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

       

NEW: Supplemental NOFA Communities Monthly Report Due in UDPaaS  

NEW: Revised HUD-VASH Referral Packet to SSVF (see attached)

REMINDER: SSVF Public Health Expiration 

REGISTER: SSVF Data Office Hours February 17, 2023, 12:00 pm EST   

REGISTER: SSVF Webinar Series: SSVF Recoupment Process - February 23, 2023, 12:00 pm EST  

UPDATE: Budget Guidance Update (see attached) 

REGISTER: Understanding SSI (Supplemental Security Income) for Adults, Seniors and Children February 22, 2023, 9:30 am CST 

   

 

NEW: Supplemental NOFA Communities Monthly Report Due in UDPaaS  

All grant recipients of the FY22 Supplemental NOFA funds are required to complete a monthly report activity in UDPaaS. The December data report is due February 28, 2023, and should include any data from: January 1, 2023, to January 30, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact your Regional Coordinator for assistance.  

 

 

NEW: Revised HUD-VASH Referral Packet to SSVF (see attached)

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 is attached and may also be found on the SSVF website at: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSVF_VASH_Referral_Packet.docx 

 

 

REMINDER: 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.   

   

The SSVF Program Office is currently reviewing how the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency will impact program operations, is actively developing mitigation strategies, and will provide additional information as soon as it is available.    

       

  

REGISTER: SSVF Data Office Hours February 17, 2023, 12:00 pm EST  

The SSVF Program Office continues to host monthly SSVF Data Office Hours for SSVF Grantees and their community partners.  Our technical assistance partners with Abt Associates will continue to provide “deep dive” education and conduct live Q & A about SSVF data requirements.  These Office Hours are a great opportunity for SSVF grantees to grow their data entry and data quality skills and improve local processes.    

 

Please register using the following link:  Webinar Registration - Zoom     

  

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

 

 

REGISTER: SSVF Webinar Series- SSVF Recoupment Process- February 23, 2023, 12:00 pm EST  

The SSVF Program Office is hosting this webinar to discuss the SSVF Recoupment process.  This webinar event is primarily for fiscal, accounting or senior administrative staff working with SSVF grants and will review the process and procedures of the recoupment activity that will occur as result of the Financial and Operational Fitness Audit (FOFA).    
  
TARGET AUDIENCE: Senior Management and Fiscal Staff, required attendance by one senior or fiscal staff member per SSVF grantee.  

   

Please register using the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_J5cUn7knSJuAy-6Kj47RAA    

   

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

    

 

UPDATE: Budget Guidance Update (see attached) 

SSVF grantees are encouraged to review the budget graphic (PowerPoint attached) 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.  

 

 

REGISTER: Understanding SSI (Supplemental Security Income) for Adults, Seniors and Children February 22, 2023, 9:30 am CST 

In support of Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, SSA is conducting outreach with agencies and community partners throughout Region VII to increase awareness and access to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The SSI program provides monthly payments to adults and children who have a disability or blindness or are age 65 and older and have income and resources below specific financial limits. A person who is approved for SSI may also be eligible for other benefits such as medical, food, or housing assistance. 

 

We invite you to attend our free webinar about the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program on February 22, 2023, from 9:30am-11:30am (CST). This 2-hour training will provide guidance for third-party organizations including eligibility and determination information about the SSI program, the application process, and other helpful resources. 

 

If you know someone who may be able to get SSI, please encourage them to use our electronic SSI Protective Filing tool to tell us they want to apply.  Parents, family members, representatives, staff, and others may also use the tool which will establish a protective filing date. The protective filing date determines when benefits can begin if we approve the application. 

 

REGISTER HERE: Understanding SSI (Supplemental Security Income) for Adults, Seniors and Children 

 

 

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