Funding Opportunity Under Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program, 84396-84403 [2023-26650]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 232 (Tuesday, December 5, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 84396-84403]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-26650]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Funding Opportunity Under Supportive Services for Veteran 
Families Program

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice of funding availability.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing the 
availability of funds for supportive services grants under the 
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. This notice of 
funding availability (NOFA) contains information concerning the SSVF 
Program, the renewal and new applicant supportive services grant 
application processes, and the amount of funding available. Awards made 
for supportive services grants will fund operations beginning October 
1, 2024.

DATES: Applications for supportive services grants under the SSVF 
Program must be received by the SSVF Program Office by 4 p.m. eastern 
time on February 23, 2024. In the interest of fairness to all competing 
applicants, this deadline is firm as to date and hour, and VA will 
treat as ineligible for consideration any application that is received 
after the deadline. Applicants should take this practice into account 
and make early submissions of their materials to avoid any risk of loss 
of eligibility brought about by unanticipated delays, computer service 
outages or other submission-related problems.

ADDRESSES: Information about the application can be downloaded from the 
SSVF website at www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf. Questions may be referred to 
the SSVF Program Office via email at va.gov">SSVF@va.gov. For detailed SSVF 
Program information and requirements, see part 62 of title 38, Code of 
Federal Regulations (38 CFR part 62).
    Submission of Application Package: Applicants must submit 
applications electronically following instructions found at www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf. Applications may not be mailed, hand-carried or sent by 
facsimile (FAX). Applications must be received in the SSVF Program 
Office by 4 p.m. eastern time on the application deadline date. 
Application materials must arrive as a complete package. Materials 
arriving separately will not be included in the application package for 
consideration and may result in the application package being rejected. 
See Section II.B. and II.C. of this NOFA for maximum allowable grant 
amounts.
    Technical Assistance: Information regarding how to obtain technical 
assistance with the preparation of a renewal supportive services grant 
application is available on the SSVF Program website at www.va.gov/
HOMELESS/SSVF.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Funding Opportunity Title: Supportive Services for Veteran Families 
Program.
    Announcement Type: Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: VA-SSVF-103121.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 64.033, VA 
Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    A. Purpose: The SSVF Program's purpose is to provide supportive 
services grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer 
cooperatives who will coordinate or provide supportive services to very 
low-income Veteran families who (i) are residing in permanent housing 
and at risk of becoming homeless, (ii) are homeless and scheduled to 
become residents of permanent housing within a specified time period or 
(iii) after exiting permanent housing within a specified time period, 
are seeking other housing that is responsive to such very low-income 
Veteran family's needs and preferences.
    SSVF delivers services using a housing-first approach that 
emphasizes permanent housing placement as the primary objective. 
Housing First is an evidence-based, cost-effective approach to ending 
homelessness for the most vulnerable and chronically homeless 
individuals (see B5_USICH_Housing_First_Checklist.pdf (va.gov).
    SSVF prioritizes the delivery of rapid re-housing services to 
homeless Veteran households. Rapid re-housing is an intervention 
designed to help individuals and families quickly exit homelessness, 
return to housing in the community, and avoid homelessness again in the 
near term. The core components of a rapid re-housing program are 
housing identification, move-in and rent financial assistance, and 
rapid re-housing case management and services. These core components 
represent the minimum that a program must provide to households to be 
considered a rapid re-housing program. Applicants should familiarize 
themselves with the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Best 
Practice Standards found at www.va.gov/HOMELESS/SSVF.
    B. Funding Priorities: The principal goal of this NOFA is to seek 
entities that have the greatest capacity to end homelessness among 
Veterans or sustain gains made in ending homelessness among Veterans. 
Priority will be given to grantees who can demonstrate the adoption of 
evidence-based practices in their application. Under Priority 1, VA 
will provide funding to existing grantees who have at least one of the 
following accreditations: 3-year accreditation from the Commission on 
Accreditation of

[[Page 84397]]

Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in Employment and Community Services: 
Rapid Rehousing and Homeless Prevention standards, a 4-year 
accreditation in Housing Stabilization and Community Living Services 
from the Council on Accreditation's (COA) or a 3-year accreditation in 
The Joint Commission's (JC) Behavioral Health Care: Housing Support 
Services Standards. Priority 1 applicants must demonstrate that 
accreditation is active at the date of submission, and accreditation 
must be maintained throughout the project period and/or funding cycle. 
Priority 2 includes existing grantees not included in Priority 1 but 
who have annual awards and are seeking to renew their grants. Existing 
grantees are SSVF grantees that have a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) 
for operations through September 30, 2024.
    C. Definitions: Part 62 of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations 
(38 CFR part 62), contains definitions of terms used in the SSVF 
Program. In addition to the definitions and requirements described in 
38 CFR part 62, this NOFA provides additional resources to secure 
permanent housing. These resources may be provided by the SSVF grantee 
under 38 CFR 62.34 to assist Veterans in remaining in or obtaining 
permanent housing. Grantees will be allowed to provide up to the 
equivalent of 2 months' rent in addition to the security deposit to 
landlords under 38 CFR 62.34(g) as a resource for any lease of not less 
than 1 year when necessary to assist a Veteran in remaining in or 
obtaining permanent housing. The additional funds may be used to 
facilitate the leasing of rental units to tenants with significant 
housing barriers. Landlords are less likely to lease to certain groups 
due to the risk of non-payment of rent or concerns about damage or 
disruption to their buildings. Tenants with significant housing 
barriers might include Veterans with poor credit histories and criminal 
justice involvement that might otherwise disqualify them from obtaining 
a lease. Veterans with histories of sex offenses are generally 
considered high-risk tenants by landlords.
    Veterans are sometimes reluctant to move into apartments that do 
not offer any of the comforts typically associated with living 
independently. The General Housing Stability Assistance, provided under 
38 CFR 62.34(e), while offering some funds for bedding and basic 
kitchen supplies, leaves significant needs unaddressed. Therefore, 
grantees also will be allowed to provide up to $1,000 to Veteran 
families for miscellaneous move-in expenses under 38 CFR 62.34(g), to 
encourage them to obtain permanent housing with a lease of not less 
than 1 year. These funds are to be provided to assist Veterans through 
accounts established at local merchants, such as grocery stores and 
retailers, in the enrolled Veteran's name. These items could include, 
but are not limited to, food, furniture, household items, electronics 
(including televisions) or other items typically associated with 
independent living in permanent housing. Furthermore, internet can now 
be considered as utilities as the definition for financial assistance 
as utility payments under 38 CFR 62.34(b) is expected with this NOFA to 
include these charges. Access to the internet is an essential component 
of the modern economy, comparable to utilities. Veterans without such 
access are put at a disadvantage in finding and applying for work 
opportunities, purchasing needed consumer goods at the lowest possible 
cost and communicating through email and other forms of social media.
    In addition to the definitions and requirements described in 38 CFR 
part 62, this NOFA provides further clarification in this paragraph on 
the use of Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA). EHA may be provided by 
the SSVF grantee under 38 CFR 62.34(f) to offer transition in place 
when a permanent housing voucher, such as is offered through the 
Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Section 8 program, 
is available from any source, but access to the permanent housing 
voucher is pending completion of the housing inspection and 
administrative processes necessary for leasing. In such circumstances, 
the EHA payment cannot exceed what would otherwise be paid when the 
voucher is used. EHA also may be used as part of Rapid Resolution, also 
known as a diversion or problem-solving service, that helps Veteran 
households avoid entry into homelessness through placements with family 
or friends. EHA may also be used as an outreach tool to engage and 
offer housing to unsheltered homeless Veterans with significant housing 
needs who refuse to access traditional emergency shelter services in 
the community.
    D. Approach: Respondents to this NOFA should base their proposals 
and applications on the current requirements of part 62. Grantees will 
be expected to leverage supportive services grant funds to enhance the 
housing stability of very low-income Veteran families who are occupying 
permanent housing. In doing so, grantees are required to establish 
relationships with local community resources. Therefore, agencies must 
work through coordinated partnerships built either through formal 
agreements or the informal working relationships commonly found among 
successful social service providers.
    Through this NOFA, grantees can pay fees related to securing a 
lease of at least 1 year. In addition, as noted previously herein, 
Veterans are sometimes reluctant to move into apartments that do not 
offer any of the comforts typically associated with living 
independently. Pursuant to this NOFA, grantees would be able to use 
funds for miscellaneous expenses associated with moving into a new 
home. Moreover, nationally, the median average rental unit has 
increased in price by 28% through September 2023. Furthermore, service-
connected Veterans with high levels of disability may have incomes that 
exceed the current SSVF income threshold of 50% of the area median 
income. These Veterans, some of the most vulnerable served by the VA, 
can be left ineligible for critically needed SSVF services. As a 
result, VA is invoking the provision in 38 U.S.C. 2044(f)(6)(C) and 38 
CFR 62.2, allowing VA to establish an income ceiling higher or lower 
than 50% of the median income for an area if VA determines that such 
variations are necessary because the area has unusually high or low 
construction costs, fair market rents (as determined under section 8 of 
the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f)) or family 
incomes. Area median income (AMI) is one factor SSVF uses to establish 
eligibility. A higher income ceiling, as reflected by the AMI, will 
allow grantees to serve Veterans who have endured significant increases 
in their housing cost burden, placing them at greater risk for 
homelessness.
    For purposes of this NOFA, grantees will be able to serve Veterans 
in their communities who have up to 80% of the AMI. HUD-VA Supportive 
Housing (HUD-VASH) eligibility also has an income of 80% of AMI. 
Aligning SSVF and HUD-VASH eligibility will allow SSVF grantees' 
housing navigators to assist Veterans eligible for HUD-VASH as 
necessary with identifying and obtaining permanent housing. Aligning 
SSVF and HUD-VASH eligibility will also improve the coordination of 
care and simplify and standardize eligibility determinations.
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide letters of support 
from the Continuums of Care (CoC) in the location where they plan to 
deliver services, reflecting the applicant's engagement in the CoC's 
efforts to

[[Page 84398]]

coordinate services. A CoC is a community planning entity that 
organizes and delivers housing and services to meet the needs of people 
who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximize self-
sufficiency. The CoC includes action steps to end homelessness and 
prevent a return to homelessness. CoC locations and contact information 
can be found at https://www.hudexchange.info/grantees/contacts/?params=%7B%22limit%22%3A20%2C%22sort%22%3A%22%22%2C%22order%22%3A%22%22%2C%22years%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22searchTerm%22%3A%22%22%2C%22grantees%22%3A%5B%5D%2C%22state%22%3A%22%22%2C%22programs%22%3A%5B3%5D%2C%22coc%22%3Atrue%7D##granteeSearch.
    The CoC's letter of support should note if the applicant is 
providing assistance to the CoC in building local capacity to build 
Coordinated Entry Systems (CES) and the value and form of that 
assistance, whether support is direct funding or staffing. CES requires 
that providers operating within the CoC's geographic area must also 
work together to ensure the CoC's coordinated entry process allows for 
coordinated screening, assessment and referrals (HUD Notice: CPD-17-
01). The CoC's letter of support also must describe the applicant's 
participation in the CoC's community planning efforts. Failure for a 
Priority 1 or Priority 2 applicant to provide a letter of support from 
the CoC as described will limit the maximum award to 90% of the award 
made in the previous fiscal year (FY) as described herein at II.C.7. In 
addition, any applicant proposing to serve an Indian Tribal area is 
strongly encouraged to provide a letter of support from the relevant 
Indian Tribal Government.
    The aim of the provision of supportive services is to assist very 
low-income Veteran families residing in permanent housing to remain 
stably housed and to rapidly transition those not currently in 
permanent housing to stable housing. Assistance in obtaining or 
retaining permanent housing is a fundamental goal of the SSVF Program. 
SSVF emphasizes the placement of homeless Veteran families who are 
described in 38 CFR 62.11(b)-(c) as follows:
    (b)(1) Is lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime 
residence, meaning:
    (i) That the Veteran family's primary nighttime residence is a 
public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a 
regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, including a car, park, 
abandoned bus or train station, airport or camping ground,
    (ii) That the Veteran family is living in a supervised publicly or 
privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary living 
arrangements (including congregate shelters, transitional housing and 
hotels and motels paid for by charitable organizations or by Federal, 
State or local government programs for low-income individuals) or
    (iii) That the Veteran family is exiting an institution where the 
Veteran family resided for 90 days or less and who resided in an 
emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation immediately 
before entering that institution,
    (b)(2) Are at risk to remain in the situation described herein at 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section but for the grantee's assistance and
    (b)(3) Scheduled to become a resident of permanent housing within 
90 days pending the location or development of housing suitable for 
permanent housing or
    (c) Has met any of the conditions described herein at paragraph 
(b)(1) of this section after exiting permanent housing within the 
previous 90 days to seek other housing that is responsive to the very 
low-income Veteran family's needs and preferences.
    E. Authority: Funding available under this NOFA is authorized by 38 
U.S.C. 2044. VA implements the SSVF Program through regulations in 38 
CFR part 62. Funds made available under this NOFA are subject to the 
requirements of these regulations.
    F. Requirements for the Use of Supportive Services Grant Funds: The 
applicant's request for funding must be consistent with the limitations 
and uses of supportive services grant funds set forth in 38 CFR part 62 
and this NOFA. In accordance with 38 CFR part 62 and this NOFA, the 
following requirements apply to supportive services grants awarded 
under this NOFA:
    1. Grantees may use a maximum of 10% of supportive services grant 
funds for administrative costs identified in 38 CFR 62.70(e).
    2. Grantees must enroll a minimum of 60% of Veteran households who 
are literally homeless and qualify under 38 CFR 62.11(b). (NOTE: 
Grantees may request a waiver to decrease this minimum, as discussed 
herein at section V.B.3.a.)
    3. Grantees are required to have available temporary financial 
assistance resources that can be paid directly to a third party on 
behalf of a participant and may be used for childcare, emergency 
housing assistance, transportation, rental assistance, utility-fee 
payment assistance, security deposits, utility deposits, moving costs 
and general housing stability assistance (which includes emergency 
supplies) and as otherwise stated in 38 CFR 62.33 and 38 CFR 62.34.
    4. Grantees are able to provide up to $1,000 supplemental 
assistance to every Veteran household who obtains a lease of not less 
than 1 year to cover miscellaneous move-in expenses.
    5. Grantees are able to pay landlords up to an amount equal to 2 
months' rent for fees related to securing a lease of at least 1 year. 
This incentive may be provided at lease-up or split up into multiple 
payments to be paid within the first 90 days of the Veteran being 
housed.
    G. Guidance for the Use of Supportive Services Grant Funds: 
Grantees are expected to demonstrate the adoption of evidence-based 
practices most likely to prevent and lead to reductions in 
homelessness. As part of their application, the applying organization's 
Executive Director must certify on behalf of the agency that they will 
actively participate in community planning efforts and operate the 
program in a manner consistent with core concepts found at https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/ssvf-coreconcepts. Housing is not contingent 
on compliance with mandated therapies or services; instead, 
participants must comply with a standard lease agreement and be 
provided with the services and supports that are necessary to help them 
do so successfully. Case management supporting permanent housing should 
include tenant counseling, mediation with landlords and outreach to 
landlords.
    Grantees must develop plans that will ensure that Veteran 
participants have the level of income and economic stability needed to 
remain in permanent housing after the conclusion of the SSVF 
intervention. Both employment and benefits assistance from VA and non-
VA sources represent a significantly underutilized source of income 
stability for homeless Veterans. Income is not a pre-condition for 
housing. Case management should include income maximization strategies 
to ensure households have access to benefits, employment and financial 
counseling. The complexity of program rules and the stigma some 
associate with entitlement programs contribute to their lack of use. 
For this reason, grantees are encouraged to consider strategies that 
can lead to prompt and successful access to employment and benefits 
that

[[Page 84399]]

are essential to retaining housing. Consistent with 38 CFR 62.30-62.34, 
grantees are expected to offer the following supportive services: 
counseling participants about housing; assisting participants in 
understanding leases; securing utilities; making moving arrangements; 
providing representative payee services concerning rent and utilities 
when needed; using health care navigation services to help participants 
access health and mental health care; providing legal services; and 
providing mediation and outreach to property owners related to locating 
or retaining housing. Grantees also may assist participants by 
providing rental assistance; security or utility deposits; moving 
costs; emergency housing; or general housing stability assistance; or 
using other Federal resources, such as the HUD Emergency Solutions 
Grants Program (ESG) or supportive services grant funds subject to the 
limitations described in this NOFA and 38 CFR 62.34.
    1. As SSVF is a short-term crisis intervention, grantees must 
develop plans that will produce sufficient income or supports to 
sustain Veteran participants in permanent housing after the conclusion 
of the initial SSVF intervention. Grantees must ensure the availability 
of employment and vocational services either through the direct 
provision of these services or their availability through formal or 
informal service agreements. Agreements with Homeless Veteran 
Reintegration Programs (HVRP) funded by the U.S. Department of Labor 
are strongly encouraged. For participants unable to work due to 
disability, income must be established through available benefits 
programs.
    2. Per 38 CFR 62.33, grantees must assist participants in obtaining 
public benefits. Grantees must screen all participants for eligibility 
for a broad range of entitlements such as the U.S. Department of Health 
and Human Services' (HHS) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, 
Social Security, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Supplemental 
Nutrition Assistance Program, the HHS Low-Income Home Energy Assistance 
Program, the Earned Income Tax Credit and local General Assistance 
programs. Grantees are expected to access the Substance Abuse and 
Mental Health Services Administration's Supplemental Security Income/
Social Security Disability Insurance Outreach, Access, and Recovery 
(SOAR) program directly by training staff and providing the service or 
subcontracting services to an organization to provide SOAR services. In 
addition, where available, grantees should access information 
technology tools to support case managers in their efforts to link 
participants to benefits.
    3. In accordance with 38 CFR 62.33(g), grantees must assist 
participants in obtaining and coordinating the provision of legal 
services relevant to issues that interfere with the participants' 
ability to obtain or retain permanent housing or supportive services. 
Grantees may provide legal services directly, through contract 
services, or through referrals to another entity. (NOTE: Information 
regarding legal services provided may be protected from being released 
to the grantee or VA under attorney-client privilege, although the 
grantee must provide sufficient information to demonstrate the 
frequency and type of service delivered.) Support for legal services 
can include paying for court filing fees to assist a participant with 
issues that interfere with the participant's ability to obtain or 
retain permanent housing or supportive services, including issues that 
affect the participant's employability and financial security. Grantees 
(in addition to employees and members of grantees) may represent 
participants before VA with respect to a claim for VA benefits, but 
only if they are recognized for that purpose pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 
chapter 59. Further, the individual providing such representation must 
be accredited pursuant to 38 U.S.C. chapter 59.
    4. Access to mental health and addiction services is required by 
SSVF; however, grantees cannot fund these services directly through the 
SSVF grant. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to promote rapid 
access to and engagement with mental health and addiction services for 
the Veteran and family members. Grantees are required to hire staff who 
will provide health care navigation services that aid participants in 
accessing these health and mental health care services.
    5. When serving participants who are residing in permanent housing, 
the defining question to ask is: ``Would this individual or family be 
homeless but for this assistance?'' The grantee must use a VA-approved 
screening tool with criteria that target those most at risk of 
homelessness. To qualify for SSVF services, a participant who is served 
under 38 CFR 62.11(a) (homeless prevention) must not have sufficient 
resources or support networks (e.g., family, friends, faith-based or 
other social networks) immediately available to prevent them from 
becoming homeless. To further qualify for services under 38 CFR 
62.11(a), the grantee must document that the participant meets at least 
one of the following conditions for being at risk of homeless under 24 
CFR 576.2:
    (a) Has moved because of economic reasons two or more times during 
the 60 days immediately preceding the application for homelessness 
prevention assistance,
    (b) Is living in the home of another because of economic hardship,
    (c) Has been notified in writing that their right to occupy their 
current housing or living situation will be terminated within 21 days 
after the date of application for assistance,
    (d) Lives in a hotel or motel, and the cost of the hotel or motel 
stay is not paid by charitable organizations or by Federal, State or 
local government programs for low-income individuals,
    (e) Is exiting a publicly funded institution or system of care 
(such as a health care facility, a mental health facility or 
correctional institution) without a stable housing plan or
    (f) Otherwise lives in housing that has characteristics associated 
with instability and an increased risk of homelessness, as identified 
in the recipient's approved screening tool.
    6. SSVF grantees are required to participate in local planning 
efforts designed to end Veteran homelessness. Grantees may use grant 
funds to support SSVF involvement in such community planning by sub-
contracting with CoCs, when such funding is essential, to create or 
sustain the development of these data driven plans.
    7. When other funds from community resources are not readily 
available to assist program participants, grantees may choose to use 
supportive services grants, to the extent described in this NOFA and in 
38 CFR 62.33 and 62.34, to provide temporary financial assistance. Such 
assistance may, subject to the limitations in this NOFA and 38 CFR part 
62, be paid directly to a third party on behalf of a participant for 
childcare; transportation; family emergency housing assistance; rental 
assistance; utility-fee payment assistance; security or utility 
deposits; moving costs; and general housing stability assistance as 
necessary.
    8. SSVF requires grantees to offer Rapid Resolution (also known as 
diversion or problem-solving) services. These services engage Veterans 
immediately before or after they become homeless and assist them to 
avoid continued homelessness. These efforts can reduce the trauma and 
expense associated with extended periods of homelessness, and the 
strain on the crisis response and affordable housing resources in the 
community. Through Rapid Resolution, the grantee and the Veteran 
explore safe, alternative

[[Page 84400]]

housing options immediately before or quickly after they become 
homeless. Rapid Resolution can identify an immediate safe place to stay 
within the Veteran's network of family, friends or other social 
networks. All Veterans requesting SSVF services should have a Rapid 
Resolution screening and if not appropriate for Rapid Resolution 
grantees should then assess the Veteran for other SSVF services. More 
information about Rapid Resolution can be found at www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.

II. Award Information

    A. Overview: This NOFA announces the availability of funds for 
supportive services grants under the SSVF Program and pertains to 
proposals for the renewal of existing supportive services grant 
programs.
    B. Funding: The funding priorities for this NOFA are as follows.
    1. Priority 1. Under Priority 1, VA will provide funding to 
existing grantees who have at least one of the following 
accreditations: 3-year CARF accreditations in Employment and Community 
Services: Rapid Rehousing and Homeless Prevention standards, 4-year COA 
accreditations in Housing Stabilization and Community Living Services 
or 3-year JC accreditations in Behavioral Health Care: Housing Support 
Services Standards. Proof of accreditation must be submitted with the 
application no later than the application due date. The accreditation 
must be active at the date of submission. Existing grantees previously 
awarded under Priority 1 with grants scheduled to end by September 30, 
2024, must apply using the renewal application. To be eligible for 
renewal of a supportive services grant, Priority 1 applicants' program 
must be substantially the same as the program of the grantees' current 
award. Renewal applications can request funding that is equal to or 
less than their current annualized amount. If sufficient funding is 
available, VA may provide an increase of the previous year's award. Any 
funding increase, if provided, will be based on previous grant funding 
utilization and enrollment. VA may award a 3-year project period as 
Priority 1 to those submitting successful applications who remain in 
good standing and show proof of accreditation.
    Grantees previously awarded a 3-year project period that is not 
scheduled to end by September 30, 2024, cannot submit a renewal 
application package, under this NOFA but instead are required to submit 
a letter of intent (LOI) application package by the NOFA deadline 
indicating their intention of continuing SSVF services in FY 2025. All 
grantees submitting a LOI must include a letter of support from the CoC 
(see section II.C.7.) and a proposed budget for FY 2025. Priority 1 
grantees submitting a LOI also must submit proof of continued 
accreditation. Based on the results of audit findings or performance 
concerns, VA may change grantees previously awarded funds as Priority 1 
grantees into Priority 2 grantees at renewal. The reprioritized 
grantees would then be required to submit a renewal application for the 
FY 2026 grant year.
    2. Priority 2. Priority 2 includes all other existing grantees 
seeking to renew their annual grant awards. Priority 2 applicants must 
apply using the renewal application. To be eligible for renewal of a 
supportive services grant, Priority 2 applicants' program must be 
substantially the same as the program of the grantees' current grant 
award. Renewal applications can request funding that is equal to or 
less than their current annualized award. If sufficient funding is 
available, VA may provide an increase of the previous year's award. Any 
funding increase, if provided, will be based on previous grant funding 
utilization and enrollment.
    C. Allocation of Funds: Funding will be awarded under this NOFA to 
existing grantees for a 1-year project period (Priority 2) or a 3-year 
project period (Priority 1) beginning October 1, 2024. Priority 1 
grantees who are awarded a 3-year project period will be funded for 1-
year and given the option to submit a LOI to request to continue 
funding for each additional year. The following requirements apply to 
supportive services grants awarded under this NOFA:
    1. In response to this NOFA, only existing grantees can apply as 
Priority 1 or Priority 2 applicants.
    2. Priority 1 and Priority 2 renewal grant requests cannot exceed 
the current award.
    3. If a Priority 1 or 2 applicant is not renewed, all existing SSVF 
grants made to the non-renewed grantee, including awards made to 
support 62.34(a), will be discontinued on September 30, 2024.
    4. If a grantee failed to use any previously awarded funds or had 
unspent funds returned to VA, VA may elect to limit the renewal award 
to the amount of funds used in the previous fiscal year or in the 
current fiscal year less the money swept.
    5. If, during the course of the grant year, VA determines that 
grantee spending is not meeting the following minimum percentage 
milestones, VA may elect to recoup projected unused funds and reprogram 
such funds to provide supportive services in areas with higher need. 
Should VA elect to recoup unspent funds, reductions in available grant 
funds would take place the first business day following the end of the 
quarter. VA may elect to recoup funds under the following 
circumstances:
    (a) By the end of the first quarter (December 31, 2024) of the 
grantee's supportive services annualized grant award period, the 
grantee's cumulative requests for supportive services grant funds are 
less than an amount equal to 15% of total supportive services grant 
award. (During this same period, the grantee's cumulative requests for 
supportive services grant funds may not exceed 35% of the total 
supportive services grant award.)
    (b) By the end of the second quarter (March 31, 2025) of the 
grantee's supportive services annualized grant award period, the 
grantee's cumulative requests for supportive services grant funds are 
less than an amount equal to 40% of total supportive services grant 
award. (During this same period, the grantee's cumulative requests for 
supportive services grant funds may not exceed 60% of the total 
supportive services grant award.)
    (c) By the end of the third quarter (June 30, 2025) of the 
grantee's supportive services annualized grant award period, the 
grantee's cumulative requests for supportive services grant funds are 
less than an amount equal to 65% of total supportive services grant 
award. (During this same period, the grantee's cumulative requests for 
supportive services grant funds may not exceed 80% of the total 
supportive services grant award).
    6. Priority 1 and Priority 2 applicants who fail to provide a 
letter of support from at least one of the CoCs they plan to serve will 
be eligible for renewal funding at a level no greater than 90% of their 
previous award. Applicants are responsible for determining who in each 
serviced CoC is authorized to provide such letters of support. Existing 
Priority 1 grantees operating under a 3-year project period that are 
only required to submit a LOI application package in response to this 
NOFA must also submit a letter of support from at least one of CoC's 
they plan to serve. The letter of support should include the following 
information described herein at 6a and b of this section. Applicants 
may seek an exception to this requirement if they submit a letter from 
the CoC stating that by policy they cannot provide a letter of support.
    To meet this requirement and allow the applicant to be eligible for 
full funding, letters must include:

[[Page 84401]]

    (a) A detailed description of the applicant's participation in the 
CoC's Coordinated Entry process or planning activities and overall 
community planning efforts (for example, confirmation of applic'nt's 
active participation in planning coordinated entry; commitment to 
participating in coordinated entry; hours spent on CoC-sponsored 
committee or workgroup assignments; and names of said committees or 
workgroups).
    (b) The applic'nt's contribution to the 'oC's coordinated entry 
process capacity building efforts, detailing the specific nature of 
this contribution (for example, the hours of staff time and/or the 
amount of funding provided), if such SSVF capacity has been requested 
by the CoC or otherwise has shown to be of value to the CoC.
    7. Should additional funding become available over the course of 
the grant term from funds recouped under the Award Information section 
of this Notice, from funds that are voluntarily returned by grantees, 
from funds that become available due to a grant termination or from 
other funds still available for grant awards, VA may elect to offer 
these funds to grantees in areas where demand has exceeded available 
SSVF resources. Additional funds will be provided to the highest 
scoring grantee in the selected area who is in compliance with their 
grant agreement and has the capacity to use the additional funds.
    D. Supportive Services Grant Award Period: Priority 2 grants are 
made for a 1-year period. Some grantees may be eligible to apply as 
Priority 1 and could be selected for an award with the option to 
continue funding each year for up to three years, if they meet the 
criteria described herein at section VI.C.6. Grant renewals are 
eligible to be renewed subject to the availability of funding.

III. Eligibility Information

    A. Eligible Applicants: Only eligible entities, as defined in 38 
U.S.C. 2044(f), who are existing grantees can apply in response to this 
NOFA.
    B. Cost Sharing or Matching: None.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    A. Obtaining an Application Package: Applications are located at 
www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf. Any questions regarding this process may be 
referred to the SSVF Program Office via email at va.gov">SSVF@va.gov. For 
detailed SSVF Program information and requirements, see 38 CFR part 62.
    B. Content and Form of Application: Applicants must submit 
applications electronically following instructions found at www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.
    C. Submission Dates and Times: Applications for supportive services 
grants under the SSVF Program must be received by the SSVF Program 
Office by 4 p.m. Eastern Time on February 23, 2024. Awards made for 
supportive services grants will fund operations beginning October 1, 
2024. Applications must arrive as a complete package. Materials 
arriving separately will not be included in the application package for 
consideration and may result in the application being rejected. In 
addition, in the interest of fairness to all competing applicants, this 
deadline is firm as to date and hour, and VA will treat as ineligible 
for consideration any application that is received after the deadline. 
Applicants should take this practice into account and make early 
submission of their materials to avoid any risk of loss of eligibility 
brought about by unanticipated delays, computer service outages, or 
other delivery-related problems.
    D. Funding Restrictions: Funding will be awarded for existing 
supportive services grants under this NOFA depending on funding 
availability. Priority 1 and Priority 2 applicants should fill out 
separate applications for each supportive services funding request. 
Priority 1 and Priority 2 applicants must use applications designated 
for renewal applicants. Funding will be awarded under this NOFA to 
existing grantees beginning October 1, 2024.
    1. Funding used for staff education and training cannot exceed 1% 
of the overall program grant award. This limitation does not include 
the cost to attend VA mandated training. All training costs must be 
directly related to the provision of services to homeless Veterans and 
their families.
    2. Expenses related to maintaining accreditation are allowable. 
Grantees are allowed to include expenses for seeking initial 
accreditation only once in a 5-year period. The expenses to renew full 
accreditation are allowed and are based on the schedule of the 
accrediting agency: for example, every 3 years for CARF and every 4 
years for COA. Expenses related to the renewal of less than full 
accreditation are not allowed.
    E. Other Submission Requirements:
    1. Existing applicants applying for Priority 1 or Priority 2 grants 
may apply only as renewal applicants using the application designed for 
renewal grants.
    2. At the discretion of VA, multiple grant proposals submitted by 
the same lead agency may be combined into a single grant award if the 
proposals provide services to contiguous areas.
    3. Additional supportive services grant application requirements 
are specified in the application package. Submission of an incorrect or 
incomplete application package will result in the application being 
rejected during threshold review. The application packages must contain 
all required forms and certifications. Selections will be made based on 
criteria described in 38 CFR part 62 and this NOFA. Applicants and 
grantees will be notified of any additional information needed to 
confirm or clarify information provided in the application and the 
deadline by which to submit such information. Applicants must submit 
applications electronically. Applications may not be mailed, hand 
carried or faxed.

V. Application Review Information

    A. Criteria:
    1. VA will screen all applications to identify those that meet the 
threshold requirements described in 38 CFR 62.21.
    2. VA will use the criteria described in 38 CFR 62.24 to score 
grantees applying for renewal of a supportive services grant.
    B. Review and Selection Process: VA will review all supportive 
services grant applications in response to this NOFA according to the 
following steps:
    1. LOI applications that meet threshold requirements described in 
38 CFR 62.21 will be offered funding.
    2. Score all renewal applications that meet the threshold 
requirements described in 38 CFR 62.21.
    3. Rank those renewal applications that score at least 75 
cumulative points and receive at least 1 point under each of the 
categories identified for renewal applicants in 38 CFR 62.24. The 
applications will be ranked in order from highest to lowest scores in 
accordance with 38 CFR 62.25 for renewal applicants.
    4. VA will use the ranked scores of renewal applications as the 
primary basis for selection. However, VA also will use the following 
considerations in 38 CFR 62.23(d) to select applicants for funding:

[[Page 84402]]

    (a) Give preference to applications that provide or coordinate the 
provision of supportive services for very low-income Veteran families 
transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. Consistent with 
this preference applicants are required to enroll no less than 60% of 
participants who are homeless as defined in 38 CFR 62.11(b) and (c). 
Rural areas and tribal areas are exempt from this requirement in areas 
defined as rural (https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/rhed/
#:~:text=HUD%20defines%20rural%20in%20three,in%20a%20Metropolitan%20Stat
istical%20Area). Other areas may seek waivers to this 60% requirement 
when grantees can demonstrate significant local progress towards 
eliminating homelessness in the target service area. Waiver requests 
must include data from authoritative sources such as point-in-time 
counts and by-name-lists indicating that a community has made 
substantial enough progress on reducing homelessness that it can shift 
additional resources to prevention. Waiver requests must include an 
endorsement by the impacted CoC explicitly stating that a shift in 
resources from rapid re-housing to prevention will not result in an 
increase in homelessness. Grantees who are exempt or receive waivers to 
this 60% requirement must still enroll no less than 40% of all 
participants who are homeless as defined in 38 CFR 62.11 (b) and (c).
    (b) To the extent practicable, ensure that supportive services 
grants are equitably distributed across geographic regions, including 
rural communities and tribal lands. This equitable distribution 
criteria will be used to ensure that SSVF resources are provided to 
those communities with the highest need as identified by VA's 
assessment of expected demand and available resources to meet that 
demand.
    5. Subject to the considerations noted previously herein at 
paragraph B.4. VA will fund the highest-ranked applicants for which 
funding is available.

VI. Award Administration Information

    A. Award Notices: Although subject to change, the SSVF Program 
Office expects to announce grant recipients for all applicants in the 
fourth quarter of FY 2024 with grants beginning October 1, 2024. Prior 
to executing a funding agreement, VA will contact the applicants, make 
known the amount of proposed funding and verify that the applicant is 
still seeking the funding. Once VA verifies that the applicant is still 
seeking funding, VA will execute an agreement and make payments to the 
grant recipient in accordance with 38 CFR part 62 and this NOFA.
    B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements: As cited in 38 
CFR 62.38 SSVF grants cannot be used to fund ineligible activities.
    C. Reporting: VA places great emphasis on the responsibility and 
accountability of grantees. As described in 38 CFR 62.63 and 62.71, VA 
has procedures in place to monitor supportive services provided to 
participants and outcomes associated with the supportive services 
provided under the SSVF Program. Applicants should be aware of the 
following:
    1. Upon execution of a supportive services grant agreement with VA, 
grantees will have a VA regional coordinator assigned by the SSVF 
Program Office who will provide oversight and monitor supportive 
services provided to participants.
    2. Grantees will be required to enter data into a Homeless 
Management Information System (HMIS) web-based software application. 
This data will consist of information on the participants served and 
types of supportive services provided by grantees. Grantees must treat 
the data for activities funded by the SSVF Program separate from that 
of activities funded by other programs. Grantees will be required to 
work with their HMIS Administrators to export client-level data for 
activities funded by the SSVF Program to VA on at least a monthly 
basis. The completeness, timeliness and quality of grantee uploads into 
HMIS will be factored into the evaluation of their grant performance.
    3. VA will complete annual monitoring evaluations of each grantee. 
Monitoring will also include the submittal of quarterly and annual 
financial and performance reports by the grantee. The grantee will be 
expected to demonstrate adherence to the grantee's proposed program as 
described in the grantee's application. All grantees are subject to 
audits conducted by VA or its representative. Pursuant to Sec.  62.80, 
when a grantee fails to comply with the terms, conditions, or standards 
of the supportive services grant, VA may, on 7-days notice to the 
grantee, withhold further payment, suspend the supportive services 
grant, or prohibit the grantee from incurring additional obligations of 
supportive services grant funds, pending corrective action by the 
grantee or a decision to terminate. Additionally, grantees who are 
identified as not meeting performance standards pursuant to Sec.  62.80 
are subject to withholding, suspension, deobligation, termination, and 
recovery of funds by VA.
    4. Grantees will be assessed based on their ability to meet 
critical performance measures. In addition to meeting program 
requirements defined by the regulations and applicable NOFA(s), 
grantees will be assessed on their ability to place participants into 
housing and the housing retention rates of participants served. Higher 
placement for homeless participants and higher housing retention rates 
for participants at risk of homelessness are expected for very low-
income Veteran families when compared to extremely low-income Veteran 
families with incomes below 30% of the area median income.
    5. Grantees' performance will be assessed based on their consumer 
satisfaction scores. These scores include the participation rates and 
satisfaction results of the standardized survey offered to all 
participant households.
    6. Organizations receiving renewal awards that have had ongoing 
SSVF program operation for at least 1 year (as measured from the start 
of initial SSVF services until February 10, 2024) may be eligible for a 
3-year project period. Grantees meeting outcome goals defined by VA and 
in substantial compliance with their grant agreements (defined by 
meeting targets and having no outstanding corrective action plans) and 
who, in addition, have a 3-year accreditation from either CARF in 
Employment and Community Services: Rapid Rehousing and Homeless 
Prevention standards, a 4-year accreditation from COA in Supported 
Community Living Services, or a 3-year accreditation in The Joint 
Commission's Behavioral Health Care: Housing Support Services Standards 
are eligible for a 3-year project period. (NOTE: Multi-year project 
periods are contingent on funding availability.) If awarded a multiple 
year renewal, grantees may be eligible for funding increases as defined 
in NOFAs that correspond to years two and three of their renewal 
funding. At its discretion, VA may reduce 3-year project periods to a 
1-year project period based on previous fiscal year performance 
concerns or most recent audit results.

VII. Other Information

    A. VA Goals and Objectives for Funds Awarded Under this NOFA: In 
accordance with 38 CFR 62.24(c), VA will evaluate an applicant's 
compliance with VA goals and requirements for the SSVF Program. VA 
goals and requirements include the provision of supportive services 
designed to enhance the housing stability and independent living skills 
of very low-income Veteran families occupying permanent housing across 
geographic regions and program

[[Page 84403]]

administration in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, 
guidelines, and the SSVF grant agreement. For purposes of this NOFA, VA 
goals and requirements also include the provision of supportive 
services designed to rapidly re-house or prevent homelessness among 
people in the following target populations who also meet all 
requirements for being part of a very low-income Veteran family 
occupying permanent housing:
    1. Veteran families earning less than 30% of area median income as 
most recently published by HUD for programs under section 8 of the U.S. 
Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) (https://www.huduser.org).
    2. Veterans with at least one dependent family member.
    3. Veterans returning from Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation 
Iraqi Freedom or Operation New Dawn.
    4. Veteran families located in a community, as defined by HUD's 
CoC, or a county not currently served by a SSVF grantee.
    5. Veteran families located in a community, as defined by HUD's 
CoC, where the current level of SSVF services is not sufficient to meet 
demand of Category 2 and 3 (currently homeless) Veteran families.
    6. Veteran families located in a rural area.
    7. Veteran families located on Indian Tribal Property.
    B. Payments of Supportive Services Grant Funds: Grantees will 
receive payments electronically through the HHS Payment Management 
System. Grantees will have the ability to request payments as 
frequently as they choose subject to the following limitations:
    1. During the first quarter of the grantee's supportive services 
annualized grant award period, the grantee's cumulative requests for 
supportive services grant funds may not exceed 35% of the total 
supportive services grant award without written approval by VA.
    2. By the end of the second quarter of the grantee's supportive 
services annualized grant award period, the grantee's cumulative 
requests for supportive services grant funds may not exceed 60% of the 
total supportive services grant award without written approval by VA.
    3. By the end of the third quarter of the grantee's supportive 
services annualized grant award period, the grantee's cumulative 
requests for supportive services grant funds may not exceed 80% of the 
total supportive services grant award without written approval by VA.
    4. By the end of the fourth quarter of the grantee's supportive 
services annualized grant award period, the grantee's cumulative 
requests for supportive services grant funds may not exceed 100% of the 
total supportive services grant award.

Signing Authority

    Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approved and signed 
this document on November 29, 2023, and authorized the undersigned to 
sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for 
publication electronically as an official document of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs.

Jeffrey M. Martin,
Assistant Director, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of 
General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2023-26650 Filed 12-4-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P