IN THE NEWS

HUD Releases Fiscal Year 2004 “SuperNOFA” for Federal Housing Assistance Programs

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released its 2004 “SuperNOFA,” which includes detailed descriptions and application instructions for several grants that assist homeless individuals and families through nonprofit community-based organizations, public housing authorities and regional care provider networks, or “Continuums of Care.”

Application deadlines for the HUD grants range from late June through early August. The grant amounts to be awarded and specific instructions for each program are available at:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-10548.htm

Of particular interest to homeless veteran service providers, either as independent entities or in collaboration with other regional organizations, are the Housing Counseling Program, $36 million, with an application deadline of June 30; Self-Help Housing Opportunities Program, $26.8 million, deadline July 20; Resident Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency Program, $56.6 million, deadline Aug. 10; Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs, $1 billion, deadline July 27; Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities, $117.7 million, deadline July 7; as well as the Assisted Living Conversion Program and Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program.

There are changes in this year’s SuperNOFA, including additional points awarded for Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS), removing barriers to affordable housing, and program success in obtaining permanent housing for clients. Applicants, and program planners who are interested in competing for a larger share of the HUD grants for homeless veterans, should read the entire SuperNOFA carefully. The information addresses program objectives, essential and mandatory proposal inclusions, application contact and assistance sources, and other information that is critical to the planning and filing processes.

Smith, Evans Introduce Bill to Increase VA Grant and Per Diem Program Funding

On April 29, Rep. Christopher Smith (R-NJ), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, and Rep. Lane Evans (D-IL), ranking Democratic member of the committee, introduced to Congress the Homeless Veterans Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2004, which would increase authorized funding for the VA Grant and Per Diem Program from $75 million to $100 million, and extend the program through FY2008. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. NCHV wants the authorization level to be $200 million because $100 million will not allow for significant growth in the number of beds in the program.

NCHV Statement on Fiscal Year 2005 Appropriations for the U.S. Department of Labor

On April 29, NCHV submitted for the record of the House Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies its policy statement on FY2005 appropriations for the Department of Labor. The document cites federal sources that attest to the large number of homeless veterans in America on any given night. One and a half million veterans have incomes that fall below the federal poverty level. Neither the VA, state or county departments of veteran affairs, nor community-based and faith-based service providers are adequately resourced to respond to these veterans’ health, housing, and supportive services needs.

The document urges Congress to provide full funding for the programs of the Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS), the only programs specifically dedicated to helping homeless veterans re-enter the workforce. To review NCHV statements on FY2005 appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Veterans Affairs, and Housing and Urban Development, go to www.nchv.org and click on “Policy & Legislation.”

Davis Bill Would Protect Veterans’ Benefits in from Wrongful Acts by Guardians

Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA) has introduced legislation to protect the benefits of America's military veterans who have difficulties with or are incapable of managing their own finances. Over 100,000 veterans depend on a guardian or a "fiduciary" to oversee the benefits provided by the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Unfortunately, some of these veterans have lost out on their benefits because their guardian has failed to act properly.

Congress has not strengthened the laws protecting veterans' benefits from fiduciary misuse in over 25 years. The bill, H.R. 4032, would require the VA to conduct background checks on potential fiduciaries and to recover the funds when a fiduciary is responsible for lost benefits. The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs is considering the legislation.

Faith-Based Organizations Received Significant Increases in Federal Grants in Fiscal 2003

According to a recent article in the Washington Post, the federal government gave more than $1.1 billion in competitive grants to religious organizations in fiscal 2003. Significant increases were reported in the number of faith-based groups receiving federal funds, and an increase in the amount of the awards.

“Big increases were reported by the departments of Health and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development,” according to the article. “HHS said it gave $568 million in grants to 680 faith-based organizations in fiscal 2003, a 41 percent jump in the number of recipients and a 19 percent rise in dollars from the prior year. HUD reported $532 million in grants to 765 faith-based groups, a 16 percent increase in recipients and an 11 percent increase in dollars.” In proportion, HUD’s grants to faith-based groups totaled 24 percent of all of its grants in fiscal year 2003. To read the complete article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A44442-2004Mar9.html.

RESOURCES

HUD Website Features Guide for Organizations Applying for Grants

A guidebook to HUD programs titled ``Connecting with Communities: A User's Guide to HUD Programs and the FY2004 NOFA Process'' is available from the NOFA Information Center and the HUD website at http://www.hud.gov/grants/index.cfm. The guidebook provides a brief description of all HUD programs, eligible applicants for the programs, and examples of how programs can work in combination to serve local community needs. You may also request general information, paper copies of the Notice of HUD NOFA policy requirements, any Program NOFA, and applications. This information may also be obtained by calling the NOFA Information Center at 800-HUD-8929 or 800-HUD-2209 (TTY) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays.

Department of Veterans Affairs Features Website on Hepatitis C

A new, comprehensive website on Hepatitis C is now available through a collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the University of California. Hepatitis C is the most common blood borne infection in the United States, affecting 2 percent of the population. VA cares for more Hepatitis C patients than any other medical system, with more than 200,000 patients since 1996. The Hepatitis C website has a section for veterans and non-medical employees that includes general information and links to other websites. It also offers information for health care providers that is searchable by topic and includes best practices, guidelines and slides. Go to www.hepatitis.va.gov.