From: SSVF

Sent: Friday, August 20, 2021 7:40 AM

Subject: SSVF Program Update Friday August 20, 2021

TOPICS:

COMMUNICATION: A Message from the VHA Homeless Programs Office, Executive Director, Monica Diaz

REGISTER: SSVF Office Hour Series: - Shallow Subsidy - Promising Practices and Lessons Learned – August 27, 2021 at 12:00PM EST

RESOURCE: USPS Is Hiring Nationwide, Veterans and Families Get Preference

UPDATE: SSVF National Permanent Housing Conferences

COMMUNICATION: A Message from the VHA Homeless Programs Office, Executive Director, Monica Diaz

Many of you have served in Afghanistan or other conflict zones. Or maybe like me, you have supported your spouse or loved one as they served. You may have even lost a loved one or comrade who served in Afghanistan. You also continue to work every day to support our nation’s Veterans near and far. In whatever capacity you have served, we want you to know that your nation appreciates your sacrifices. You have answered the call to serve your country when it was needed most, and for that we are proud of you and grateful for your service.

As we continue to watch the coverage of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, you may experience a range of emotions. You are not alone in that experience, and we want you to know that HPO is here for you. We encourage you to reach out if you need support. You can start with the resources below or contact a faith-based organization in your community.

• Employee Assistance Program – A voluntary, confidential program that helps service member and Veteran employees through various life challenges that may adversely affect their job performance, health, and personal well-being.
• Coping with Current Events in Afghanistan - PTSD: National Center for PTSD (va.gov) - Veterans who served in Afghanistan may be experiencing a range of challenging emotions related to the U.S withdrawal from the country. Veterans who served during other conflicts may also be feeling strong emotions as they may be reminded of their own deployment experiences.
• Veterans Crisis Line – If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1.
• For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7, regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
• Vet Centers – Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff members are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
• VA Mental Health Services Guide – This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services.
• MakeTheConnection.net – Information, resources, and Veteran-to-Veteran videos about experiencing challenging life events and mental health issues.
• Download VA's self-help apps – Tools to help cope with stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) – Request a Peer Mentor.

Sincerely,

Monica Diaz

Executive Director, Homeless Programs Office (HPO)

REGISTER: SSVF Office Hour Series: - Shallow Subsidy - Promising Practices and Lessons Learned – August 27, 2021 at 12:00PM EST

The SSVF Program Office initially implemented the Shallow Subsidy service in select- high cost and low vacancy- communities starting in 2019. Several of the communities who were involved in our initial pilot efforts will present at this Office Hours to share their lessons learned, strategies, and promising practices, which can be applied to our new Shallow Subsidy expansion efforts across the country. Please register using the following link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2662554685204513804

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

RESOURCE: USPS Is Hiring Nationwide, Veterans and Families Get Preference

More than 100,000 positions across the nation are available at the United States Postal Service such as: City and rural postal carriers, city carrier assistants, tractor trailer operators, sales and support, mail processors and mail handler assistants. These positions are available full time, or just on weekends and holidays. Veterans, disabled Veterans, Reservists, spouses of disabled Veterans, widows or widowers of Veterans and mothers of Veterans all receive special preference for these USPS positions. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

UPDATE: SSVF National Permanent Housing Conferences

Due to increased COVID-19 Delta Variant cases, it is vital to limit social contact and avoid gatherings during these unprecedented times.  For that reason, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the SSVF National Permanent Housing Conferences planned for November/December 2021 until Spring 2022.  While we know this is disappointing, we hope you can understand the steps we’re taking to help keep attendees safe.  Additional information on the new dates will be released when available.

With Regards,

SSVF Program Office