Notice2024-30662
Funding Opportunity Under Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
December 26, 2024
Issuing agencies
Veterans Affairs Department
Abstract
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing the availability of funds for grants under the SSVF Program. This NOFO contains information concerning the SSVF Program, the renewal and new applicant grant application processes, and the amount of funding available. Awards made for grants will fund operations beginning October 1, 2025.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 247 (Thursday, December 26, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 247 (Thursday, December 26, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 105178-105186]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30662]
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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Funding Opportunity Under Supportive Services for Veteran
Families
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 grants under the SSVF Program. This NOFO
contains information concerning the SSVF Program, the renewal and new
applicant grant application processes, and the amount of funding
available. Awards made for grants will fund operations beginning
October 1, 2025.
DATES: Applications for grants must be received by 4 p.m. eastern
standard time on March 3, 2025. In the interest of fairness to all
competing applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and hour. VA
will treat as ineligible for consideration any application that is
received after the deadline. Applicants should take this practice into
account and submit their materials early to avoid risk of loss of
eligibility, unanticipated delays, computer service outages, or other
submission-related problems.
ADDRESSES: Information about the application can be downloaded from the
SSVF website at <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html">https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html</a>. Questions
may be referred to the SSVF Program Office via email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7c0f0f0a1a3c0a1d521b130a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a9dadadfcfe9dfc887cec6df">[email protected]</span></a>.
For detailed SSVF Program information and requirements, see 38 CFR part
62.
Application Submission: Applicants must submit applications
electronically following instructions found at <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html">https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html</a>. Applications may not be hand-carried,
emailed, mailed, or sent by facsimile (fax). Applications must be
received by the SSVF Program Office no later than 4 p.m. eastern
standard time on the application deadline date March 3, 2025.
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 or not
funded. See Section II.B. and II.C. of this NOFO for the maximum
allowable grant amounts. Applicants are advised to refer to this NOFO
when completing the online application.
Technical Assistance: Information on obtaining technical assistance
for preparing a grant application is available on the program website
at <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html">https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html</a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Funding Opportunity Title: Supportive Services for Veteran
Families. Announcement Type: New and Renewal. Funding Opportunity
Number: VA-SSVF-2026. Assistance Instrument: Grant.
Assistance Listing: 64.033, VA Supportive Services for Veteran
Families Program--System for Award Management (<a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a>).
Funding Details: SSVF expects to award approximately $799 million
via this NOFO with over 200 awards, with a range of $118,000 to
$22,942,240 in awards.
System for Award Management: Before submitting an application,
organizations must provide a valid unique entity identifier in their
application and continue to maintain an active registration in <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a>
with current information at all times during which they have an active
Federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a
Federal agency.
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 low-income Veteran
family's needs and
[[Page 105179]]
preferences. SSVF delivers services using a housing-first approach that
emphasizes permanent housing placement and supportive services as the
primary objectives. Housing First is an evidence-based, cost-effective
approach to ending homelessness for the most vulnerable and chronically
homeless individuals. (<a href="https://www.usich.gov/tools-for-action/housing-first-checklist">https://www.usich.gov/tools-for-action/housing-first-checklist</a>).
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 rehousing case management and services. These core components
represent the minimum that a program must provide to households to be
considered a rapid rehousing program. Applicants should familiarize
themselves with the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Best
Practice Standards found at <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html">https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html</a>.
B. Funding Priorities: The principal goal of this NOFO 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. Please note that the
priorities for SSVF for fiscal year (FY) 2026 are different than in
previous years.
Under Priority 1, SSVF is introducing a new priority for FY 2026 to
expand services to Tribal and rural communities and the U.S.
territories. VA has the ability to award up to a 3-year project period
to Tribal and rural communities and the U.S. territories under this
NOFO. Indian Tribe means a Tribe that is a federally recognized Tribe
or a State recognized tribe. See 25 U.S.C. 4103(13). With this
priority, SSVF is seeking Native-led organizations, organizations who
are deeply invested in providing services on Tribal lands and
reservations, and organizations who have extensive experience working
with Native Veterans and Veteran families. There is an emphasis on
organizations that would serve the 29 Tribal communities that have
Tribal Department of Housing and Urban Development--VA Supportive
Housing (HUD-VASH) (<a href="https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_24_220">https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_24_220</a>).
Rural communities are defined using the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's (USDA) definition of a rural area. Rural means: 1. Open
countryside; 2. Rural towns (places with fewer than 5,000 people and
2,000 housing units); and 3. Urban areas with populations ranging up to
50,000 people that are not part of larger labor market areas
(metropolitan areas) (<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/rural-economy-population/rural-classifications/">https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/rural-economy-population/rural-classifications/</a>).
The U.S. territories are a priority including American Samoa, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and
the U.S. Virgin Islands. Priority 1 for FY 2026 is open to new and
existing applicants; however, priority will be given to organizations
that have a demonstrated track record of serving the Tribal or rural
community or the U.S. territory that they are proposing to serve.
Additionally, applicants should have demonstrated cultural awareness
and language access for the areas they are proposing to serve.
Under Priority 2, 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 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 (COA), or a 3-year accreditation in The Joint
Commission's (JC) Behavioral Health Care: Housing Support Services
Standards. Priority 2 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.
Under Priority 3, existing SSVF grantees not included in Priority 2
but who have annual awards and are seeking to renew their grants, may
apply. Existing grantees are SSVF grantees that have a Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) for operations through September 30, 2025.
C. Definitions: Part 62 of title 38 CFR, contains definitions of
terms used in the SSVF Program. In addition to the definitions and
requirements described in 38 CFR part 62, this NOFO 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 (GHSA), provided under 38
CFR 62.34(e), while offering some funds for bedding and 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 NOFO to include these changes. 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 NOFO 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
[[Page 105180]]
offer transition in place when a 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 issued. EHA may
also be used as part of Rapid Resolution, also known as diversion or
housing problem-solving, 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 NOFO 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 NOFO, 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 NOFO, 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% since 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 (AMI). 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 AMI 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 U.S. Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C.
1437f) or family incomes. 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 the purposes of this NOFO, grantees will be able to
serve Veterans in their communities who have up to 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 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
housing stability. The CoC develops and implements plans to end
homelessness and prevent a return to homelessness. CoC locations and
contact information can be found at <a href="https://www.hudexchange.info/grantees/contacts/">https://www.hudexchange.info/grantees/contacts/</a>.
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 2 or Priority 3 applicant to provide a letter of support from
the CoC as described may limit the maximum award to 90% of the award
made in the previous fiscal year as described herein at II.C.6. In
addition, any applicant proposing to serve a Native American Tribal
area is strongly encouraged to provide a letter of support from the
relevant Tribal Government. Priority 1 applicants are strongly
encouraged to provide a CoC letter of support, a letter from the
relevant Indian Tribal Government, or other relevant letter of support.
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 NOFO 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 NOFO 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 NOFO. In accordance with 38 CFR part 62 and this NOFO, the
following requirements apply to supportive services grants awarded
under this NOFO:
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
[[Page 105181]]
literally homeless and qualify under 38 CFR 62.11(b). (Note: Grantees
may request a waiver to decrease this minimum number of literally
homeless households, as discussed herein at section V.B.4.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 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 <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/ssvf-coreconcepts/">https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/ssvf-coreconcepts/</a>. 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 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 NOFO
and 38 CFR 62.34.
1. As SSVF is a short to medium-term crisis intervention, grantees
must develop plans with Veterans and Veteran families that will
maximize income and supports to help Veterans sustain permanent housing
at the conclusion of SSVF. Grantees must ensure the availability of
employment and vocational services either through providing the
services directly or through formal or informal service agreements with
other agencies. Agreements with the Homeless Veteran Reintegration
Programs 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 USDA'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 a formal referral
agreement as 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
Veterans and Veteran families. In the past, grantees were able to add
health care navigator responsibilities to existing positions as an
alternative to hiring a Health Care Navigator. Beginning in FY 2026,
the Health Care Navigator position is required. Grantees are required
to hire at least one Health Care Navigator that will assist
participants with accessing health and mental health services.
5. When serving participants who are residing in permanent housing,
the defining question to ask is ``Would this
[[Page 105182]]
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 (<a href="https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSVF_HP_Screener_10_2023.pdf">https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSVF_HP_Screener_10_2023.pdf</a>).
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 NOFO and in
38 CFR 62.33 and 62.34, to provide temporary financial assistance. Such
assistance may, subject to the limitations in this NOFO 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 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 <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html">https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html</a>.
II. Award Information
A. Overview: This NOFO 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 NOFO are as follows:
Under Priority 1, SSVF is introducing a new priority for FY 2026 to
expand services to Tribal and rural communities and U.S. territories.
VA has the ability to award up to a 3-year project period to Tribal and
rural communities and U.S. territories under this NOFO. Indian Tribe
means a Tribe that is a federally recognized Tribe or a State-
recognized tribe. See 25 U.S.C. 4103(13). With this priority, SSVF is
seeking Native-led organizations, organizations who are deeply invested
in providing services on Tribal lands and reservations, and
organizations who have extensive experience working with Native
Veterans and Veteran families. There is an emphasis on organizations
that would serve the 29 Tribal communities that have Tribal HUD-VASH
(<a href="https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_24_220">https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_24_220</a>). Rural communities are defined using USDA's definition
of a rural area. Rural means: 1. Open countryside; 2. Rural towns
(places with fewer than 5,000 people and 2,000 housing units); and 3.
urban areas with populations ranging up to 50,000 people that are not
part of larger labor market areas (metropolitan areas) (<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/rural-economy-population/rural-classifications/">https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/rural-economy-population/rural-classifications/</a>
). There is a priority for the U.S. territories including American
Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto
Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Priority 1 for FY 2026 is open to
new and existing applicants; however, priority will be given to
organizations that have a demonstrated track record of serving the
Tribal or rural community, or U.S. territory that they are proposing to
serve. Additionally, applicants should have demonstrated cultural
awareness and language access for the areas they are proposing to
serve.
Under Priority 2, VA will provide funding to existing grantees who
have at least one of the following accreditations: 3-year accreditation
from 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 COA or a 3-year
accreditation in the JC's Behavioral Health Care: Housing Support
Services Standards. Priority 2 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.
Existing grantees previously awarded under this priority with grants
scheduled to end by September 30, 2025, must apply using the renewal
application. To be eligible for renewal of a supportive services grant,
applicants' program must be substantially the same as the program of
the grantee's 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 to those submitting successful applications who
remain in good standing and show proof of accreditation as defined
above. VA may also elect to decrease the grant award to an amount that
is less than the previous fiscal year award. This will be done based on
available funds as well as previous grant utilization and enrollment.
Grantees previously awarded a 3-year project period that is not
scheduled to end by September 30, 2025, cannot submit a renewal
application under this NOFO but instead are required to submit a Letter
of Intent (LOI) application package by the NOFO deadline indicating
their intention of continuing SSVF services in FY 2026. All grantees
submitting a LOI must include a letter of support from the CoC (see
section II.C.6.) and a proposed budget for FY 2026. Priority 2 grantees
submitting a LOI must also submit proof of continued accreditation.
Based on the results of audit findings or performance concerns, VA may
change grantees' previously awarded funds from Priority 2 to Priority 3
at renewal. The reprioritized grantees would then be required to submit
a renewal application for the FY 2027 grant year.
Under Priority 3, existing SSVF grantees not included in Priority 2
but who have annual awards and are seeking to renew their grants, may
apply. Existing grantees are SSVF grantees that have a MOA for
operations through September 30, 2025. Priority 3 includes all other
existing grantees seeking to renew their annual grant awards. Priority
3 applicants must apply using the renewal application. To be eligible
for renewal of a supportive services grant, Priority 3 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
[[Page 105183]]
enrollment. VA may also elect to decrease the grant award to an amount
that is less than the previous fiscal year award. This will be done
based on available funds as well as previous grant utilization and
enrollment.
C. Allocation of Funds: Funding for grantees for a 1-year project
period (Priority 3) or a 3-year project period (Priority 1 and 2) will
be awarded under this NOFO beginning October 1, 2025. The followings
requirements apply to supportive services grants awarded under this
NOFO:
1. New and existing organizations can apply under Priority 1. For
existing grantees, a new application is required if they are pursuing
Priority 1.
2. Only existing grantees can apply under Priority 2 and Priority
3.
3. If a Priority 2 or 3 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, 2025.
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, 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 15% of the 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, 2026) of the
grantee's supportive services annualized grant award period, the
grantee's cumulative request for supportive services grant funds is
less than an amount equal to 40% of the 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, 2026) 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 the 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 2 and Priority 3 applicants who fail to provide a
letter of support from at least one of the CoCs that 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 2 grantees operating under a 3-year project period
that are only required to submit a LOI application package in response
to this NOFO must also submit a letter of support from at least one of
the CoC's that they plan to serve. The letter of support should include
the following information described herein at 6a and 6b 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 the following:
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 the
applicant's active participation in coordinated entry; commitment to
participate in coordinated entry; hours spent on a CoC-sponsored
committee or work group; and the names of said committees or work
groups).
b. The applicant's contribution to the CoC'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 1 and 2 grants
are made for a 3-year project period. Priority 3 grants are made for a
1-year period. Some grantees who obtain accreditation may be eligible
to apply as Priority 2 and could be selected for an award with the
option to continue funding each year for up to 3 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), can apply in response to this NOFO. Eligible entities
are private nonprofit organizations or consumer cooperatives.
B. Cost Sharing or Matching: None.
IV. Application and Submission Information
A. Obtaining an Application Package: Applications are located at
<a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html">https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html</a>. Any questions regarding
this process may be referred to the SSVF Program Office via email at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection" class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="beedede8f8fec8df90d9d1c8">[email protected]</a>. For detailed SSVF Program information and requirements,
see 38 CFR part 62 at: <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-62">https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/chapter-I/part-62</a>.
B. Content and Form of Application: Applicants must submit
applications electronically following instructions found at: <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html">https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html</a>.
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 March 3, 2025. Awards made for
supportive services grants will fund operations beginning October 1,
2025. 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. This
includes letters of support which must be received within the
application package, not separately. 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
[[Page 105184]]
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 new and
existing supportive services grants under this NOFO depending on
funding availability. Priority 1, Priority 2, and Priority 3 applicants
should fill out separate applications for each supportive services
funding request. Priority 2 and Priority 3 applicants must use
applications designated for renewal applicants. Funding will be awarded
under this NOFO to all grantees beginning October 1, 2025.
1. Funding used for staff education and training cannot exceed 5%
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 2 or Priority 3 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 NOFO. 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.
F. Intergovernmental Review
This NOFO is not subject to Executive Order 12372,
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. To learn more about your
State's process, see the State Single Point of Contact List.
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.
3. VA will use the criteria described in 38 CFR 62.22 and 62.23 to
score new applications for supportive services grants.
B. Review and Selection Process: VA will review all supportive
services grant applications in response to this NOFO. This section
pertains to renewal applications only. A review will be conducted
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:
(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 communities are defined using USDA's
definition of a rural area. Rural means: 1. Open countryside; 2.
Rural towns (places with fewer than 5,000 people and 2,000 housing
units); and 3. urban areas with populations ranging up to 50,000
people that are not part of larger labor market areas (metropolitan
areas) (<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/rural-economy-population/rural-classifications/">https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/rural-economy-population/rural-classifications/</a>).
Other areas may seek waivers to this 60% requirement when
grantees can demonstrate significant local progress toward
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 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 rehousing 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, U.S. territories, 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.
C. Risk Review
Prior to making a Federal grant award, the SSVF Program Office will
review eligibility information for applicants and financial integrity
information for applicants available in the Office of Management and
Budget-designated databases per the Payment Integrity Information Act
of 2019 (Pub. L. 116-117), the ``Do Not Pay Initiative'' (31 U.S.C.
3354), and 41 U.S.C. 2313.
The SSVF program Office will review the responsibility and
qualification records available in the non-public segment of <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a>
prior to making a Federal award. The SSVF Program Office will conduct a
risk assessment to evaluate the risks posed by applicants before
issuing a Federal award. Items that will be considered include:
financial stability, management systems and standards, history of
performance (if applicable), audit reports and findings (if
applicable), and the ability to effectively implement the grant
requirements.
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 2025 with grants beginning October 1, 2025. 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 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 2 CFR part 200, 38 CFR part 62 and
this NOFO.
[[Page 105185]]
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, de-obligation, 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 NOFO(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 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 priority 1 or renewal awards that have
had ongoing SSVF program operation for at least 1 year (as measured
from the start of initial SSVF services until March 3, 2025 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,
are providing supportive services to Veterans in Tribal or rural
communities or the U.S. territories or who 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 NOFOs 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.
D. Post-Award Requirements and Administration
The terms and conditions for this award will be outlined in the
MOA. Applicants may review the general terms and conditions of award at
<a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/grants-management/">https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/grants-management/</a>. In accepting a VA
award, the grantee assumes legal, financial, administrative, and
programmatic responsibility for administering the award. Grantees must
comply with all applicable appropriations, laws, statutes, rules,
regulations (e.g., 38 CFR part 50, 38 CFR part 62, 2 CFR part 200),
NOFO requirements, Executive Orders governing assistance awards,
statutory and national policy requirements (e.g., 2 CFR 200.300 and 41
U.S.C. 4712), and these terms and conditions which will be incorporated
into this award. While VA may provide grantees with reminder notices
regarding award requirements, the absence of receiving such notice will
not relieve grantees of their responsibility to meet all applicable
award requirements. Under the MOA, grantees must agree to provide what
is outlined in the grant award and application along with any
modifications that occur as a result of official changes approved by
the VA SSVF Program Office.
VII. Other Information
A. VA Goals and Objectives for Funds Awarded Under this NOFO: 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 administration in accordance with all
applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and the SSVF grant agreement.
For purposes of this NOFO, 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) (<a href="https://www.huduser.org">https://www.huduser.org</a>).
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
[[Page 105186]]
literally homeless Veterans and currently homeless Veteran families.
CoC and ESG Homeless Eligibility--Category 1: Literally Homeless--HUD
Exchange.
6. Veteran families located in a rural area.
7. Veteran families located on Tribal areas.
8. Veteran families located in a U.S. territory.
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 December 16, 2024, 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.
Luvenia Potts,
Regulation Development Coordinator, Office of Regulation Policy &
Management, Office of General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2024-30662 Filed 12-23-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on December 26, 2024.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.