ÿþ <STYLE> body,td { background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; } a:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #990000 } a:link { text-decoration: underline; color: #003366 } a:active { text-decoration: none; color: #990000 } a:visited { color: #990000 } ul { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14pt; font-weight: normal; color: #000000; font-style: normal; list-style-type: square; } .normal { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14pt; font-weight: normal; color: #000000; font-style: normal } p { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14pt; font-weight: normal; color: #000000; font-style: normal } .normalbold { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14pt; font-weight: bold; color: #000000; font-style: normal } .smallbold { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; color: #000000 } .small { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; color: #000000 } hr { color: #CCCCCC; width: 100%; height: 1px; } </STYLE> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <TABLE borderColor=#003366 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width=600 border=1> <TBODY> <TR> <TD><IMG height=98 alt="" src="http://www.nchv.org/enewsletter/email_header.gif" width=590 useMap=#m_email_header border=0 name=email_header><MAP name=m_email_header> <AREA title=nchv@nchv.org shape=RECT alt=nchv@nchv.org coords=309,77,408,90 href="mailto:nchv@nchv.org"><AREA title=www.nchv.org shape=RECT target=_blank alt=www.nchv.org coords=322,62,411,77 href="http://www.nchv.org"></MAP></TD></TR> <TR> <TD> <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD class=normal vAlign=top align=left><STRONG>NCHV e-Newsletter </STRONG></TD> <TD class=normal vAlign=top align=right><STRONG>July&nbsp;2009</STRONG></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR> <TR> <TD vAlign=top align=left><B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3><BR></FONT></SPAN></B></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 12pt; tab-stops: list .5in"></o:p></SPAN></B><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>VA Seeks Proposals For Enhanced Use Lease for <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New Jersey</st1:place></st1:State> Site<BR></FONT></SPAN></B><st1:City w:st="on"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><BR>WASHINGTON</SPAN></st1:City><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">, <st1:State w:st="on">D.C.</st1:State>  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has announced the availability of Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) opportunities at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Lyons</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">NJ</st1:State></st1:place> VA Campus. VA seeks to competitively select a private developer to lease one 91,303 square- foot building or approximately 16 acres of vacant space located on the campus. The successful private EUL bidder(s) will provide VA with in-kind consideration that includes the development and operation of new supportive housing units with on-site supportive services for individuals and/or families. Such units and services will be provided to Veterans, who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, on a priority basis.<BR></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><BR>The <B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #003366"><A href="http://www.va.gov/ASSETMANAGEMENT/docs/Lyons/Lyons_RFP_VA-101-09-RP-0017.pdf"><SPAN style="COLOR: #003366">Final RFP</SPAN></A></SPAN></B> is now available for review. Responses are due to VA by September 4, 2009. For more information on EUL, <B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #003366"><A href="http://www.va.gov/ASSETMANAGEMENt/MissionHomeless/index.asp"><SPAN style="COLOR: #003366">click here</SPAN></A></SPAN></B>.<BR></SPAN><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3><BR>Over 1,100 Schools Partner with VA to Improve GI Bill Benefits<BR></FONT></SPAN></B><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><BR>WASHINGTON</SPAN></st1:City><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">, <st1:State w:st="on">D.C.</st1:State></SPAN></st1:place><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">  Over 1,100 colleges, universities and schools across the country have entered into "Yellow Ribbon" program agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve financial aid for veterans participating in the Post-9/11 GI Bill.<BR></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><BR>Over 3,400 agreements were received from the 1,100 schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. "This is a strong response to a new benefit," Keith Wilson, Director of VA's Education Service, said. "We are pleased so many institutions are supporting our veterans."<BR></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><BR>"The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an important part of fulfilling our promise to the men and women who have served our country so honorably," Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. "Implementing this landmark legislation and providing even more veterans with a quality education is a top priority for VA. We are grateful so many schools are joining us as partners in this unprecedented effort."<BR></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><BR>The Yellow Ribbon program, a provision of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, funds tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. Institutions can contribute up to 50 percent of those expenses, and VA will match this additional funding for eligible students.<BR></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><BR>The Yellow Ribbon program is reserved for veterans eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100 percent benefit level. This includes those who served at least 36 months on active duty or served at least 30 continuous days and were discharged due to a service-related injury.<BR></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><BR>The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944.<BR></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><BR>The maximum benefit allows every eligible veteran, servicemember, reservist and National Guard member an opportunity to receive an in-state, undergraduate education at a public institution at no cost.<BR></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><BR>Provisions of the program include payments for tuition and fees, housing, and a books and supplies stipend. Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after August 1, 2009. The tuition and fee benefit is paid directly to the school.<BR></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><BR>For information on specific schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon program, <B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #003366"><A href="http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/YRP/YRP_List.htm"><SPAN style="COLOR: #003366">click here</SPAN></A></SPAN></B>.<BR></SPAN><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><BR>Additional information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, as well as VA's other educational benefits, can be obtained by visiting VA's website <B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #003366"><A href="http://www.gibill.va.gov/"><SPAN style="COLOR: #003366">www.gibill.va.gov</SPAN></A></SPAN></B> or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).<BR></SPAN><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3><BR>Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors Guide Available Online<BR></FONT></SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><BR>The latest edition of VA's Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors is now available. The 164-page handbook provides the latest information on important changes in eligibility for VA medical care and benefits. It describes other federal benefits, including education, disability compensation, pension, home loan guaranty, vocational rehabilitation, life insurance and burial assistance. This year's edition marks the addition of "Survivors" to the title as well as details on the Post-9/11 GI Bill signed into law in 2008. To view the guide online, </SPAN><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><A href="http://www1.va.gov/opa/vadocs/current_benefits.asp"><SPAN style="COLOR: #003366">click here</SPAN></A></SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">.<BR></SPAN><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt"><BR>New Laws Benefit Veterans in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Connecticut<BR></st1:State></st1:place></SPAN></B><BR>Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell recently signed a bill into law that expands eligibility for assistance from the state's Military Family Relief Fund to an eligible member of the Armed Forces who is not currently on active duty. The governor also signed a bill that drops the requirement that disabled veterans provide yearly proof of disability to their local assessor to qualify for a property tax exemption. For more information, visit the <B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #003366"><A href="http://www.ct.gov/ctva/site/default.asp"><SPAN style="COLOR: #003366">Connecticut State Department of Veterans Affairs website</SPAN></A></SPAN></B> or call the Connecticut Veterans' Info Line at 1-866-9CT-VETS (1-866-928-8387).<BR><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3><BR>Funding Opportunities<BR></FONT></SPAN></B><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><BR>The Veterans Support Foundation</SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> (VSF), as part of its ongoing service to veterans and their families, provides funding in the form of grants to projects sponsored, supported or endorsed by the National Board of Directors, State Councils, and Chapters of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). VSF gives priority to matching fund projects. VSF provides funding solely for scientific, charitable, and educational purposes. The deadline for submissions is March 31 each year. For more information, </SPAN><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><A href="http://vsf-usa.org/funding.html"><SPAN style="COLOR: #003366">click here</SPAN></A></SPAN></B><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">.<BR></SPAN><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><BR>The Teleflex Foundation</SPAN></B><SPAN style="COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> has granted over $5 million since its inception in 1979. The Foundation strives to create an impact on the quality of life in Teleflex communities and build supportive relationships among its stakeholders. The Foundation places a priority on programs that have the commitment and volunteer involvement of Teleflex communities. The Foundation supports organizations in the areas of education, human services, and culture and arts. The next application deadline is August 28. For more information, </SPAN><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="COLOR: #003366; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><A href="http://www.teleflex.com/aboutUs/teleflexFoundation/index.html"><SPAN style="COLOR: #003366">click here</SPAN></A></SPAN></B><SPAN style="COLOR: black; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P> <P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR> <TR> <TD class=small> <P class=normal align=center>Technical Assistance provided in this e-Newsletter is funded, in part, through a grant from the <BR><SPAN class=normalbold>U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Labor. </SPAN></P> <P class=normal align=center><STRONG>National Coalition for Homeless Veterans</STRONG><BR>333 ½ Pennsylvania Avenue, SE<BR>Washington, DC 20003-1148</P> <P class=small><STRONG>Mission: </STRONG>The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans will end homelessness among veterans by shaping public policy, promoting collaboration, and building the capacity of service providers.</P> <P class=small>This newsletter is sent to subscribers and members of NCHV. If you would like to be removed from our list, please send an email to: <A href="mailto:nchv4@nchv.org">nchv4@nchv.org</A>. You can subscribe or view past issues here: <A href="http://www.nchv.org/enewsletter.cfm" target=_blank>http://www.nchv.org/enewsletter.cfm</A><BR></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>