(SSVF) Program Update Friday, July 10th, 2020

From: Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Date: July 10, 2020 at 1:37:55 PM EDT
Subject: SSVF Program Update Friday, July 10th, 2020

Topics:
1.    ATTENTION: SSVF Allocated Additional $400 Million in CARES Act Funding
2.    IMPORTANT:  SSVF Authority to Continue Expanded Assistance 90 Days Beyond the Stafford Act
3.    NEW:   LMS Training Opportunities & Coordinating with Local Grantee Learning Managers 4.    REGISTER NOW:  SSVF National Webinar July 16th, 2020 at 2:00 EST
5.    REGISTER NOW: SSVF Office Hours – CARES Funding Close Out Guidance and FY2020 Program Operations Update July 17th, at 12:00pm EST


ATTENTION: SSVF Allocated Additional $400 Million in CARES Act Funding  

SSVF anticipates that an additional $400 million in CARES Act funding will be distributed to grantees for FY 21 services. This funding will be used to continue SSVF's focused efforts to reduce transmission risks by placement in hotels/motels, support HUD-VASH placements during PHA shortfalls and operational slowdowns and provide enhanced prevention services to prevent inflows into homelessness. Information about the distribution and use of these funds will be discussed on the July 17th Office Hours webinar.


IMPORTANT:  SSVF Authority to Continue Expanded Assistance 90 Days Beyond the Stafford Act  

In an effort to ensure the need of homeless and at-risk Veterans, the SSVF Program Office has been granted the authority to continue providing expanded services 90 days beyond the end of the Stafford Act.  This authority allows Grantees to continue to provide additional rental and utility assistance, along with emergency housing placements in hotels, for a transition time after the end of the incident period (Stafford Act).  By having this additional time, Grantees will have the opportunity to transition Veterans served away for temporary financial supports and/or to other long-term supportive resources.  This will also allow time for Veterans remaining in EHA hotel placements to successfully transition into permanent housing and prevent a return to homelessness.  Please continue to review weekly Program Office updates, Webinars, and Office Hours for ongoing information and updates.

NEW:   LMS Training Opportunities & Coordinating with Local Grantee Learning Managers

Each Grantee has been assigned a Grantee Learning Manager. This role is responsible for setting up learner accounts, has access to reporting information on learner accomplishments, and general oversight of their grant's portal in the Housing Skills Practice Center. If there are Grantee staff who are interested in accessing the HSPC, they should first ask internally about who their Grantee Learning Manager is, and that person should be able to create an account for them if they have space available. If they are not able to figure out who their GLM is, they should e-mail housingpractice@tacinc.org and include their grant number. If an assigned GLM has not yet set up their account or has other questions related to their role, they should also reach out to that address.


REGISTER NOW:  SSVF National Webinar July 16th, 2020 at 2:00 EST

Webinar Title: Emergency Housing Partnerships: Proactive Approaches for Establishing Community Norms and Expectations

Webinar Description: This webinar will focus on providing practical tools and strategies to promote successful emergency housing placements while building collaborative and sustainable relationships with the hotel community. Topics will include establishing community norms and expectations, problem solving to prevent untimely exits, and relationship building tools for sustainable hotel partnerships. In addition to learning from subject matter experts, attendees will also hear from featured SSVF Grantees about their experiences to date.  

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3295340110504822539


REGISTER NOW: SSVF Office Hours – CARES Funding Close Out Guidance and FY2020 Program Operations Update July 17th at 12:00pm EST  

The SSVF Program Office Director and Compliance Team will hold an informative session covering several topics related to the close out of CARES funding that will end on July 31, 2020.  This webinar's topics will include SSVF priorities, spend down strategies, GIFTS end-of-year close out requirement process to include the Financial Expenditure Report (FER) and Financial Status Report (FSR). Additional topics include next steps for re-activation of FY2020 PMS funds, and a question and answer session.  The target audience for this mandatory Office Hours session is grantee staff with operational and leadership roles as well as key fiscal staff.     

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/3469520343026026509


Thank you,

SSVF Program Office




  

(HUD) Resources for DCTA Grantees and Smaller Distressed Communities

Resources and assistance to support HUD's community partners Home Programs Resources Training Resources for DCTA Grantees and Smaller Distressed Communities If you work for a local government (tribe, city, town, village, county, etc.) that serves a small community, keep reading! The Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) program supports small units of general local government (UGLGs) that are distressed and have recently been impacted by a natural disaster. Specifically, the DCTA program is designed to improve the fiscal health and administrative capacity of small UGLGs. HUD has developed a library of resources relevant to DCTA grantees and smaller distressed communities impacted by a natural disaster. Explore this collection of resources which features COVID-19 pandemic response resources as well as general resources. Check back regularly for new resources and information! DCTA program resources are organized by the following types: Resources and Guidance Webinars and Events Studies, Reports, and Tools Funding Opportunities Explore the DCTA Resources Visit the DCTA program page on the HUD Exchange to learn more about this program including eligibility criteria, instructions for requesting assistance, and FAQs. Visit the HUD Exchange at https://www.hudexchange.info

(Maryland DHCD) BHA and DDA NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY: Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative

Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative (NORI) Purpose: The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is administering up to $40 million of the Governor's $50 million Nonprofit Recovery Initiative (NORI), with the remainder being administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce.   Of the $40 million being administered by DHCD, $10 million is earmarked for nonprofits, providing services to people with disabilities, that are licensed by the Maryland Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) to help defray an increase in costs directly related to the ongoing need to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) and related cleaning supplies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) pertains only to the $10 million allocation for nonprofit provider organizations licensed by BHA and DDA and provides a preview of the application. The application for this funding is projected to be on-line as of Wednesday, July 22nd . PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES. A separate NOFA for the $30 million from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is available here: www.dhcd.maryland.gov Information about nonprofit funding through the Maryland Department of Commerce is as follows:  Nonprofit COVID-19 Emergency Grant Program Applications:    covid-19.application@maryland.gov Maryland State Arts Council Arts Recovery Grant:   Dana Parsons   dana.parsons@maryland.gov   https://www.msac.org/grants/emergency-grant Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) & Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Applicant Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible to apply, a nonprofit provider must meet all of the following criteria: Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in non-affiliated, non-owned acute settings that provide services to people with disabilities licensed by BHA or DDA.  Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that have either not already applied to the Department of Commerce's COVID-19 Emergency Grant Program or will withdraw their application from that program. Organizations that are in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).  Organizations based in Maryland that can demonstrate the negative financial impact of COVID-19 as represented by increased expenses directly related to the ongoing need to purchase PPE and related cleaning supplies in compliance with the recommended standards provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Maryland Department of Health.  Financially viable nonprofits whose operations will continue forward. Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) & Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Funding Criteria:  The maximum grant request amount is $50,000 and the minimum amount is $5,000 based on the organization's annual operating budget. Only applications that are fully complete at submission will be considered for funding.  Core expense increases because of the need to purchase PPE and related cleaning supplies critical to the nonprofit's continuity of operations and must occur within the period of March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020 (per CARES Act funding requirements). Grant requests from $25,001-$50,000 are allowed from eligible applicants with annual operating budgets at or above $5 million. (Maximum grant request is $50,000) Grant requests from $10,001 - $25,000 are allowed from eligible applicants with annual operating budgets above $1 million and below $5 million. Grant requests up to $10,000 are allowed from eligible applicants with annual operating budgets at or below $1 million. (Minimum grant request is $5,000) Funding requests will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis. Individual grant amounts may be reduced relative to requests, if demand for funds exceeds available funding. Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) & Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Application Process: NOFA release: Friday, July 10 Projected on-line application portal opens: 12:00 noon, Wednesday, July 22. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES Application portal closes: 12:00 noon, Wednesday, July 29 at the latest; the portal may close if and when grant requests exceed available funding. Funding announcements on a rolling basis beginning no later than Wednesday, August 19th. Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) & Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)  Application Requirements: In addition to basic organizational information, such as the organization's mission statement, the following information and attachments will be required in the on-line application in order for an application to be considered complete.  Space to answer will be very limited; it is recommended that applicants prepare answers and gather required attachments in advance of the July 22 opening of the on-line application. 1. Organizational Summary: A brief description of the organization's (a) recent accomplishments, and (b) financial ability to continue operations.  2. COVID Impacts: A brief summary of the PPE and/or cleaning supply expense increases incurred or projected for the period March 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020. 3. Budget/Use of Funds: A simple budget form will be provided in the on-line application in which the applicant will list the sources and use(s) of requested funds and related awards. BHA and DDA Required Application Attachments: The following attachments will be required in the on-line application in order for the application to be considered complete:  IRS Determination Letter of 501(c)3 status Online verification of Certificate of Good Standing from the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation The applicant's most current Year-To-Date financial statements, preferably through May 2020.  IRS W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification Questions?    BHA and DDA can help you.  For quickest response, use the following email contact information. BHA - BHA.INQUIRIES@maryland.gov  DDA - DDA.PPEApp@maryland.gov # # #   1-800-756-0119 | http://dhcd.maryland.gov STAY CONNECTED:

(Maryland DHCD) NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY: Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Notice of Funding Availability Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative (NORI) Purpose: The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is administering up to $40 million of the Governor's $50 million Nonprofit Recovery Initiative (NORI). The remaining nonprofit funding will be administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce. Of the $40 million being administered by DHCD, $10 million is earmarked for nonprofit licensees of the Maryland Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrations.   The remaining up to $30 million will be for nonprofits whose mission and work is focused on the economic development and economic recovery of Maryland communities as well as those nonprofits that focus on the health and human services and housing of underserved Maryland populations. This Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) pertains only to the $30 million allocation and provides a preview of the application. The application for this funding is projected to be available online Wednesday, July 22nd. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES. A separate NOFA for the $10 million set-aside for nonprofits licensed by Maryland Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is also available from DHCD: www.dhcd.maryland.gov Information about nonprofit funding through the Maryland Department of Commerce is as follows:  Nonprofit COVID-19 Emergency Grant Program Applications:    covid-19.application@maryland.gov Maryland State Arts Council Arts Recovery Grant:   Dana Parsons   dana.parsons@maryland.gov   https://www.msac.org/grants/emergency-grant Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) Applicant Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible to apply, a nonprofit must meet all of the following criteria: Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that have either not already applied to Commerce's COVID-19 Emergency Grant Program or will withdraw their application from that program. Organizations that are in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).  Organizations based in Maryland that serve Maryland communities and populations (through the focus areas of economic development and economic recovery or health and human services or housing). Organizations with 50 or fewer employees (full time equivalents) as of March 1, 2020. Organizations with annual revenues of less than $5 million.  Organizations that can demonstrate the negative financial impact of COVID-19 as represented by reduced operating revenue or increased operating expenses. Financially viable nonprofits whose operations will continue forward. Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) Funding Criteria:  The minimum grant request amount is $5,000 and the maximum amount is $50,000 based on the organization's annual operating budget. Only applications that are fully complete at submission will be considered for funding.  Eligible requests will be for basic operating support (staffing, rent, utilities, supplies, etc.) to address the revenue reductions and/or expense increases due to COVID-19 and the related state-of-emergency, the replacement of which  is critical to the nonprofit's continuity of operations. These decreased revenues or increased expenses must occur within the period of March 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020 (per CARES Act funding requirements). Grant requests up to $50,000 are allowed from eligible applicants with annual operating budgets at or above $1 million and below $5 million. (Maximum grant request is $50,000) Grant requests up to $25,000 are allowed from eligible applicants with annual operating budgets at or above $250,000 and below $1 million. Grant requests up to $10,000 are allowed from eligible applicants with annual operating budgets below $250,000. (Minimum grant request is $5,000) Funding requests will be reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis. Individual grant amounts may be reduced relative to requests, if demand exceeds available funding. Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) Application Process: NOFA release:Friday, July 10 Projected on-line NORI application portal opens: 12:00 noon, Wednesday, July 22. PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES Application portal closes: 12:00 noon, Wednesday, July 29 at the latest; the portal may close if or when grant requests exceed available funding. Funding announcements on a rolling basis beginning no later than Wednesday, August 19th. DHCD Application Requirements:  In addition to basic organizational information, such as the organization's official mission statement, the following information and attachments will be required in the on-line application in order for an application to be considered complete.  Space to answer will be very limited; it is recommended that applicants prepare answers and gather required attachments in advance of the July 22 opening of the on-line application. 1. Organizational Summary: A brief description of the organization's (a) recent accomplishments, and (b)  financial ability to continue operations.  2. COVID Impacts: A brief summary of the (a) overall revenue reductions and/or (b) expense increases incurred or projected for the period March 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020. 3. Budget/Use of Funds: A simple budget form will be provided in the on-line application in which the applicant will list the sources and use(s) of requested funds and related awards. DHCD Required Application Attachments: The following attachments will be required in the on-line application in order for the application to be considered complete:  IRS Determination Letter of 501c3 status Online verification of Certificate of Good Standing from the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation The applicant's most current Year-To-Date financial statements, preferably through May 2020.  IRS W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification Questions?    Regionally-assigned DHCD team leaders can help you.  For quickest response, use the following email contact information to reach staff since most DHCD staff are teleworking. Western and Central Maryland (Allegany, Garrett, Washington, Frederick, Carroll, Howard): Contact: Sara Jackson Email: sara.jackson@maryland.gov Montgomery County Contact: Garland Thomas Email: garland.thomas@maryland.gov Prince George's, St. Mary's, Calvert, Charles Contact: Ashlee Green Email: ashlee.green@maryland.gov Eastern Shore, Cecil, and Harford Contact: Karen Forbes Email: karen.forbes@maryland.gov Baltimore City Contact: Todd Scott Email: todd.scott@maryland.gov Anne Arundel and Baltimore County Contact: Larry Brown Email: larry.brownjr@maryland.gov # # #   1-800-756-0119 | http://dhcd.maryland.gov STAY CONNECTED:

(HUD) State CDBG Timely Expenditure Reports Posted - Data as of June 30, 2020

Resources and assistance to support HUD's community partners Home Programs Resources Training State CDBG Timely Expenditure Reports Posted - Data as of June 30, 2020 These reports provide data and charts to support Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) State, Insular Area, and Hawaii Non-Entitlement grantees in meeting program expenditure requirements. View the reports. Related Resource: CDBG Timeliness Video Check out the Explore CDBG product CDBG Timeliness and Best Practices to Achieve Timely Performance. This video explains the timely expenditure and distribution requirements of the CDBG program and how timely expenditure of funds contributes to grantees' overall performance. Viewers learn best practices for proactively managing CDBG grant funds to avoid being untimely. Explore CDBG is a collection of online technical assistance products designed to answer questions on how to use CDBG funds. Visit the HUD Exchange at https://www.hudexchange.info

(NAEH) Next Week: Don't Miss the 2020 Nationwide Virtual Town Hall

Featuring Jon Bon Jovi, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and more 

Attend the 2020 Nationwide Town Hall on Ending Homelessness    Join the Alliance's first live virtual event to gather and strengthen the field's work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Town Hall will feature messages from leaders in the field, as well as major public figures like Jon Bon Jovi, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Representative Maxine Waters, and Voices of Our City Choir (as seen on America's Got Talent). The 2020 Nationwide Town Hall on Ending Homelessness will be streaming live at 1pm ET/10am PT on Wednesday, July 15 on the Alliance's Facebook and YouTube channels. Register for the Town Hall

(Maryland DHCD) Community Services Connection Newsletter - COVID-19 Resources and Updates

COVID-19 Resources and Updates DHCD will continue to update its COVID-19 resource page that can be found here. State and Regional Updates New Registration Requirement for Shelter Providers Serving Unaccompanied Minors Effective July 1, 2020, any public or private nonprofit organization that provides shelter or supportive services to minors in need of shelter must register with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. There is no cost associated with registering with the state; however, there are several assurances that must be met in order to meet statutory requirements. The text of the statute can be located here. Use this link to access the registration form.  Extension of Emergency Order Prohibiting Utility Shut Offs Governor Hogan has extended the emergency order prohibiting utility providers from shutting off or charging late fees for residential services, including electricity, water, phone, and internet, through August 1, 2020. Read the Emergency Order here.  Baltimore City Temporary Rent Support  Baltimore City is offering temporary rent support to help people who have lost their income due to COVID-19. The program supports eligible renters by making rent payments to landlords. Applications should be submitted by Monday, July 13. Learn more here.   Training on Housing Rights During COVID-19 Disability Rights Maryland is hosting a training on Housing Rights During COVID-19 for case manager and clients on July 10, 2020 at 3:00 PM. Register here.  National and Federal Updates FHA's COVID-19 Loss Mitigation Options On Wednesday, July 8 the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) published Mortgagee Letter (ML) 2020-22, FHA's COVID-19 Loss Mitigation Options. This ML announces an expansion of loss mitigation options that are available to assist single family borrowers with FHA-insured forward mortgages impacted by the COVID-19 National Emergency.  Servicers must begin offering these loss mitigation options to eligible borrowers immediately, but no later than 90 days from the date in ML 2020-22. Additionally, any COVID-19-related delinquencies in the Single Family Default Monitoring System must be reported by the July 2020 reporting cycle. Refer to the Single Family Default Monitoring System Codes Guide for more information. FHA will conduct a webinar that focuses on the COVID-19-related loss mitigation options available to assist borrowers on July 29 and August 5 at 4:00 PM. Register here.  Solicitation for Members for the HUD Housing Counseling Federal Advisory Committee On June 29, 2020 HUD published a Federal Register Notice announcing the nominations for appointment to the Housing Counseling Federal Advisory Committee (HCFAC). HUD is seeking nominations to fill six vacancies on the eight member HCFAC. New members will represent the mortgage industry, real estate industry, consumers, and HUD-approved housing counseling agencies. Nominations to the HCFAC must be submitted using form HUD-90005 - Application for membership on the HCFAC. Applications are due no later than July 29, 2020 at 11:59 PM. For more information about the HCFAC, please visit the HUD Exchange. Responding to COVID-19: A Webinar Series for Local Governments Serving Small Communities HUD's Responding to COVID-19 webinar series is providing resources for small units of general local government (UGLGs) related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The webinars provide information on how small UGLGs can access public funding, data, and other resources made available due to the pandemic. This series is intended for small UGLGs that are looking to access resources and connect with organizations providing support for how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow this link for registration information. Upcoming Virtual Event With the Urban Institute  The Urban Institute is hosting a virtual event taking place on July 15, 2020 at 4:00 PM on Caring for Borrowers Outside the CARES Act: A Closer Look at Privately Held Loans. Register here.  Community Partner Spotlight Strategies for Propelling Women of Color in Tech NPower is dedicated to improving economic mobility through the launching of careers in tech for 18-24 year olds and military veterans from underserved communities. The pandemic's impact will create higher income inequity and significant hardships-especially for women of color. NPower's new research report outlines actionable strategies to advance women of color in tech. Now, more than ever, we need to continue advocating for equity and take intentional action for women of color in tech. Read more about powerful strategies to make it happen at npower.org/research. Please email CSConnection.dhcd@maryland.gov  if you would like us to include news, events or job openings related to your organization in our upcoming newsletter.