Topics:
1. Register Now: SSVF National Webinar: SSVF Customer Service Unannounced Standardized Veteran (USV) Project Webinar on Nov 14, 2019 2:00 PM EST
2. Reminder: SSVF Contact Change Reporting Process
3. Reminder: FY2020 VA Data Guide
4. Update: Revision to Returning Home Description and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Register Now: SSVF National Webinar: SSVF Customer Service Unannounced Standardized Veteran (USV) Project Webinar on Nov 14, 2019 2:00 PM EST
The SSVF Program Office will provide an overview and update on the Unannounced Standardized Veteran (USV) Project. The USV quality improvement effort is commonly referred to as a "mystery shopper program". The webinar will review survey results and discuss implementation of USV including, scoring criteria, common barriers to access discovered during the surveys, as well as recommendations for the field. The webinar will describe the process for grantees to review and respond the USV findings and provide for all grantees on expectations regarding access and customer service.
Please register for SSVF National Webinar: SSVF Customer Service Unannounced Standardized Veteran (USV) Project Webinar on Nov 14, 2019 2:00 PM EST at:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2837221988324305933
Reminder: SSVF Contact Change Reporting Process
SSVF Contact Changes are reported to the SSVF Program Office using the SSVF online grants management system (GIFTS). Grantees will find the SSVF Contact Change Template in Applicant's Account (GIFTS Account holder) GIFTS account portal as an active Requirement, titled SSVF Contact Change Form. To access current contact list, grantee may open up the SSVF Contact Change Requirement and current contacts will be prepopulated. IF NO CHANGES ARE NEEDED, PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT. If changes are needed, Grantees will fill out the form with new contacts and submit. Please complete and submit the form as needed. The SSVF Program Office will provide a new, blank form for future use.
The SSVF Guide to Program Contacts is available on the SSVF Website at:
https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSVF_Companion_Guide_to_Contacts.pdf
Reminder: FY2020 VA Data Guide
The updated VA Data Guide describes data management expectations for SSVF grantees that are required to participate in HMIS. The guide conveys information regarding the tools needed to properly meet HMIS requirements and manage program data. The reporting requirements in 38 CFR 62.71 have been designed to provide VA with the information needed to assess the outcomes associated with grantees' programs. As a result of this, VA anticipates grantees' programs will assist in reducing the number of Veteran families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Grantees are encouraged to pay close attention to updates in the VA Data Guide related to data standards, including new guidance on Returning Home and Rapid Resolution data capture requirements.
New in FY2020, the SSVF Program Office will collect information on all Rapid Resolution interventions, including Rapid Resolution conversations that do not result in SSVF enrollments. In order to capture all Rapid Resolution activities, including conversations only, HMIS Administrators must create a separate project in HMIS utilizing the Coordinated Entry Event data element. This data element is intended to standardize data collection on core components of Coordinated Entry like access, assessment, referral and prioritization. This data element will be used by SSVF providers as needed to record all Rapid Resolution conversations. After recording the conversation result, the client can be exited from the Rapid Resolution project. In many cases, households will be enrolled in either SSVF Rapid Rehousing or SSVF Homelessness Prevention project types after being exited from the Rapid Resolution Coordinated Entry Event project.
Please work with your HMIS Administrator/HMIS Lead for project set up of these new Rapid Resolution projects. The VA expects these projects to be in operation no later than December 1, 2019, and for all data to be fully captured on all active clients with whom conversations are being held as of the date the project is established by HMIS Leads.
The FY2020 VA Data Guide is located on the SSVF website and can be found using the link below:
https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/FY2020_VA_Provider_Data_Guide_October_2019.pdf
Update: Revision to Returning Home Description and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Returning Home is an approach to ending Veteran homelessness through use of SSVF practices. Returning Home supports social and familial reunification by allowing SSVF grantees to use TFA to assist Veterans in returning to their community of origin. Returning Home was initially piloted in certain high rent/low vacancy rate communities but has been expanded and can now be utilized by all SSVF providers. The SSVF Program Office has revised the description and FAQs regarding Returning Home, which is available on the SSVF University and is included with this update.
https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/Returning_Home_Guidance_and_FAQs.pdf
Thank You,
SSVF Program Office