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FAQs: VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) - Letter of Intent (FY 2013)

1) What is this opportunity?

This posting is a request for a Letter of Intent (LOI) from eligible organizations that want to compete for VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) funding. It is not the full funding announcement and it does not, by itself, make awards.

2) Is this the official Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)?

No. The VA indicated that the formal NOFA (expected in FY 2013) would include the complete program details, full instructions for submitting applications (including initial and renewal applications), and the amount of funding available.

3) What is the purpose of the SSVF Program?

SSVF is designed to help very low income veteran families achieve and maintain stable permanent housing by funding supportive services provided by community-based organizations. The program focuses on preventing homelessness and shortening episodes of homelessness through targeted, time-limited services that help families obtain or retain permanent housing.

4) Who is SSVF intended to serve?

SSVF is intended to serve very low income veteran families who:

• Are in permanent housing but at risk of housing instability;
• Are homeless and are expected to move into permanent housing within a specified timeframe; or
• Have recently exited permanent housing and are seeking new housing that fits their needs and preferences.

5) What kinds of services does SSVF fund?

Based on the description provided, SSVF funds supportive services that help veteran families obtain or retain permanent housing. The emphasis is on coordinated service delivery, housing planning, and connecting participants to benefits and community supports rather than providing indefinite ongoing assistance.

6) Is case management required under SSVF?

Yes. Case management is described as a central requirement of SSVF, not an optional add-on. Grantees are expected to provide case management consistent with 38 CFR 62.21.

7) Is SSVF meant to be long-term financial assistance or a permanent subsidy?

No. The VA describes SSVF as not intended to be a long-term subsidy or a comprehensive solution for every financial or service need affecting housing stability. When longer-term help is needed, grantees are expected to connect participants to other ongoing resources.

8) What types of longer-term resources are grantees expected to connect participants to?

The announcement highlights examples of other resources participants may need for longer-term support, including HUD-VASH, Housing Choice Vouchers, McKinney-Vento funded supportive housing, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and similar supports.

9) Who is eligible to submit a Letter of Intent for this opportunity?

Eligibility is aimed at private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives. The posted eligible applicant type specifically calls out nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education).

10) Are institutions of higher education eligible applicants?

No. The eligible applicant type explicitly excludes institutions of higher education.

11) What regulations govern the SSVF Program?

The program is governed by federal regulations in 38 CFR Part 62, which include controlling definitions and operational requirements that applicants and eventual grantees must follow, including those referenced in 62.2 and 62.11(a).

12) What is the legal authority for SSVF?

The cited program authority is 38 U.S.C. 2044, as amended by the Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-37), with implementation carried out through 38 CFR Part 62.

13) What approach does the VA emphasize for SSVF-funded services?

The VA emphasizes leveraging SSVF grant funds by building strong connections with local community resources. Grantees are expected to establish relationships with mainstream and community-based providers so SSVF funds serve as a catalyst for housing stability rather than the sole support system.

14) What kinds of organizations are encouraged to apply?

The VA specifically encourages organizations with experience operating rapid rehousing or homelessness prevention programs to apply. Examples mentioned include organizations administering HUD Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program resources, HUD Emergency Solutions Grants, or comparable federal or local initiatives.

15) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this posting?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed is "VA SSVF 2013 LETTER OF INTENT."

16) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 64.033.

17) What category is this funding opportunity listed under?

The opportunity is categorized under Housing.

18) What type of award instrument is this?

The record lists the instrument type as a grant.

19) Is cost sharing or a match required?

No. The opportunity record indicates there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

20) How do organizations submit the Letter of Intent?

Interested entities were instructed to submit the LOI electronically by emailing it to the SSVF Program Office at SSVF@va.gov.

21) Is there a required Letter of Intent format?

Yes. The posting states that a Letter of Intent format is available from the VA SSVF program webpage at www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp.

22) Where can program questions be directed?

Program questions were directed to the SSVF Program Office via the toll-free phone line (877) 737-0111 or by email to SSVF@va.gov.

23) Who should be contacted for access issues related to the announcement?

For access issues, the posting lists Jeffrey Houser, Compliance Officer, at 215-823-6304.

24) What were the key dates for this posting?

The posting shows it was posted and created on Aug 23, 2012, with a closing date of Sep 28, 2012, and an archive date of Oct 28, 2012.

25) Why does the listing show expected awards and funding amounts as zero?

The record lists expected awards and funding amounts as zero, consistent with this being a pre-solicitation step to collect Letters of Intent ahead of the formal NOFA rather than an announcement that directly makes awards.

26) Does submitting a Letter of Intent mean an organization will receive funding?

The posting describes the LOI as a step for organizations that want to compete for funding once the formal NOFA is released. The LOI itself is not described as an award decision or a guarantee of funding.

27) Where should applicants look for full program details and application instructions?

The VA indicated that the formal NOFA (expected in FY 2013) would contain the full program details, the application instructions for both new and renewal applications, and the amount of funding available.

28) What is the role of community partnerships in the SSVF model?

Community partnerships are presented as a core expectation. The VA stresses that grantees should connect participants to mainstream and community-based providers so SSVF funds are leveraged and participants can access longer-term and broader supports when needed.

29) What should potential applicants pay attention to from a compliance standpoint?

The announcement highlights that program design, allowable activities, and compliance expectations are anchored in statute (38 U.S.C. 2044 as amended) and regulation (38 CFR Part 62), not only in NOFA instructions. Applicants are expected to follow the definitions and requirements in 38 CFR Part 62.