VA Publishes 2010 Federal Benefits Booklet
Contains summaries of programs and services

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published the 2010 edition of Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors, which contains a summary of a broad range of programs and services for which veterans may be eligible. Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from active military service under other than dishonorable conditions.

In order to expedite benefits delivery, veterans seeking VA benefits for the first time must submit a copy of their service discharge form or give their full name, military service number, and branch and dates of service.

To view and download a PDF the booklet, click here.

First Lady Announces Presidential Directive on Military Families
90-day review will develop a federal government-wide approach

WASHINGTON, D.C. – First Lady Michelle Obama today announced that President Obama has directed the National Security Staff to lead a new 90-day review to develop a coordinated federal government-wide approach to supporting and engaging military families. Building on work and expertise by the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs, the review will involve nearly 20 federal agencies as well as the White House Domestic Policy and National Economic Councils and the Offices of the Vice President, First Lady and Dr. Biden.

“With just one percent of our population – our troops – doing 100 percent of the fighting, our military families are being tested like never before,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “This government-wide review will bring together the resources of the federal government, identify new opportunities across the public and private sectors, and lay the foundation for a coordinated approach to supporting and engaging military families for years to come.”

For more information on this directive, click here.

Late Registration Fees Now in Effect for the 2010 NCHV Annual Conference
Discounted hotel rate available until Thursday, May 20

The 2010 NCHV Annual Conference and Membership Meeting, “Supporting the Five-Year Plan,” will be held June 21-23, 2010, at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, D.C. This is a special opportunity for service providers to access knowledge, training and experience to increase the effectiveness of their organizations in assisting homeless veterans. Don't miss out as NCHV celebrates the incredible success of the past 20 years and continues to build momentum in the fight to end veteran homelessness.

Registration forms are now subject to a $35 late fee.

A limited number of rooms has been reserved for conference attendees at the discounted government rate of $209 plus tax. This rate is only available until Thursday, May 20.

• To register for the annual conference, click here.
• To view this year’s conference brochure, click here.
• To make your hotel reservations, click here.

For more information on the nation's most important conference for homeless veteran service providers, visit the 2010 NCHV Annual Conference page here.

Operation Stand Down Uses HPRP Funds to Prevent Veteran Homelessness
From the Homelessness Resource Center

Operation Stand Down in Nashville, Tennessee, is the leading distributor of the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing (HPRP) funds in the state. In Nashville, HPRP money helps prevent homelessness among veterans and their families. The Homelessness Resource Center recently contacted JC Smith of Operation Stand Down, who shared his experiences with managing HPRP funding. To read more about how the organization used HPRP money to house 30 families (90 people), click here.

Funding Opportunities

The Home Depot Foundation, through its Affordable Housing Built Responsibly grant program, administers millions of dollars in grants each year to nonprofit organizations that support the production and preservation of affordable, efficient and healthy housing. The most promising grant requests incorporate a number of “green” building design practices, as well as demonstrate how tree strategies integrated with affordable housing production/preservation create healthier, more vibrant communities. The next deadline for letters of inquiry is July 1, 2010. For more information, click here.

Weingart Foundation makes grants to assist organizations that work in the areas of health, human services, and education. The Foundation gives highest priority to activities that provide greater access to people who are economically disadvantaged and underserved. Of particular interest to the Foundation are applications that specifically address the needs of low-income children and youth, older adults, and people affected by disabilities and homelessness. The Foundation also funds activities that benefit the general community and improve the quality of life for all individuals in Southern California. The Foundation accepts grant requests throughout the year. For more information, click here.

Please do not respond directly to this e-newsletter. Instead, direct your responses to
rbrown@nchv.org.