From:                                                       SSVF

Sent:                                                         Friday, August 13, 2021 1:32 PM

Subject:                                                   SSVF Program Update Friday August 13, 2021

Attachments:                                         Rental and Utility Assistance for Certain Low-Income Veteran Families (published) 8-5-21.pdf; How to add a learner to your Panorama.pdf; How to Remove a Learner from Your Panorama.pdf

 

TOPICS:

NEW: VA Authorizes National Expansion of SSVF Shallow Subsidy Initiative (PDF attached)

REGISTER: SSVF Office Hour Series: Shallow Subsidy, Compliance & HMIS on 8/20/21 12:00 PM EST

RESOURCE: SSVF Housing Skills Practice Center Current Content

RESOURCE: VHA Homeless Programs Disposable Phone Initiative

 

 

NEW: VA Authorizes National Expansion of SSVF Shallow Subsidy Initiative (PDF attached)

The attached notice authorizes Grantees in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Washington, D.C., the Virgin Islands, and Guam to offer 2-year rental subsidies described in 38 CFR Part 62.34(a)(6) and (8), known as shallow subsidies, to program participants. Grantees who do not currently receive special funding to support shallow subsidies, will be awarded additional funding.  In the coming days, MOAs will be sent to newly funded Grantees. You will need to review, sign, and return these MOAs to the SSVF Program office prior to the release of this new funding. New funding should be available through separate HHS accounts before the end of the FY 2021. Additional information will be shared in the coming weeks as the expansion of this initiative rolls out. Please email any questions to: SSVF@VA.gov or contact your Regional Coordinator. For additional information about the Shallow Subsidy initiative please refer to the recorded training found at: Shallow Subsidy Office Hour - June 25, 2021

 

 

 

REGISTER: SSVF Office Hour Series: Shallow Subsidy, Compliance & HMIS on 8/20/21 12:00 PM EST

During this webinar, the SSVF Program Office will offer current guidance to SSVF Grantees on budget submission requirements and will review compliance expectations and requirements related to the administration of the Shallow Subsidies.  In addition, SSVF Grantees will benefit from a review of key Frequently Asked Questions related to the start-up and implementation of Shallow Subsidy.  Finally, the SSVF Program Office and SSVF Technical Assistance staff will provide an overview of HMIS data entry expectations and requirements for enrolling an SSVF participant in the Shallow Subsidy service. Please register for SSVF Office Hour Series: Shallow Subsidy, Compliance & HMIS on August 20, 2021 12:00 PM EST at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8682311577268071182  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

 

 

 

RESOURCE: SSVF Housing Skills Practice Center Current Content (PDFs attached)

The following content is currently available on the Housing Skills Practice Center for staff at your organization:

 

Rapid Rehousing Direct Service Training

Health Care Navigator Full Series

VA Health Care System 101

Professional Boundaries

SSVF National S.A.V.E. Training

Income & Employment Supports

Direct Service Training Series

Rapid Re-Housing 101

 

Additional guidance is attached for using the Housing Skills Practice Center:

 

-How To Add A Learner To Your Panorama

-How To Remove A Learner From Your Panorama

 

Lastly, please see recording to help you learn to use the Housing Skills Practice Center:

https://youtu.be/4OrceEjSQrI

 

 

RESOURCE: VHA Homeless Programs Disposable Phone Initiative

The VHA Homeless Programs Disposable Phone Initiative was established to provide smartphones for homeless or at-risk of homeless Veterans in response to the COVID-19 national emergency.  These phones are prioritized for Veterans engaged in VA Homeless Programs, including SSVF, GPD, HCHV CRS/LDSH/CM, HUD-VASH and/or engaged in other homeless services.  These disposable phones provide a crucial mechanism for these Veterans to remain engaged with Homeless Program providers to monitor safety and wellbeing, participate in preventative healthcare, attend virtual groups and recovery programs, and conduct virtual housing and job searches in accordance with their treatment goals. 

 

Each phone includes a case, charger and 1-year pre-paid data plan, from the date it is distributed to the Veteran. Once the phone is given to a Veteran, it becomes the Veteran’s property and does not need to be returned to VA.

 

Please refer to the email sent by your Regional Coordinator with contact information for your local VAMC Phone Initiative Point of Contact, for further questions and availability of phones for Veterans.

 

 

 

With Regards,

SSVF Program Office