Phantom Blooper
01-24-06, 06:17 PM
IN THE NEWS
HUD Publishes General Section for 2006 SuperNOFA for Housing Assistance Grants
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has published the General Section of the FY 2006 SuperNOFA (Notice of Funding Availability) for its annual multi-program competition expected in early 2006. The notice, published on Jan. 20, 2006, provides prospective applicants for HUD competitive funding with the opportunity to become familiar with the General Section to HUD's FY 2006 SuperNOFA in advance of publication of the FY 2006 SuperNOFA program sections. Early publication of the General Section is intended to give prospective applicants additional time to become familiar with provisions in the General Section which constitute part of almost every HUD application.
The notice underscores the Administration's commitment to end chronic homelessness, noting, "President Bush has set a national goal to end chronic homelessness. HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson has embraced this goal and has pledged that HUD's grant programs will be used to support the President's goal and better meet the needs of chronically homeless individuals." According to the Notice, applicants are encouraged to target assistance to chronically homeless persons by undertaking activities that will result in creation of permanent and permanent supportive housing, as well as services, including the use of one-stop assistance centers or service coordinators to ensure that persons experiencing chronic homelessness have access to a variety of social services.
Electronic applications and resources from mainstream programs are also a focus of the Notice. While HUD's homeless programs will be the only HUD competitive programs that retain paper applications for FY 2006, HUD expects electronic submission for FY 2007 homeless applications. Federal grant-making agencies are pledging to make 75 percent of funding opportunities available on the electronic Grants.gov in FY 2006. Applicants for HUD's homeless programs will benefit from becoming familiar with the electronic requirements so they do not limit their ability to secure funding from sources other than HUD in FY 2006.
To review the 2006 General Section of the HUD 2006 SuperNOFA, go to: edocket.access.gpo.gov /2006/pdf/06-531.pdf.
NCHV Conducts Survey to Confirm Growth in Three Homeless Veteran Subpopulations
A random survey of homeless veteran service providers conducted in November 2005 by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) suggests the homeless veteran population in America is experiencing significant changes. Results of the survey identify three subpopulations that may present significant increases in demand for services in the immediate future: aging Vietnam veterans, women veterans, and combat veterans of America's current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In order to confirm these preliminary findings, NCHV is asking member service providers to participate in a comprehensive survey on-line. Completing the survey should take only about 10 to 15 minutes, and the survey instrument is designed for rapid completion through multiple choice questions. This information will provide NCHV with a reliable source of data to strengthen its advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, and will also provide important information for members' grant applications and to support their involvement in local public assistance planning committees. The integrity and utility of the information obtained will be directly proportionate to the percentage of participation by NCHV member organizations that provide housing and supportive services to homeless veterans. To participate in the 2005 NCHV Member Survey, go to: www.surveymonkey.com/s.as...211655933.
FEMA Announces Award of $153 Million to Emergency Food and Shelter Program
R. David Paulison, Acting Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has announced $153 million in federal funds for the National Board of the Emergency Food and Shelter (EFS) Program.
The EFS program is administered by a National Board of voluntary agencies chaired by FEMA. The National Board selects jurisdictions for funding based on criteria involving current population, unemployment, and poverty levels. Local boards are then convened in qualifying districts to determine the highest need and best use of funds, and to select recipient organizations that will provide food and services. EFS funds support social service agencies in more than 2,500 cities and counties across the country, and are used to supplement food, shelter, rent, mortgage and utility assistance programs for people with non-disaster related emergencies.
First authorized by Congress in 1983, and currently appropriated under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, more than $2.8 billion in federal aid has been disbursed through the EFS program since its inception. Member agencies of the National Board include American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; the Salvation Army; United Jewish Communities; and United Way of America. For a state-by-state list of the eligible jurisdictions and award amounts go to www.efsp.unitedway.org/.
NCHV Presents at White House Technical Assistance Conferences on Homeless Initiatives
The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) is hosting a series of targeted technical assistance workshops for homeless service providers throughout the country. So far the OFBCI has hosted sessions in Nashville and Kansas City, and is developing plans to host 12 more training sessions this year.
NCHV Technical Assistance Director Melanie Lilliston is a featured speaker at the conferences, presenting a session with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) representatives that focuses on the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. Grants under this program are vital to providing transitional housing and supportive services to homeless veterans, and are fiercely competitive.
Selected workshop sites include Harrisburg, PA, February 7; Jacksonville, FL, April 12; Cincinnati, May 11; and Las Vegas, date to be determined. The one-day workshop is geared toward representatives from social service groups with a track record of applying for government grants, particularly those who have not yet won grants. For more information on and to register for the Targeted Workshops and Regional Conferences hosted by the White House, go to: www.fbci.gov.
RESOURCES
Report on Criminalization of Homelessness and Intervention Strategies Available On-line
The National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty released a report last week on the criminalization of homelessness. The report, "A Dream Denied: The Criminalization of Homelessness in U.S. Cities" ranks the toughest cities in the country based on anti-homeless laws, enforcement of those laws, and other factors. The authors of the report note that criminalization of homelessness is on the rise in cities, with more localities adopting measures that prohibit panhandling, loitering, or sitting in public spaces. The report includes recommendations for alternative ways to approach the problem of homelessness, including outreach and day centers. Investments such as affordable housing, shelters, and services for the homeless should also be considered as long term solutions. To download the report, go to: www.nationalhomeless.org/...2006.html.
Defense Supply Center Distributes Surplus Blankets to Homeless Assistance Providers
The Defense Supply Center in Philadelphia (DSCP) provides blankets to organizations serving the nation's homeless population. In order to be considered for the blanket distribution program, the nonprofit organization or local government agency has to send a letter to the DSCP requesting the blankets. The request should be on the organization's official letterhead; state the quantity of blankets needed; list the name, phone and fax numbers of the contact person handling the request; and include a "ship to" address.
The requesting agency must also include a letter of endorsement from a local state or federal agency stating the organization does, in fact, serve the homeless. The endorsement can be from the VA, local government, Congressional staff, local police department, HUD or other similar agency. Requests should be sent to Defense Supply Center in Philadelphia, ATTN: Jane Koons, 700 Robbins Avenue, CNT Building 6, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5008. For more information, call Koons at 215-737-3164.
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Launch of New Benefits Website
The Department of Labor has launched a website designed to serve as a one-stop resource for all government benefits. The website lists benefits by state, category, and features a detailed resource page. For more about this new site, please see: www.govbenefits.gov/govbe...dex.jhtml.
Emergency Toll-free VA Medical Center Hot Line for Veterans in Gulf Coast Region
In response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, a toll-free medical services access telephone number has been established for veterans who receive care at the Biloxi, Gulfport, MS, and New Orleans VA medical centers. Veterans who need care, or their families, should call 1-800-507-4571 for information on where veterans should go to receive care, how to obtain prescription medications, or for any other concerns they may have about their care. The phone line will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
HUD Publishes General Section for 2006 SuperNOFA for Housing Assistance Grants
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has published the General Section of the FY 2006 SuperNOFA (Notice of Funding Availability) for its annual multi-program competition expected in early 2006. The notice, published on Jan. 20, 2006, provides prospective applicants for HUD competitive funding with the opportunity to become familiar with the General Section to HUD's FY 2006 SuperNOFA in advance of publication of the FY 2006 SuperNOFA program sections. Early publication of the General Section is intended to give prospective applicants additional time to become familiar with provisions in the General Section which constitute part of almost every HUD application.
The notice underscores the Administration's commitment to end chronic homelessness, noting, "President Bush has set a national goal to end chronic homelessness. HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson has embraced this goal and has pledged that HUD's grant programs will be used to support the President's goal and better meet the needs of chronically homeless individuals." According to the Notice, applicants are encouraged to target assistance to chronically homeless persons by undertaking activities that will result in creation of permanent and permanent supportive housing, as well as services, including the use of one-stop assistance centers or service coordinators to ensure that persons experiencing chronic homelessness have access to a variety of social services.
Electronic applications and resources from mainstream programs are also a focus of the Notice. While HUD's homeless programs will be the only HUD competitive programs that retain paper applications for FY 2006, HUD expects electronic submission for FY 2007 homeless applications. Federal grant-making agencies are pledging to make 75 percent of funding opportunities available on the electronic Grants.gov in FY 2006. Applicants for HUD's homeless programs will benefit from becoming familiar with the electronic requirements so they do not limit their ability to secure funding from sources other than HUD in FY 2006.
To review the 2006 General Section of the HUD 2006 SuperNOFA, go to: edocket.access.gpo.gov /2006/pdf/06-531.pdf.
NCHV Conducts Survey to Confirm Growth in Three Homeless Veteran Subpopulations
A random survey of homeless veteran service providers conducted in November 2005 by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) suggests the homeless veteran population in America is experiencing significant changes. Results of the survey identify three subpopulations that may present significant increases in demand for services in the immediate future: aging Vietnam veterans, women veterans, and combat veterans of America's current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In order to confirm these preliminary findings, NCHV is asking member service providers to participate in a comprehensive survey on-line. Completing the survey should take only about 10 to 15 minutes, and the survey instrument is designed for rapid completion through multiple choice questions. This information will provide NCHV with a reliable source of data to strengthen its advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, and will also provide important information for members' grant applications and to support their involvement in local public assistance planning committees. The integrity and utility of the information obtained will be directly proportionate to the percentage of participation by NCHV member organizations that provide housing and supportive services to homeless veterans. To participate in the 2005 NCHV Member Survey, go to: www.surveymonkey.com/s.as...211655933.
FEMA Announces Award of $153 Million to Emergency Food and Shelter Program
R. David Paulison, Acting Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has announced $153 million in federal funds for the National Board of the Emergency Food and Shelter (EFS) Program.
The EFS program is administered by a National Board of voluntary agencies chaired by FEMA. The National Board selects jurisdictions for funding based on criteria involving current population, unemployment, and poverty levels. Local boards are then convened in qualifying districts to determine the highest need and best use of funds, and to select recipient organizations that will provide food and services. EFS funds support social service agencies in more than 2,500 cities and counties across the country, and are used to supplement food, shelter, rent, mortgage and utility assistance programs for people with non-disaster related emergencies.
First authorized by Congress in 1983, and currently appropriated under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, more than $2.8 billion in federal aid has been disbursed through the EFS program since its inception. Member agencies of the National Board include American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; the Salvation Army; United Jewish Communities; and United Way of America. For a state-by-state list of the eligible jurisdictions and award amounts go to www.efsp.unitedway.org/.
NCHV Presents at White House Technical Assistance Conferences on Homeless Initiatives
The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) is hosting a series of targeted technical assistance workshops for homeless service providers throughout the country. So far the OFBCI has hosted sessions in Nashville and Kansas City, and is developing plans to host 12 more training sessions this year.
NCHV Technical Assistance Director Melanie Lilliston is a featured speaker at the conferences, presenting a session with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) representatives that focuses on the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. Grants under this program are vital to providing transitional housing and supportive services to homeless veterans, and are fiercely competitive.
Selected workshop sites include Harrisburg, PA, February 7; Jacksonville, FL, April 12; Cincinnati, May 11; and Las Vegas, date to be determined. The one-day workshop is geared toward representatives from social service groups with a track record of applying for government grants, particularly those who have not yet won grants. For more information on and to register for the Targeted Workshops and Regional Conferences hosted by the White House, go to: www.fbci.gov.
RESOURCES
Report on Criminalization of Homelessness and Intervention Strategies Available On-line
The National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty released a report last week on the criminalization of homelessness. The report, "A Dream Denied: The Criminalization of Homelessness in U.S. Cities" ranks the toughest cities in the country based on anti-homeless laws, enforcement of those laws, and other factors. The authors of the report note that criminalization of homelessness is on the rise in cities, with more localities adopting measures that prohibit panhandling, loitering, or sitting in public spaces. The report includes recommendations for alternative ways to approach the problem of homelessness, including outreach and day centers. Investments such as affordable housing, shelters, and services for the homeless should also be considered as long term solutions. To download the report, go to: www.nationalhomeless.org/...2006.html.
Defense Supply Center Distributes Surplus Blankets to Homeless Assistance Providers
The Defense Supply Center in Philadelphia (DSCP) provides blankets to organizations serving the nation's homeless population. In order to be considered for the blanket distribution program, the nonprofit organization or local government agency has to send a letter to the DSCP requesting the blankets. The request should be on the organization's official letterhead; state the quantity of blankets needed; list the name, phone and fax numbers of the contact person handling the request; and include a "ship to" address.
The requesting agency must also include a letter of endorsement from a local state or federal agency stating the organization does, in fact, serve the homeless. The endorsement can be from the VA, local government, Congressional staff, local police department, HUD or other similar agency. Requests should be sent to Defense Supply Center in Philadelphia, ATTN: Jane Koons, 700 Robbins Avenue, CNT Building 6, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5008. For more information, call Koons at 215-737-3164.
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Launch of New Benefits Website
The Department of Labor has launched a website designed to serve as a one-stop resource for all government benefits. The website lists benefits by state, category, and features a detailed resource page. For more about this new site, please see: www.govbenefits.gov/govbe...dex.jhtml.
Emergency Toll-free VA Medical Center Hot Line for Veterans in Gulf Coast Region
In response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, a toll-free medical services access telephone number has been established for veterans who receive care at the Biloxi, Gulfport, MS, and New Orleans VA medical centers. Veterans who need care, or their families, should call 1-800-507-4571 for information on where veterans should go to receive care, how to obtain prescription medications, or for any other concerns they may have about their care. The phone line will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.