Notice2026-00009
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
January 6, 2026
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, 2026.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 390-396]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-00009]
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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, 2026.
DATES: Applications for grants must be received by the SSVF Program
Office no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, February 19,
2026. In the interest of fairness to all applicants, the date and time
of this deadline are firm. VA will treat as ineligible any application
received after the deadline. Applicants should submit materials early
to avoid the risk of ineligibility, unanticipated delays, computer
service outages, or other submission-related problems. On-time
submission requires an Entity Identification Number (EIN) from the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from
SAM, and an active registration in SAM. For details, see the Before You
Begin section.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adrienne Nash Mel[eacute]ndez,
Director, SSVF Program Office, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d0a3a3a6b690a6b1feb7bfa6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f281818494b28493dc959d84">[email protected]</span></a>, (202) 461-0056. 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#a8dbdbdecee8dec986cfc7de"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9deeeeebfbddebfcb3faf2eb">[email protected]</span></a>. For detailed SSVF
Program information and requirements, see part 62 of title 38, Code of
Federal Regulations (38 CFR part 62).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Basic Information
Funding Opportunity Title: Supportive Services for Veteran Families
(SSVF).
Announcement Type: New and renewal.
Funding Opportunity Number: VA-SSVF-2027.
Assistance Instrument: Grant.
Assistance Listing: 64.033, VA SSVF Program, the System for Award
Management (SAM) at <a href="https://sam.gov/fal/296989a11e6f417a8225f634249b316d/view">https://sam.gov/fal/296989a11e6f417a8225f634249b316d/view</a>.
Funding Details: SSVF expects to award approximately $855 million
via this NOFO with over 200 awards, with a range of $262,981 to
$23,153,846 in awards.
Executive Summary: Section 604 of the Veterans' Mental Health and
Other Care Improvements Act of 2008, Public Law 110-387 (codified at 38
U.S.C. 2044), authorized VA to develop the SSVF Program. Supportive
services grants are awarded to selected private non-profit
organizations and consumer cooperatives that will assist very low-
income veteran families residing in or transitioning to permanent
housing. Grantees will provide a range of supportive services to
eligible veteran families that are designed to promote housing
stability. SSVF provides case management and supportive services to
prevent the imminent loss of a veteran's home or identify a new, more
suitable housing situation for the individual and his or her family; or
to rapidly re-house veterans and their families who are homeless and
might remain homeless without this assistance.
Before You Begin: The following steps may take several weeks.
1. Entity Identifiers: If you believe your organization is a good
candidate for this funding opportunity, retrieve your EIN, UEI, and
<a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a> (<a href="https://sam.gov/">https://sam.gov/</a>) registration now.
EIN: Your organization must have an EIN issued by the IRS.
UEI: Your organization must have a UEI issued by <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a>.
<a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a> Registration: Your organization must have an active account
with <a href="http://SAM.gov">SAM.gov</a>.
Be sure to answer Yes to the Financial Assistance Representation
and Certification item. For a sample, see the SSVF website at <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html">https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html</a>.
Prepare to provide these requirements immediately. The processes
may take weeks to complete. Do not wait until
[[Page 391]]
you are ready to submit your application to start these processes.
Incomplete required elements may prevent you from submitting your
application on time. Applications submitted without an active UEI may
be rejected at the threshold, meaning the application would be
considered ineligible. For information about SAM, see also the Dates
section, the Eligibility section, and the Submission Requirements and
Deadlines section.
2. Registering in the Online Application System: For guidance on
registering your organization in the online application system, see the
How-To: Register a New Organization reference guide at <a href="https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/docs/GPD/providers/UDPaaS_How-ToRegisterNewOrg_in_eGMS.pdf">https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/docs/GPD/providers/UDPaaS_How-ToRegisterNewOrg_in_eGMS.pdf</a>. Please note that while the guide
indicates Grant and Per Diem Program, it is being used for all VA
Homeless Program Office grant programs.
3. Reminders: Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the
date stated in the DATES section. Keep this NOFO with you when
completing the application. It includes supplementary guidance for
completing the application.
II. Eligibility
A. Eligible Applicants: Under 38 U.S.C. 2044(f) eligible entity
means a private nonprofit organization or a consumer cooperative. The
term ``consumer cooperative'' has the meaning given such term under 12
U.S.C. 1701q. Only eligible entities, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 2044(f),
can apply in response to this NOFO.
B. Additional Restrictions on Eligibility: There are no additional
restrictions on eligibility.
C. Automatic Ineligibility: Any incomplete applications or
applications received after the deadline would be automatically
ineligible.
D. References or Links to Any Other Eligibility Restrictions or
Disqualification Factors: There are no additional eligibility
restrictions or disqualification factors.
E. Application Limits: There is no limit on the number of
applications that can be submitted.
F. Cost Sharing or Matching: None.
III. Funding Opportunity Description
A. Program Description: Ending and preventing homelessness among
veterans is a priority for VA. VA's Homeless Program Office constitutes
the Nation's largest integrated network of homeless, housing,
prevention, and rehabilitation services for veterans. These programs
help veterans live self-sufficiently and independently. 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. VA established SSVF in 2011 to create
public-private partnerships to rapidly re-house homeless veteran
families and prevent homelessness for very low-income veterans at
imminent risk due to a housing crisis.
B. Program Authority: The SSVF program is authorized under 38
U.S.C. 2044. VA implements the SSVF Program through regulations in 38
CFR part 62. 38 CFR part 62 contains definitions of terms used in the
SSVF Program and this NOFO. Funds made available under this NOFO are
subject to the requirements of 38 U.S.C. 2044 and 38 CFR part 62.
C. Funding Priorities: 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) 2027 are different than in previous years. 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. Funding priorities are as
follows:
Priority 1. Under Priority 1, VA may award a renewal SSVF grant to
existing grantees who received a grant award under Priority 1 during FY
2026 to expand services to rural communities. Existing grantees are
SSVF grantees that have a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for operations
through September 30, 2026. A Letter of Intent (LOI) will be required.
Priority 2. Under Priority 2, VA may award a renewal SSVF grant 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 Behavioral Health Care: Housing
Support Services Standards. Existing grantees are SSVF grantees that
have a MOA for operations through September 30, 2026. 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. A LOI will be required except in cases
where a Priority 2 grantee is being reprioritized as a Priority 3
application where a renewal application is required.
Priority 3. Under Priority 3, existing SSVF grantees not included
in Priorities 1 and 2 but who have annual awards and are seeking to
renew their SSVF grants, may apply. Existing grantees are SSVF grantees
that have a MOA for operations through September 30, 2026. A renewal
application will be required. To be eligible for renewal of a
supportive services grant, Priority 1, 2, and 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 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.
Priority 4. Under Priority 4, new applicants may apply for an SSVF
grant. Priority 4 applicants will submit a new grant application.
D. 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.
IV. Application Contents and Format
A. Intergovernmental Review: Executive Order (E.O.) 12372,
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, was issued to foster the
intergovernmental partnership and strengthen federalism by relying on
State and local processes for the coordination and review of proposed
Federal financial assistance and direct Federal development. Generally,
SSVF grants are not subject to E.O. 12372. Funded grantees are also
required to comply with all applicable EOs.
[[Page 392]]
B. Application Submission: Applicants must submit a complete
electronic application in the electronic grants management system,
following the instructions at <a href="https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/FY26_NOFA_Training.pdf">https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/FY26_NOFA_Training.pdf</a>. The training provides funding opportunity,
scoring criteria, award information, and requirements for submitting
the application based on 2 CFR 200. In reference to section (b)(4)(ii)
of Appendix I to 2 CFR part 200, the NOFO has no limitations on page
numbers, file size, or the sequence of the application section, and
therefore, this information is not addressed in the NOFO. 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
4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the application deadline date of
Thursday, February 19, 2026. 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 Program Description and Submissions
Requirements and Deadlines for the maximum allowable grant amounts.
Applicants are advised to refer to this NOFO when completing the online
application.
This NOFO addresses resources that may be provided by grantees
under 38 CFR 62.34 to assist veterans in obtaining permanent housing,
in addition to implementing general requirements in, and resources
otherwise provided under, 38 CFR part 62. Grantees will be allowed to
provide up to the equivalent of two months' rent in addition to the
security deposit to landlords under 38 CFR 62.34(c) as a resource for
any lease of not less than one 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 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 kitchen
supplies, leaves significant needs unaddressed. Therefore, grantees
will also be allowed to provide up to $1,000 for veteran families to
utilize miscellaneous move-in expenses under 38 CFR 62.34(g), to
encourage them to obtain permanent housing with a lease of not less
than one 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.
Respondents to this NOFO should base their proposals and
applications on the current requirements of 2 CFR part 200 and 38 CFR
part 62. As an electronic application submitted in the electronic
grants management system, there are no formatting or size requirements.
There is no limit on page numbers, formatting, or file name
requirements. Paper copies are not accepted. The sequence of the
application is structured in the grants management system. Letters of
Support are addressed below. Instructions are included in the NOFO
application instructions and technical assistance section. Proprietary
information is not applicable.
Submission of an incorrect, incomplete, inconsistent, or unclear
application package may result in a rejected application. Applicants
are strongly encouraged to provide complete responses while also being
clear and concise.
The SSVF Program Office must receive applications no later than
4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the application deadline date stated in the
DATES section.
Applications must arrive as a complete package. Materials arriving
separately will not be included in the application package for
consideration and may result in a rejected application.
No case-by-case exceptions to the deadline are allowed even in the
case of illness, death, computer difficulties, staff turnover, or other
reasons. In the extremely rare event that a group exception is
provided, a public notice would be posted on the SSVF website at
<a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html">https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/index.html</a> or a modified funding
opportunity would be posted on <a href="http://Grants.gov">Grants.gov</a> at <a href="https://www.grants.gov/">https://www.grants.gov/</a>
indicating the extended application submission deadline, if applicable.
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 one 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
unit. 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 as provided
in the definition of very low-income veteran family in 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 United States Housing Act of 1937
(42 U.S.C. 1437f) or family incomes. The 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 the Department of Housing and Urban Development--VA
Supportive Housing (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.
C. Coordination With Continuums of Care (CoC): Applicants are
strongly encouraged to provide letters of support
[[Page 393]]
from the 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 experiencing homelessness 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 end veteran and veteran family
homelessness. The letter of support should also note the value and form
of the applicant's assistance to the CoC and whether the 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. 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.
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 veterans and veteran families
who are described in 38 CFR 62.11(b) and (c).
D. Technical Assistance: Application instructions and information
on obtaining technical assistance for preparing a grant application is
available at <a href="https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/FY26_NOFA_Training.pdf">https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/FY26_NOFA_Training.pdf</a>.
V. Submission Requirements and Deadlines
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 homeless and qualify under 38 CFR 62.11(b). (Note: Grantees may
request a waiver to decrease this minimum number of homeless
households).
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 at the time that the
veteran or veteran families enters into a lease of at least one 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.
VI. Application Review Information
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; however, housing and
supportive services are a core component of SSVF. 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
education and counseling. The complexity of program rules and the
stigma some associate with getting help contributes to 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. Grantees are expected to offer
supportive services consistent with 38 CFR 62.30-62.34. SSVF grant
funds are subject to the limitations described in this NOFO, 2 CFR part
200, and 38 CFR part 62.
1. As SSVF services are typically 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 the SSVF intervention.
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.
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 benefits 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 use the Supplemental Security Income/Social
Security Disability Insurance Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR)
approach 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
[[Page 394]]
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 a required
case management service 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 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_Homelessness_Prevention_Screener.pdf">https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSVF_Homelessness_Prevention_Screener.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 activities such as community
planning by sub-contracting with CoCs, when such funding is essential,
to create, implement, 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
accordance with 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 the veteran or veteran family
is not appropriate for Rapid Resolution, grantees should then assess
the veteran or veteran family for other SSVF services. More information
about Rapid Resolution can be found at <a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/specialized-services/">https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/specialized-services/</a>.
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 one 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 the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(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>). 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.
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5. Subject to the considerations noted previously herein at
paragraph B.4. VA will fund the highest-ranked applicants for which
funding is available.
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>
(<a href="https://sam.gov/">https://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.
VII. Award Notices
Although subject to change, the SSVF Program Office expects to
announce grant recipients for all applicants in the fourth quarter of
FY 2027 with grants beginning October 1, 2026. 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. Pre-award costs are not eligible expenses. VA expects to notify
unsuccessful applicants by email to the registered organizational
contacts prior to October 1, 2026.
Administrative and National Policy Requirements: As cited in 38 CFR
62.38, SSVF grants cannot be used to fund ineligible activities.
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.
Performance may include:
Goal 1: Over 80,000 veterans will be served by SSVF grantees
nationally.
Goal 2: Over 20,000 children will be served by SSVF grantees
nationally.
Goal 3: The percentage of exits to permanent housing (rapid re-
housing) in SSVF will be 70% or higher.
Goal 4: The average time to house veterans experiencing literal
homelessness (rapid re-housing) will be 90 days or less.
Goal 5: The rate of returns to homelessness for veterans
experiencing literal homelessness (rapid re-housing) will be less than
5%.
Goal 6: At least 90% of veterans at imminent risk of homelessness
served by SSVF will be prevented from homelessness.
3. VA will complete annual monitoring of each grantee. Monitoring
will 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 38 CFR 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 38 CFR
62.80 are subject to withholding, suspension, de-obligation,
termination, and recovery of funds by VA.
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 one year (as measured
from the start of initial SSVF services until March 3, 2026) may be
eligible for a three-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 three-year accreditation from either CARF in
Employment and Community Services: Rapid Rehousing and Homeless
Prevention standards, a four-year accreditation from COA in Supported
Community Living Services, or a three-year accreditation in The Joint
Commission's Behavioral Health Care: Housing Support Services Standards
are eligible for a three-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 three-year project periods to
a one-year project period based on previous fiscal year performance
concerns or most recent audit results.
VIII. 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,
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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. As noted in 38
CFR 62.51, grantees are to be paid in accordance with the timeframes
and manner set forth in the NOFO. Pre-award costs are not eligible
expenses.
IX. Other Information
VA is required to ensure compliance with all applicable statutes,
regulations, and Executive Orders when evaluating and awarding grants.
In accordance with Executive Order 14332, Improving Oversight of
Federal Grantmaking, aside from the evaluation criteria published in
this announcement, VA has discretion to remove from consideration any
applicant VA deems does not demonstrably advance the President's or
VA's priorities. VA will not fund activities that use racial preference
for eligibility criteria or promote gender ideology. VA will not fund
activities that promote or facilitate violations of immigration laws or
are sources of waste, fraud, or abuse. VA will not tolerate activity or
conduct by grant recipients that constitute acts of moral turpitude,
are scandalous, or bring the recipient, the project funded by this
grant, or VA into public disrepute, contempt, or ridicule.
Signing Authority
Richard F. Topping, Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief
Financial Officer, approved this document on December 12, 2025, 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.
Taylor N. Mattson,
Alternate Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Veterans
Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2026-00009 Filed 1-5-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
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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.