Topics:
1. NEW: HUD-VASH SSVF Referral Packet – COVID-19 Edition
2. UPDATE: SSVF Second Quarter Sweeps Postponed
3. REMINDER: Referral Form for SSVF Emergency Housing Assistance (AT Risk COVID-19)
4. REMINDER: Tracking Sheet for SSVF Emergency Housing Assistance (AT Risk COVID-19)
5. REMINDER: SSVF COVID19 Frequently Asked Questions
NEW: HUD-VASH SSVF Referral Packet – COVID-19 Edition
The HUD-VASH and SSVF Program Offices have developed a new HUD-VASH Referral packet to be used when assisting Veterans in areas where PHAs are unable to complete housing quality inspections or other administrative duties due to recent COVID-19 related shutdowns. SSVF may use TFA (security deposit and rental assistance) to assist Veterans in moving into their prospective HUD-VASH unit while awaiting HQS. These TFA payments can continue until PHAs resume operations and rental costs can be transitioned to HUD-VASH voucher assistance. SSVF grantees and HUD-VASH staff are encouraged to review the packet to discuss referral process, funding capacity, and prioritization of Veterans needing assistance. The new packet can be used from March 27, 2020 through June 30, 2020.
Available on SSVF Website at
https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/
UPDATE: SSVF Second Quarter Sweeps Postponed
SSVF Program Office is waiving 2nd quarter sweeps to ensure grantees have sufficient funds to manage their programs during the COVID 19 crisis.
REMINDER: Referral Form for SSVF Emergency Housing Assistance (AT Risk COVID-19)
The SSVF Program Office has developed a referral form that grantees may use to accept referrals of vulnerable or high-risk Veterans needing Emergency Housing Assistance. Since funding for EHA is very limited, SSVF providers must communicate with local VA medical centers to understand the need, determine available capacity, and develop a process for prioritizing referrals and placements.
Available on SSVF Website at
https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/
REMINDER: Tracking Sheet for SSVF Emergency Housing Assistance (AT Risk COVID-19)
The SSVF Program Office is asking grantees to keep an excel spreadsheet to track the number of Expanded EHA referrals they receive and the number of EHA placements made for the period beginning March 18. The SSVF Program Office is requesting Grantees submit the updated spreadsheet every week to their Regional Coordinator. This information will be used by the Program Office to assess potential grantee funding needs. Please consult your SSVF Regional Coordinator for the due date of this spreadsheet and any further questions.
Available on SSVF Website at
https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/
REMINDER: SSVF COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
The SSVF Program Office has developed a Frequently Asked Questions document in response to the many grantee questions about COVID-19. We encourage grantees to communicate questions to their Regional Coordinators so that we can update the FAQ document on an ongoing basis. Questions from the 3/27/20 webinar will be added soon.
Available on SSVF Website at
https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/
Thank you,
SSVF Program Office