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

       

TOPICS:       

UPDATED: SSVF Critical Incident Reporting Requirement 

REMINDER: Homeless Program Disposable Smartphone Initiative - Round 2 Opportunity 

DUE: Budget Update Activities Due in SmartSimple 11/12/2021 

DUE: Legal Services Planning Tool Due 11/23/2021    

REGISTER: SSVF National Webinar Series: Removing Stigma Through Inclusive Care: Supportive Services for LGBTQ+ Veterans and Families 11/18/2021 2:00pm EST 

REGISTER: SSVF Office Hour Series: Legal Services Expansion - Models of Implementation 11/19/2021 12:00pm EST  

   

  

 

UPDATED: SSVF Critical Incident Reporting Requirement 

 

The SSVF Program Office has updated the Grantee Critical Incident Reporting Requirement and document.  Critical Incident reporting will still be directed to the assigned SSVF Regional Coordinator.  However, more clarification regarding incidents to be reported in addition to a new category has been noted.  Grantees will now report on: 

• Death by Suicide 

• Death by Homicide  
• Staff misconduct including allegations of fraud, criminal activity, or neglect by agency and/or subcontractor staff 
• An incident receiving negative or extensive media attention where the SSVF Program is discussed including:  

Any of the above noted incidents 

On-site incidents with Veterans or employees 

Significant disruptions to services 

• Direct Congressional engagement generating press or resulting in additional inquiries regarding the SSVF Program 

 

The above items in bold are clarifications or new information for Grantees.  Please note: The Grantee Critical Incident Reporting Companion Guide is included in the Excel Form posted on the SSVF website at: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/?page=/official_guide/reporting_and_monitoring_requirements.  For any additional questions or concerns, please contact your SSVF Regional Coordinator.   

  

 

 

REMINDER: Homeless Program Disposable Smartphone Initiative - Round 2 Opportunity 

   

The SSVF Program Office, in partnership with the Homeless Programs Disposable Smartphone Initiative, would like to offer a second chance to request these smartphones for Veterans being served by SSVF Grantees.  There are still a number of disposable smartphones available, and we would like those Grantees who have not previously requested a supply, to assess their local Veteran needs and determine if phones are needed. Please keep in mind these phones are approved only for use with Veterans and cannot be disseminated to family or other household members. 

 

Please take the time to respond to the survey link below with anticipated need.  The plan is to ship phones in November to all Grantees who indicate an interest through the survey.  The number of phones shipped to SSVF Grantees will be determined based on interest, available inventory and budget.  More details will be provided on how to distribute, activate and manage the phones once there is confirmation of interest.  

   

All SSVF Grantees that wish to participate in this initiative will need to respond, via the following Survey Monkey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3T7XQMW  Responses must be received NLT November 17, 2021.  

     

 

 

DUE: Budget Update Activities Due in SmartSimple 11/12/2021 

 

All SSVF Grantees will need to review both the previously submitted CARES/FY21 Budget Submission and the Shallow Subsidy Budget Submission and make updates as needed. These activities are in the “REVISIONS REQUIRED” status within SmartSimple.  

  

• The CARES/FY21 Budget Submission should be reviewed to ensure that Health Care Navigator and Legal Services are existing line items. If they are not, they should be added to your budget, and as a result the projected end date of FY21 spending should be adjusted to an earlier date to account for these additional expenses.    
• On Friday, 11/5/2021, an email was sent to all Grantees with the anticipated amounts for both Legal Services and Health Care Navigator.    
• If the Budget Submission already includes both line items and there is no plan to adjust funding for these line items, the activity can be resubmitted as is. The due date for this activity is 11/12/2021.      

  

If you have any questions regarding these two activities, please reach out to your Regional Coordinator.    

   

    

 

DUE: Legal Services Planning Tool Due 11/23/2021    

    

The National expansion of SSVF Legal Services is an opportunity to increase Veteran access through expanded and improved direct legal partnerships. SSVF Grantees serve a vital role in resolving legal barriers to housing stability via assessment of legal needs and provision of direct legal services. This planning tool will outline each Grantee’s plan of implementation. Tips and resources are included in the template to support Grantees with formulating their plan and having conversations with their legal partner.     

    

One plan per Grantee is to be completed in collaboration with the Grantee’s identified legal services provider, to be submitted via email to your Regional Coordinator by 11/23/2021. 

 

Please access the tool using the following link: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/Legal_Services_Planning_Tool.doc     

   

 

 

REGISTER: SSVF National Webinar Series: Removing Stigma Through Inclusive Care: Supportive Services for LGBTQ+ Veterans and Families 11/18/2021 2:00pm EST 

 

This webinar will help SSVF Grantees in creating equitable, respectful, and affirming delivery of services by reviewing VHA policy, education, resources, and best practices pertaining to serving LGBTQ+ Veterans and families. A panel of subject matter experts will explore ways for SSVF Grantees to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all Veterans according to VHA policy and guidelines. 

 

Please register using the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/598387632103677199  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. 

 

 

 

REGISTER: SSVF Office Hour Series: Legal Services Expansion - Models of Implementation 11/19/2021 12:00pm EST  

   

In support of the National SSVF Legal Services expansion, this webinar will provide a review of the models of implementation. Grantees are required to provide legal needs assessment for all Veteran households enrolled in SSVF and direct legal services for those in need. Grantees have the option to implement through contract or in-house counsel. This webinar will also define components of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a subcontracted legal services provider, offer information on monitoring and oversight by FOFA teams and provide an opportunity for Q&A.  

 

Please register using the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4268138531573998093  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.    

  

 

With Regards,       

SSVF Program Office