877-424-3838

Veterans Crisis Hotline: Dial 988 and Press 1 or TEXT: 838255