[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 232 (Tuesday, December 5, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 84396-84403]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-26650]
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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Funding Opportunity Under Supportive Services for Veteran
Families Program
AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.
ACTION: Notice of funding availability.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing the
availability of funds for supportive services grants under the
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. This notice of
funding availability (NOFA) contains information concerning the SSVF
Program, the renewal and new applicant supportive services grant
application processes, and the amount of funding available. Awards made
for supportive services grants will fund operations beginning October
1, 2024.
DATES: Applications for supportive services grants under the SSVF
Program must be received by the SSVF Program Office by 4 p.m. eastern
time on February 23, 2024. In the interest of fairness to all competing
applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and hour, and VA will
treat as ineligible for consideration any application that is received
after the deadline. Applicants should take this practice into account
and make early submissions of their materials to avoid any risk of loss
of eligibility brought about by unanticipated delays, computer service
outages or other submission-related problems.
ADDRESSES: Information about the application can be downloaded from the
SSVF website at www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf. Questions may be referred to
the SSVF Program Office via email at va.gov">SSVF@va.gov. For detailed SSVF
Program information and requirements, see part 62 of title 38, Code of
Federal Regulations (38 CFR part 62).
Submission of Application Package: Applicants must submit
applications electronically following instructions found at www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf. Applications may not be mailed, hand-carried or sent by
facsimile (FAX). Applications must be received in the SSVF Program
Office by 4 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date.
Application materials must arrive as a complete package. Materials
arriving separately will not be included in the application package for
consideration and may result in the application package being rejected.
See Section II.B. and II.C. of this NOFA for maximum allowable grant
amounts.
Technical Assistance: Information regarding how to obtain technical
assistance with the preparation of a renewal supportive services grant
application is available on the SSVF Program website at www.va.gov/
HOMELESS/SSVF.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Funding Opportunity Title: Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Program.
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: VA-SSVF-103121.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 64.033, VA
Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program.
I. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Purpose: The SSVF Program's purpose is to provide supportive
services grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer
cooperatives who will coordinate or provide supportive services to very
low-income Veteran families who (i) are residing in permanent housing
and at risk of becoming homeless, (ii) are homeless and scheduled to
become residents of permanent housing within a specified time period or
(iii) after exiting permanent housing within a specified time period,
are seeking other housing that is responsive to such very low-income
Veteran family's needs and preferences.
SSVF delivers services using a housing-first approach that
emphasizes permanent housing placement as the primary objective.
Housing First is an evidence-based, cost-effective approach to ending
homelessness for the most vulnerable and chronically homeless
individuals (see B5_USICH_Housing_First_Checklist.pdf (va.gov).
SSVF prioritizes the delivery of rapid re-housing services to
homeless Veteran households. Rapid re-housing is an intervention
designed to help individuals and families quickly exit homelessness,
return to housing in the community, and avoid homelessness again in the
near term. The core components of a rapid re-housing program are
housing identification, move-in and rent financial assistance, and
rapid re-housing case management and services. These core components
represent the minimum that a program must provide to households to be
considered a rapid re-housing program. Applicants should familiarize
themselves with the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Best
Practice Standards found at www.va.gov/HOMELESS/SSVF.
B. Funding Priorities: The principal goal of this NOFA is to seek
entities that have the greatest capacity to end homelessness among
Veterans or sustain gains made in ending homelessness among Veterans.
Priority will be given to grantees who can demonstrate the adoption of
evidence-based practices in their application. Under Priority 1, VA
will provide funding to existing grantees who have at least one of the
following accreditations: 3-year accreditation from the Commission on
Accreditation of
[[Page 84397]]
Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in Employment and Community Services:
Rapid Rehousing and Homeless Prevention standards, a 4-year
accreditation in Housing Stabilization and Community Living Services
from the Council on Accreditation's (COA) or a 3-year accreditation in
The Joint Commission's (JC) Behavioral Health Care: Housing Support
Services Standards. Priority 1 applicants must demonstrate that
accreditation is active at the date of submission, and accreditation
must be maintained throughout the project period and/or funding cycle.
Priority 2 includes existing grantees not included in Priority 1 but
who have annual awards and are seeking to renew their grants. Existing
grantees are SSVF grantees that have a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
for operations through September 30, 2024.
C. Definitions: Part 62 of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations
(38 CFR part 62), contains definitions of terms used in the SSVF
Program. In addition to the definitions and requirements described in
38 CFR part 62, this NOFA provides additional resources to secure
permanent housing. These resources may be provided by the SSVF grantee
under 38 CFR 62.34 to assist Veterans in remaining in or obtaining
permanent housing. Grantees will be allowed to provide up to the
equivalent of 2 months' rent in addition to the security deposit to
landlords under 38 CFR 62.34(g) as a resource for any lease of not less
than 1 year when necessary to assist a Veteran in remaining in or
obtaining permanent housing. The additional funds may be used to
facilitate the leasing of rental units to tenants with significant
housing barriers. Landlords are less likely to lease to certain groups
due to the risk of non-payment of rent or concerns about damage or
disruption to their buildings. Tenants with significant housing
barriers might include Veterans with poor credit histories and criminal
justice involvement that might otherwise disqualify them from obtaining
a lease. Veterans with histories of sex offenses are generally
considered high-risk tenants by landlords.
Veterans are sometimes reluctant to move into apartments that do
not offer any of the comforts typically associated with living
independently. The General Housing Stability Assistance, provided under
38 CFR 62.34(e), while offering some funds for bedding and basic
kitchen supplies, leaves significant needs unaddressed. Therefore,
grantees also will be allowed to provide up to $1,000 to Veteran
families for miscellaneous move-in expenses under 38 CFR 62.34(g), to
encourage them to obtain permanent housing with a lease of not less
than 1 year. These funds are to be provided to assist Veterans through
accounts established at local merchants, such as grocery stores and
retailers, in the enrolled Veteran's name. These items could include,
but are not limited to, food, furniture, household items, electronics
(including televisions) or other items typically associated with
independent living in permanent housing. Furthermore, internet can now
be considered as utilities as the definition for financial assistance
as utility payments under 38 CFR 62.34(b) is expected with this NOFA to
include these charges. Access to the internet is an essential component
of the modern economy, comparable to utilities. Veterans without such
access are put at a disadvantage in finding and applying for work
opportunities, purchasing needed consumer goods at the lowest possible
cost and communicating through email and other forms of social media.
In addition to the definitions and requirements described in 38 CFR
part 62, this NOFA provides further clarification in this paragraph on
the use of Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA). EHA may be provided by
the SSVF grantee under 38 CFR 62.34(f) to offer transition in place
when a permanent housing voucher, such as is offered through the
Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Section 8 program,
is available from any source, but access to the permanent housing
voucher is pending completion of the housing inspection and
administrative processes necessary for leasing. In such circumstances,
the EHA payment cannot exceed what would otherwise be paid when the
voucher is used. EHA also may be used as part of Rapid Resolution, also
known as a diversion or problem-solving service, that helps Veteran
households avoid entry into homelessness through placements with family
or friends. EHA may also be used as an outreach tool to engage and
offer housing to unsheltered homeless Veterans with significant housing
needs who refuse to access traditional emergency shelter services in
the community.
D. Approach: Respondents to this NOFA should base their proposals
and applications on the current requirements of part 62. Grantees will
be expected to leverage supportive services grant funds to enhance the
housing stability of very low-income Veteran families who are occupying
permanent housing. In doing so, grantees are required to establish
relationships with local community resources. Therefore, agencies must
work through coordinated partnerships built either through formal
agreements or the informal working relationships commonly found among
successful social service providers.
Through this NOFA, grantees can pay fees related to securing a
lease of at least 1 year. In addition, as noted previously herein,
Veterans are sometimes reluctant to move into apartments that do not
offer any of the comforts typically associated with living
independently. Pursuant to this NOFA, grantees would be able to use
funds for miscellaneous expenses associated with moving into a new
home. Moreover, nationally, the median average rental unit has
increased in price by 28% through September 2023. Furthermore, service-
connected Veterans with high levels of disability may have incomes that
exceed the current SSVF income threshold of 50% of the area median
income. These Veterans, some of the most vulnerable served by the VA,
can be left ineligible for critically needed SSVF services. As a
result, VA is invoking the provision in 38 U.S.C. 2044(f)(6)(C) and 38
CFR 62.2, allowing VA to establish an income ceiling higher or lower
than 50% of the median income for an area if VA determines that such
variations are necessary because the area has unusually high or low
construction costs, fair market rents (as determined under section 8 of
the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f)) or family
incomes. Area median income (AMI) is one factor SSVF uses to establish
eligibility. A higher income ceiling, as reflected by the AMI, will
allow grantees to serve Veterans who have endured significant increases
in their housing cost burden, placing them at greater risk for
homelessness.
For purposes of this NOFA, grantees will be able to serve Veterans
in their communities who have up to 80% of the AMI. HUD-VA Supportive
Housing (HUD-VASH) eligibility also has an income of 80% of AMI.
Aligning SSVF and HUD-VASH eligibility will allow SSVF grantees'
housing navigators to assist Veterans eligible for HUD-VASH as
necessary with identifying and obtaining permanent housing. Aligning
SSVF and HUD-VASH eligibility will also improve the coordination of
care and simplify and standardize eligibility determinations.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide letters of support
from the Continuums of Care (CoC) in the location where they plan to
deliver services, reflecting the applicant's engagement in the CoC's
efforts to
[[Page 84398]]
coordinate services. A CoC is a community planning entity that
organizes and delivers housing and services to meet the needs of people
who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximize self-
sufficiency. The CoC includes action steps to end homelessness and
prevent a return to homelessness. CoC locations and contact information
can be found at https://www.hudexchange.info/grantees/contacts/?params=%7B%22limit%22%3A20%2C%22sort%22%3A%22%22%2C%22order%22%3A%22%22%2C%22years%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22searchTerm%22%3A%22%22%2C%22grantees%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22state%22%3A%22%22%2C%22programs%22%3A%5B3%5D%2C%22coc%22%3Atrue%7D##granteeSearch.
The CoC's letter of support should note if the applicant is
providing assistance to the CoC in building local capacity to build
Coordinated Entry Systems (CES) and the value and form of that
assistance, whether support is direct funding or staffing. CES requires
that providers operating within the CoC's geographic area must also
work together to ensure the CoC's coordinated entry process allows for
coordinated screening, assessment and referrals (HUD Notice: CPD-17-
01). The CoC's letter of support also must describe the applicant's
participation in the CoC's community planning efforts. Failure for a
Priority 1 or Priority 2 applicant to provide a letter of support from
the CoC as described will limit the maximum award to 90% of the award
made in the previous fiscal year (FY) as described herein at II.C.7. In
addition, any applicant proposing to serve an Indian Tribal area is
strongly encouraged to provide a letter of support from the relevant
Indian Tribal Government.
The aim of the provision of supportive services is to assist very
low-income Veteran families residing in permanent housing to remain
stably housed and to rapidly transition those not currently in
permanent housing to stable housing. Assistance in obtaining or
retaining permanent housing is a fundamental goal of the SSVF Program.
SSVF emphasizes the placement of homeless Veteran families who are
described in 38 CFR 62.11(b)-(c) as follows:
(b)(1) Is lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime
residence, meaning:
(i) That the Veteran family's primary nighttime residence is a
public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a
regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, including a car, park,
abandoned bus or train station, airport or camping ground,
(ii) That the Veteran family is living in a supervised publicly or
privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary living
arrangements (including congregate shelters, transitional housing and
hotels and motels paid for by charitable organizations or by Federal,
State or local government programs for low-income individuals) or
(iii) That the Veteran family is exiting an institution where the
Veteran family resided for 90 days or less and who resided in an
emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation immediately
before entering that institution,
(b)(2) Are at risk to remain in the situation described herein at
paragraph (b)(1) of this section but for the grantee's assistance and
(b)(3) Scheduled to become a resident of permanent housing within
90 days pending the location or development of housing suitable for
permanent housing or
(c) Has met any of the conditions described herein at paragraph
(b)(1) of this section after exiting permanent housing within the
previous 90 days to seek other housing that is responsive to the very
low-income Veteran family's needs and preferences.
E. Authority: Funding available under this NOFA is authorized by 38
U.S.C. 2044. VA implements the SSVF Program through regulations in 38
CFR part 62. Funds made available under this NOFA are subject to the
requirements of these regulations.
F. Requirements for the Use of Supportive Services Grant Funds: The
applicant's request for funding must be consistent with the limitations
and uses of supportive services grant funds set forth in 38 CFR part 62
and this NOFA. In accordance with 38 CFR part 62 and this NOFA, the
following requirements apply to supportive services grants awarded
under this NOFA:
1. Grantees may use a maximum of 10% of supportive services grant
funds for administrative costs identified in 38 CFR 62.70(e).
2. Grantees must enroll a minimum of 60% of Veteran households who
are literally homeless and qualify under 38 CFR 62.11(b). (NOTE:
Grantees may request a waiver to decrease this minimum, as discussed
herein at section V.B.3.a.)
3. Grantees are required to have available temporary financial
assistance resources that can be paid directly to a third party on
behalf of a participant and may be used for childcare, emergency
housing assistance, transportation, rental assistance, utility-fee
payment assistance, security deposits, utility deposits, moving costs
and general housing stability assistance (which includes emergency
supplies) and as otherwise stated in 38 CFR 62.33 and 38 CFR 62.34.
4. Grantees are able to provide up to $1,000 supplemental
assistance to every Veteran household who obtains a lease of not less
than 1 year to cover miscellaneous move-in expenses.
5. Grantees are able to pay landlords up to an amount equal to 2
months' rent for fees related to securing a lease of at least 1 year.
This incentive may be provided at lease-up or split up into multiple
payments to be paid within the first 90 days of the Veteran being
housed.
G. Guidance for the Use of Supportive Services Grant Funds:
Grantees are expected to demonstrate the adoption of evidence-based
practices most likely to prevent and lead to reductions in
homelessness. As part of their application, the applying organization's
Executive Director must certify on behalf of the agency that they will
actively participate in community planning efforts and operate the
program in a manner consistent with core concepts found at https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/ssvf-coreconcepts. Housing is not contingent
on compliance with mandated therapies or services; instead,
participants must comply with a standard lease agreement and be
provided with the services and supports that are necessary to help them
do so successfully. Case management supporting permanent housing should
include tenant counseling, mediation with landlords and outreach to
landlords.
Grantees must develop plans that will ensure that Veteran
participants have the level of income and economic stability needed to
remain in permanent housing after the conclusion of the SSVF
intervention. Both employment and benefits assistance from VA and non-
VA sources represent a significantly underutilized source of income
stability for homeless Veterans. Income is not a pre-condition for
housing. Case management should include income maximization strategies
to ensure households have access to benefits, employment and financial
counseling. The complexity of program rules and the stigma some
associate with entitlement programs contribute to their lack of use.
For this reason, grantees are encouraged to consider strategies that
can lead to prompt and successful access to employment and benefits
that
[[Page 84399]]
are essential to retaining housing. Consistent with 38 CFR 62.30-62.34,
grantees are expected to offer the following supportive services:
counseling participants about housing; assisting participants in
understanding leases; securing utilities; making moving arrangements;
providing representative payee services concerning rent and utilities
when needed; using health care navigation services to help participants
access health and mental health care; providing legal services; and
providing mediation and outreach to property owners related to locating
or retaining housing. Grantees also may assist participants by
providing rental assistance; security or utility deposits; moving
costs; emergency housing; or general housing stability assistance; or
using other Federal resources, such as the HUD Emergency Solutions
Grants Program (ESG) or supportive services grant funds subject to the
limitations described in this NOFA and 38 CFR 62.34.
1. As SSVF is a short-term crisis intervention, grantees must
develop plans that will produce sufficient income or supports to
sustain Veteran participants in permanent housing after the conclusion
of the initial SSVF intervention. Grantees must ensure the availability
of employment and vocational services either through the direct
provision of these services or their availability through formal or
informal service agreements. Agreements with Homeless Veteran
Reintegration Programs (HVRP) funded by the U.S. Department of Labor
are strongly encouraged. For participants unable to work due to
disability, income must be established through available benefits
programs.
2. Per 38 CFR 62.33, grantees must assist participants in obtaining
public benefits. Grantees must screen all participants for eligibility
for a broad range of entitlements such as the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services' (HHS) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families,
Social Security, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program, the HHS Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
Program, the Earned Income Tax Credit and local General Assistance
programs. Grantees are expected to access the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration's Supplemental Security Income/
Social Security Disability Insurance Outreach, Access, and Recovery
(SOAR) program directly by training staff and providing the service or
subcontracting services to an organization to provide SOAR services. In
addition, where available, grantees should access information
technology tools to support case managers in their efforts to link
participants to benefits.
3. In accordance with 38 CFR 62.33(g), grantees must assist
participants in obtaining and coordinating the provision of legal
services relevant to issues that interfere with the participants'
ability to obtain or retain permanent housing or supportive services.
Grantees may provide legal services directly, through contract
services, or through referrals to another entity. (NOTE: Information
regarding legal services provided may be protected from being released
to the grantee or VA under attorney-client privilege, although the
grantee must provide sufficient information to demonstrate the
frequency and type of service delivered.) Support for legal services
can include paying for court filing fees to assist a participant with
issues that interfere with the participant's ability to obtain or
retain permanent housing or supportive services, including issues that
affect the participant's employability and financial security. Grantees
(in addition to employees and members of grantees) may represent
participants before VA with respect to a claim for VA benefits, but
only if they are recognized for that purpose pursuant to 38 U.S.C.
chapter 59. Further, the individual providing such representation must
be accredited pursuant to 38 U.S.C. chapter 59.
4. Access to mental health and addiction services is required by
SSVF; however, grantees cannot fund these services directly through the
SSVF grant. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to promote rapid
access to and engagement with mental health and addiction services for
the Veteran and family members. Grantees are required to hire staff who
will provide health care navigation services that aid participants in
accessing these health and mental health care services.
5. When serving participants who are residing in permanent housing,
the defining question to ask is: ``Would this individual or family be
homeless but for this assistance?'' The grantee must use a VA-approved
screening tool with criteria that target those most at risk of
homelessness. To qualify for SSVF services, a participant who is served
under 38 CFR 62.11(a) (homeless prevention) must not have sufficient
resources or support networks (e.g., family, friends, faith-based or
other social networks) immediately available to prevent them from
becoming homeless. To further qualify for services under 38 CFR
62.11(a), the grantee must document that the participant meets at least
one of the following conditions for being at risk of homeless under 24
CFR 576.2:
(a) Has moved because of economic reasons two or more times during
the 60 days immediately preceding the application for homelessness
prevention assistance,
(b) Is living in the home of another because of economic hardship,
(c) Has been notified in writing that their right to occupy their
current housing or living situation will be terminated within 21 days
after the date of application for assistance,
(d) Lives in a hotel or motel, and the cost of the hotel or motel
stay is not paid by charitable organizations or by Federal, State or
local government programs for low-income individuals,
(e) Is exiting a publicly funded institution or system of care
(such as a health care facility, a mental health facility or
correctional institution) without a stable housing plan or
(f) Otherwise lives in housing that has characteristics associated
with instability and an increased risk of homelessness, as identified
in the recipient's approved screening tool.
6. SSVF grantees are required to participate in local planning
efforts designed to end Veteran homelessness. Grantees may use grant
funds to support SSVF involvement in such community planning by sub-
contracting with CoCs, when such funding is essential, to create or
sustain the development of these data driven plans.
7. When other funds from community resources are not readily
available to assist program participants, grantees may choose to use
supportive services grants, to the extent described in this NOFA and in
38 CFR 62.33 and 62.34, to provide temporary financial assistance. Such
assistance may, subject to the limitations in this NOFA and 38 CFR part
62, be paid directly to a third party on behalf of a participant for
childcare; transportation; family emergency housing assistance; rental
assistance; utility-fee payment assistance; security or utility
deposits; moving costs; and general housing stability assistance as
necessary.
8. SSVF requires grantees to offer Rapid Resolution (also known as
diversion or problem-solving) services. These services engage Veterans
immediately before or after they become homeless and assist them to
avoid continued homelessness. These efforts can reduce the trauma and
expense associated with extended periods of homelessness, and the
strain on the crisis response and affordable housing resources in the
community. Through Rapid Resolution, the grantee and the Veteran
explore safe, alternative
[[Page 84400]]
housing options immediately before or quickly after they become
homeless. Rapid Resolution can identify an immediate safe place to stay
within the Veteran's network of family, friends or other social
networks. All Veterans requesting SSVF services should have a Rapid
Resolution screening and if not appropriate for Rapid Resolution
grantees should then assess the Veteran for other SSVF services. More
information about Rapid Resolution can be found at www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.
II. Award Information
A. Overview: This NOFA announces the availability of funds for
supportive services grants under the SSVF Program and pertains to
proposals for the renewal of existing supportive services grant
programs.
B. Funding: The funding priorities for this NOFA are as follows.
1. Priority 1. Under Priority 1, VA will provide funding to
existing grantees who have at least one of the following
accreditations: 3-year CARF accreditations in Employment and Community
Services: Rapid Rehousing and Homeless Prevention standards, 4-year COA
accreditations in Housing Stabilization and Community Living Services
or 3-year JC accreditations in Behavioral Health Care: Housing Support
Services Standards. Proof of accreditation must be submitted with the
application no later than the application due date. The accreditation
must be active at the date of submission. Existing grantees previously
awarded under Priority 1 with grants scheduled to end by September 30,
2024, must apply using the renewal application. To be eligible for
renewal of a supportive services grant, Priority 1 applicants' program
must be substantially the same as the program of the grantees' current
award. Renewal applications can request funding that is equal to or
less than their current annualized amount. If sufficient funding is
available, VA may provide an increase of the previous year's award. Any
funding increase, if provided, will be based on previous grant funding
utilization and enrollment. VA may award a 3-year project period as
Priority 1 to those submitting successful applications who remain in
good standing and show proof of accreditation.
Grantees previously awarded a 3-year project period that is not
scheduled to end by September 30, 2024, cannot submit a renewal
application package, under this NOFA but instead are required to submit
a letter of intent (LOI) application package by the NOFA deadline
indicating their intention of continuing SSVF services in FY 2025. All
grantees submitting a LOI must include a letter of support from the CoC
(see section II.C.7.) and a proposed budget for FY 2025. Priority 1
grantees submitting a LOI also must submit proof of continued
accreditation. Based on the results of audit findings or performance
concerns, VA may change grantees previously awarded funds as Priority 1
grantees into Priority 2 grantees at renewal. The reprioritized
grantees would then be required to submit a renewal application for the
FY 2026 grant year.
2. Priority 2. Priority 2 includes all other existing grantees
seeking to renew their annual grant awards. Priority 2 applicants must
apply using the renewal application. To be eligible for renewal of a
supportive services grant, Priority 2 applicants' program must be
substantially the same as the program of the grantees' current grant
award. Renewal applications can request funding that is equal to or
less than their current annualized award. If sufficient funding is
available, VA may provide an increase of the previous year's award. Any
funding increase, if provided, will be based on previous grant funding
utilization and enrollment.
C. Allocation of Funds: Funding will be awarded under this NOFA to
existing grantees for a 1-year project period (Priority 2) or a 3-year
project period (Priority 1) beginning October 1, 2024. Priority 1
grantees who are awarded a 3-year project period will be funded for 1-
year and given the option to submit a LOI to request to continue
funding for each additional year. The following requirements apply to
supportive services grants awarded under this NOFA:
1. In response to this NOFA, only existing grantees can apply as
Priority 1 or Priority 2 applicants.
2. Priority 1 and Priority 2 renewal grant requests cannot exceed
the current award.
3. If a Priority 1 or 2 applicant is not renewed, all existing SSVF
grants made to the non-renewed grantee, including awards made to
support 62.34(a), will be discontinued on September 30, 2024.
4. If a grantee failed to use any previously awarded funds or had
unspent funds returned to VA, VA may elect to limit the renewal award
to the amount of funds used in the previous fiscal year or in the
current fiscal year less the money swept.
5. If, during the course of the grant year, VA determines that
grantee spending is not meeting the following minimum percentage
milestones, VA may elect to recoup projected unused funds and reprogram
such funds to provide supportive services in areas with higher need.
Should VA elect to recoup unspent funds, reductions in available grant
funds would take place the first business day following the end of the
quarter. VA may elect to recoup funds under the following
circumstances:
(a) By the end of the first quarter (December 31, 2024) of the
grantee's supportive services annualized grant award period, the
grantee's cumulative requests for supportive services grant funds are
less than an amount equal to 15% of total supportive services grant
award. (During this same period, the grantee's cumulative requests for
supportive services grant funds may not exceed 35% of the total
supportive services grant award.)
(b) By the end of the second quarter (March 31, 2025) of the
grantee's supportive services annualized grant award period, the
grantee's cumulative requests for supportive services grant funds are
less than an amount equal to 40% of total supportive services grant
award. (During this same period, the grantee's cumulative requests for
supportive services grant funds may not exceed 60% of the total
supportive services grant award.)
(c) By the end of the third quarter (June 30, 2025) of the
grantee's supportive services annualized grant award period, the
grantee's cumulative requests for supportive services grant funds are
less than an amount equal to 65% of total supportive services grant
award. (During this same period, the grantee's cumulative requests for
supportive services grant funds may not exceed 80% of the total
supportive services grant award).
6. Priority 1 and Priority 2 applicants who fail to provide a
letter of support from at least one of the CoCs they plan to serve will
be eligible for renewal funding at a level no greater than 90% of their
previous award. Applicants are responsible for determining who in each
serviced CoC is authorized to provide such letters of support. Existing
Priority 1 grantees operating under a 3-year project period that are
only required to submit a LOI application package in response to this
NOFA must also submit a letter of support from at least one of CoC's
they plan to serve. The letter of support should include the following
information described herein at 6a and b of this section. Applicants
may seek an exception to this requirement if they submit a letter from
the CoC stating that by policy they cannot provide a letter of support.
To meet this requirement and allow the applicant to be eligible for
full funding, letters must include:
[[Page 84401]]
(a) A detailed description of the applicant's participation in the
CoC's Coordinated Entry process or planning activities and overall
community planning efforts (for example, confirmation of applic'nt's
active participation in planning coordinated entry; commitment to
participating in coordinated entry; hours spent on CoC-sponsored
committee or workgroup assignments; and names of said committees or
workgroups).
(b) The applic'nt's contribution to the 'oC's coordinated entry
process capacity building efforts, detailing the specific nature of
this contribution (for example, the hours of staff time and/or the
amount of funding provided), if such SSVF capacity has been requested
by the CoC or otherwise has shown to be of value to the CoC.
7. Should additional funding become available over the course of
the grant term from funds recouped under the Award Information section
of this Notice, from funds that are voluntarily returned by grantees,
from funds that become available due to a grant termination or from
other funds still available for grant awards, VA may elect to offer
these funds to grantees in areas where demand has exceeded available
SSVF resources. Additional funds will be provided to the highest
scoring grantee in the selected area who is in compliance with their
grant agreement and has the capacity to use the additional funds.
D. Supportive Services Grant Award Period: Priority 2 grants are
made for a 1-year period. Some grantees may be eligible to apply as
Priority 1 and could be selected for an award with the option to
continue funding each year for up to three years, if they meet the
criteria described herein at section VI.C.6. Grant renewals are
eligible to be renewed subject to the availability of funding.
III. Eligibility Information
A. Eligible Applicants: Only eligible entities, as defined in 38
U.S.C. 2044(f), who are existing grantees can apply in response to this
NOFA.
B. Cost Sharing or Matching: None.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Obtaining an Application Package: Applications are located at
www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf. Any questions regarding this process may be
referred to the SSVF Program Office via email at va.gov">SSVF@va.gov. For
detailed SSVF Program information and requirements, see 38 CFR part 62.
B. Content and Form of Application: Applicants must submit
applications electronically following instructions found at www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.
C. Submission Dates and Times: Applications for supportive services
grants under the SSVF Program must be received by the SSVF Program
Office by 4 p.m. Eastern Time on February 23, 2024. Awards made for
supportive services grants will fund operations beginning October 1,
2024. Applications must arrive as a complete package. Materials
arriving separately will not be included in the application package for
consideration and may result in the application being rejected. In
addition, in the interest of fairness to all competing applicants, this
deadline is firm as to date and hour, and VA will treat as ineligible
for consideration any application that is received after the deadline.
Applicants should take this practice into account and make early
submission of their materials to avoid any risk of loss of eligibility
brought about by unanticipated delays, computer service outages, or
other delivery-related problems.
D. Funding Restrictions: Funding will be awarded for existing
supportive services grants under this NOFA depending on funding
availability. Priority 1 and Priority 2 applicants should fill out
separate applications for each supportive services funding request.
Priority 1 and Priority 2 applicants must use applications designated
for renewal applicants. Funding will be awarded under this NOFA to
existing grantees beginning October 1, 2024.
1. Funding used for staff education and training cannot exceed 1%
of the overall program grant award. This limitation does not include
the cost to attend VA mandated training. All training costs must be
directly related to the provision of services to homeless Veterans and
their families.
2. Expenses related to maintaining accreditation are allowable.
Grantees are allowed to include expenses for seeking initial
accreditation only once in a 5-year period. The expenses to renew full
accreditation are allowed and are based on the schedule of the
accrediting agency: for example, every 3 years for CARF and every 4
years for COA. Expenses related to the renewal of less than full
accreditation are not allowed.
E. Other Submission Requirements:
1. Existing applicants applying for Priority 1 or Priority 2 grants
may apply only as renewal applicants using the application designed for
renewal grants.
2. At the discretion of VA, multiple grant proposals submitted by
the same lead agency may be combined into a single grant award if the
proposals provide services to contiguous areas.
3. Additional supportive services grant application requirements
are specified in the application package. Submission of an incorrect or
incomplete application package will result in the application being
rejected during threshold review. The application packages must contain
all required forms and certifications. Selections will be made based on
criteria described in 38 CFR part 62 and this NOFA. Applicants and
grantees will be notified of any additional information needed to
confirm or clarify information provided in the application and the
deadline by which to submit such information. Applicants must submit
applications electronically. Applications may not be mailed, hand
carried or faxed.
V. Application Review Information
A. Criteria:
1. VA will screen all applications to identify those that meet the
threshold requirements described in 38 CFR 62.21.
2. VA will use the criteria described in 38 CFR 62.24 to score
grantees applying for renewal of a supportive services grant.
B. Review and Selection Process: VA will review all supportive
services grant applications in response to this NOFA according to the
following steps:
1. LOI applications that meet threshold requirements described in
38 CFR 62.21 will be offered funding.
2. Score all renewal applications that meet the threshold
requirements described in 38 CFR 62.21.
3. Rank those renewal applications that score at least 75
cumulative points and receive at least 1 point under each of the
categories identified for renewal applicants in 38 CFR 62.24. The
applications will be ranked in order from highest to lowest scores in
accordance with 38 CFR 62.25 for renewal applicants.
4. VA will use the ranked scores of renewal applications as the
primary basis for selection. However, VA also will use the following
considerations in 38 CFR 62.23(d) to select applicants for funding:
[[Page 84402]]
(a) Give preference to applications that provide or coordinate the
provision of supportive services for very low-income Veteran families
transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. Consistent with
this preference applicants are required to enroll no less than 60% of
participants who are homeless as defined in 38 CFR 62.11(b) and (c).
Rural areas and tribal areas are exempt from this requirement in areas
defined as rural (https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/rhed/
#:~:text=HUD%20defines%20rural%20in%20three,in%20a%20Metropolitan%20Stat
istical%20Area). Other areas may seek waivers to this 60% requirement
when grantees can demonstrate significant local progress towards
eliminating homelessness in the target service area. Waiver requests
must include data from authoritative sources such as point-in-time
counts and by-name-lists indicating that a community has made
substantial enough progress on reducing homelessness that it can shift
additional resources to prevention. Waiver requests must include an
endorsement by the impacted CoC explicitly stating that a shift in
resources from rapid re-housing to prevention will not result in an
increase in homelessness. Grantees who are exempt or receive waivers to
this 60% requirement must still enroll no less than 40% of all
participants who are homeless as defined in 38 CFR 62.11 (b) and (c).
(b) To the extent practicable, ensure that supportive services
grants are equitably distributed across geographic regions, including
rural communities and tribal lands. This equitable distribution
criteria will be used to ensure that SSVF resources are provided to
those communities with the highest need as identified by VA's
assessment of expected demand and available resources to meet that
demand.
5. Subject to the considerations noted previously herein at
paragraph B.4. VA will fund the highest-ranked applicants for which
funding is available.
VI. Award Administration Information
A. Award Notices: Although subject to change, the SSVF Program
Office expects to announce grant recipients for all applicants in the
fourth quarter of FY 2024 with grants beginning October 1, 2024. Prior
to executing a funding agreement, VA will contact the applicants, make
known the amount of proposed funding and verify that the applicant is
still seeking the funding. Once VA verifies that the applicant is still
seeking funding, VA will execute an agreement and make payments to the
grant recipient in accordance with 38 CFR part 62 and this NOFA.
B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: As cited in 38
CFR 62.38 SSVF grants cannot be used to fund ineligible activities.
C. Reporting: VA places great emphasis on the responsibility and
accountability of grantees. As described in 38 CFR 62.63 and 62.71, VA
has procedures in place to monitor supportive services provided to
participants and outcomes associated with the supportive services
provided under the SSVF Program. Applicants should be aware of the
following:
1. Upon execution of a supportive services grant agreement with VA,
grantees will have a VA regional coordinator assigned by the SSVF
Program Office who will provide oversight and monitor supportive
services provided to participants.
2. Grantees will be required to enter data into a Homeless
Management Information System (HMIS) web-based software application.
This data will consist of information on the participants served and
types of supportive services provided by grantees. Grantees must treat
the data for activities funded by the SSVF Program separate from that
of activities funded by other programs. Grantees will be required to
work with their HMIS Administrators to export client-level data for
activities funded by the SSVF Program to VA on at least a monthly
basis. The completeness, timeliness and quality of grantee uploads into
HMIS will be factored into the evaluation of their grant performance.
3. VA will complete annual monitoring evaluations of each grantee.
Monitoring will also include the submittal of quarterly and annual
financial and performance reports by the grantee. The grantee will be
expected to demonstrate adherence to the grantee's proposed program as
described in the grantee's application. All grantees are subject to
audits conducted by VA or its representative. Pursuant to Sec. 62.80,
when a grantee fails to comply with the terms, conditions, or standards
of the supportive services grant, VA may, on 7-days notice to the
grantee, withhold further payment, suspend the supportive services
grant, or prohibit the grantee from incurring additional obligations of
supportive services grant funds, pending corrective action by the
grantee or a decision to terminate. Additionally, grantees who are
identified as not meeting performance standards pursuant to Sec. 62.80
are subject to withholding, suspension, deobligation, termination, and
recovery of funds by VA.
4. Grantees will be assessed based on their ability to meet
critical performance measures. In addition to meeting program
requirements defined by the regulations and applicable NOFA(s),
grantees will be assessed on their ability to place participants into
housing and the housing retention rates of participants served. Higher
placement for homeless participants and higher housing retention rates
for participants at risk of homelessness are expected for very low-
income Veteran families when compared to extremely low-income Veteran
families with incomes below 30% of the area median income.
5. Grantees' performance will be assessed based on their consumer
satisfaction scores. These scores include the participation rates and
satisfaction results of the standardized survey offered to all
participant households.
6. Organizations receiving renewal awards that have had ongoing
SSVF program operation for at least 1 year (as measured from the start
of initial SSVF services until February 10, 2024) may be eligible for a
3-year project period. Grantees meeting outcome goals defined by VA and
in substantial compliance with their grant agreements (defined by
meeting targets and having no outstanding corrective action plans) and
who, in addition, have a 3-year accreditation from either CARF in
Employment and Community Services: Rapid Rehousing and Homeless
Prevention standards, a 4-year accreditation from COA in Supported
Community Living Services, or a 3-year accreditation in The Joint
Commission's Behavioral Health Care: Housing Support Services Standards
are eligible for a 3-year project period. (NOTE: Multi-year project
periods are contingent on funding availability.) If awarded a multiple
year renewal, grantees may be eligible for funding increases as defined
in NOFAs that correspond to years two and three of their renewal
funding. At its discretion, VA may reduce 3-year project periods to a
1-year project period based on previous fiscal year performance
concerns or most recent audit results.
VII. Other Information
A. VA Goals and Objectives for Funds Awarded Under this NOFA: In
accordance with 38 CFR 62.24(c), VA will evaluate an applicant's
compliance with VA goals and requirements for the SSVF Program. VA
goals and requirements include the provision of supportive services
designed to enhance the housing stability and independent living skills
of very low-income Veteran families occupying permanent housing across
geographic regions and program
[[Page 84403]]
administration in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations,
guidelines, and the SSVF grant agreement. For purposes of this NOFA, VA
goals and requirements also include the provision of supportive
services designed to rapidly re-house or prevent homelessness among
people in the following target populations who also meet all
requirements for being part of a very low-income Veteran family
occupying permanent housing:
1. Veteran families earning less than 30% of area median income as
most recently published by HUD for programs under section 8 of the U.S.
Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) (http://www.huduser.org).
2. Veterans with at least one dependent family member.
3. Veterans returning from Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation
Iraqi Freedom or Operation New Dawn.
4. Veteran families located in a community, as defined by HUD's
CoC, or a county not currently served by a SSVF grantee.
5. Veteran families located in a community, as defined by HUD's
CoC, where the current level of SSVF services is not sufficient to meet
demand of Category 2 and 3 (currently homeless) Veteran families.
6. Veteran families located in a rural area.
7. Veteran families located on Indian Tribal Property.
B. Payments of Supportive Services Grant Funds: Grantees will
receive payments electronically through the HHS Payment Management
System. Grantees will have the ability to request payments as
frequently as they choose subject to the following limitations:
1. During the first quarter of the grantee's supportive services
annualized grant award period, the grantee's cumulative requests for
supportive services grant funds may not exceed 35% of the total
supportive services grant award without written approval by VA.
2. By the end of the second quarter of the grantee's supportive
services annualized grant award period, the grantee's cumulative
requests for supportive services grant funds may not exceed 60% of the
total supportive services grant award without written approval by VA.
3. By the end of the third quarter of the grantee's supportive
services annualized grant award period, the grantee's cumulative
requests for supportive services grant funds may not exceed 80% of the
total supportive services grant award without written approval by VA.
4. By the end of the fourth quarter of the grantee's supportive
services annualized grant award period, the grantee's cumulative
requests for supportive services grant funds may not exceed 100% of the
total supportive services grant award.
Signing Authority
Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approved and signed
this document on November 29, 2023, and authorized the undersigned to
sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for
publication electronically as an official document of the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
Jeffrey M. Martin,
Assistant Director, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2023-26650 Filed 12-4-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P