| NCHV e-Newsletter | March 2009 |
HUD-VASH Question and Answer Chart Released
HUD and the Department of Veterans Affairs are jointly administering 10,000 permanent housing vouchers funded in FY08 under the HUD VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. HUD and the VA developed a Questions and Answers to assist stakeholders in understanding the HUD-VASH program and the role that Continuums of Care and homeless service providers and Field Offices have already taken or may take to help address and alleviate homelessness within the veteran community. To view the Q and A chart, click here.
NLCHP Releases Reports on Renters Rights in Foreclosure and Homelessness Prevention
Foreclosures are driving an increase in homelessness across the country. Renters of foreclosed properties are among those most at risk of homelessness, but their plight has received little attention. The
Without Just Cause, prepared by NLCHP in collaboration with the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) and with the pro bono assistance of WilmerHale, outlines the rights, and lack thereof, for renters in foreclosure in all 50 states and the
According to NLIHC, about 40% of families facing eviction due to foreclosure are renters, but they have little protection. If a landlord is foreclosed, tenants who have diligently paid their rent on time may face eviction without notice, coming home to find locks changed and their belongings on the street. Some local sheriffs, such as Sheriff Dart of
The laws regarding the status of renters in foreclosure cases are complex and vary among the 50 states and the
Major findings of this report show:
- Only 33% of States (17) require any type of notice to tenants.
- Only 29% of States (14 and DC) require a judicial process for foreclosure.
- Only 2 States (NJ and DC) explicitly preserve tenants' rights in the lease after foreclosure.
Only 23 states provide some exceptions that may preserve tenants' rights. For example:
- Tenants in CT who are elderly, disabled, or receive federal Section 8 housing subsidies are protected and their tenancies preserved.
- In nine states, the lease may be protected if it predated the mortgage, depending on mortgage terms.
For both renters and owners who are in danger of homelessness due to foreclosure, existing homelessness prevention programs can help. But states do not have enough funding to meet the need. An Ounce of Prevention, another report released by NLCHP, prepared with pro bono assistance from Morgan, Lewis & Brockius LLP, highlights homelessness prevention programs in 25 states.
The federal stimulus bill recently signed by President Obama includes $1.5 billion for the McKinney-Vento Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) program specifically to prevent homelessness. Even before the economic downturn, in no county in the country could a person working full-time at minimum wage afford the Fair Market Rent for an efficiency apartment.
The stimulus funding will help bolster homelessness prevention programs at the state and local levels. But without increased funds for long-term affordable housing, it will merely be a stopgap. Effective homelessness prevention strategies must include funding for permanent housing stock affordable to extremely low-income persons.
Traumatic Brain Injury Survival Guide
Dr. Glen Johnson, Clinical Director of the Neuro-Recovery Head Injury Program in Traverse City, Michigan, produced this guide in response to survivors of traumatic head injury and their families who expressed frustrations that there is nothing written that explains head injury in clear, easy to understand language. Most say the available material is too medical or too difficult to read. The goal of this online book is to better prepare the head injured person and family for the long road ahead.
This online book came from materials that Dr. Johnson wrote for patients and their family members. The book became very popular and to avoid the costs of making copies, Dr. Johnson posted an online version to increase access as well as the ability to make updates.
The guidebook is an extensive guide for those suffering from TBI as well as their families and friends. To view the guide for free, visit http://www.tbiguide.com/.
Guide to State Veterans Benefits Available Online
Veterans pursuing their educational goals are usually eligible for "educational assistance for students" in most states. Educational benefits for veterans and their dependents, particularly the children of deceased and disabled veterans, are also available in some states. Military.com has developed an on-line general summary of educational benefits for veterans and their dependents. The site provides a state-by-state breakdown of benefits available. To view the guide, click here.
NCHV Annual Conference
Conference schedule available online
NCHV will host its 13th Annual Conference May 20-22. Headquarters for the conference will be the Hyatt Regency Crystal City,
The NCHV Annual Conference is an opportunity for service providers to access knowledge, training and experience to increase the effectiveness of their organizations in assisting homeless veterans.
In addition to the learning opportunities at this year's conference, you will be able to participate in the NCHV Membership Meeting and attend the Annual NCHV Awards Banquet where peers in the homeless veterans assistance movement will receive recognition for their accomplishments.
NCHV has reserved a block of rooms at the Hyatt Regency at a discounted rate of $201. Make your reservation by April 28, 2009, to assure this rate. DO NOT WAIT – for six straight years the block of rooms NCHV reserves for this conference has sold out months before the event. Be sure to identify yourself as attending the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Conference. Reservations can be made by calling 703-418-1234.
The NCHV Annual Conference brochure is now available online. It includes the conference schedule and session descriptions. Visit the Annual Conference page on NCHV's website for more information and to download the registration form by clicking here.
NCHV Offers Trainings on the Federal Grant Process
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans is offering two day training sessions for organizations currently serving or looking to serve veterans. The first day of these trainings will go over the basics of federal grant applications, while the second day of the trainings will focus on employment and permanent supportive housing.
For more information and locations and dates for these trainings, click here.
Funding Opportunities
The Frederick McDonald Trust was established in 1950 to support and promote quality educational, human services, and health care programming for underserved populations. The McDonald Trust specifically serves the people of
The Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation is a charity dedicated to supporting organizations that provide a full range of basic human services to the citizens of metropolitan
The McGregor Fund is a private foundation organized "to relieve the misfortunes and promote the well-being of mankind." It was established by a $5,000 deed of gift from Tracy W. McGregor in 1925. Later it was augmented to nearly $10 million through subsequent gifts from Mr. McGregor and his wife, Katherine Whitney McGregor. In keeping with its mission, the Fund emphasizes support for activities in southeastern
Technical Assistance provided in this e-Newsletter is funded, in part, through a grant from the
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Labor.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
333 ½ Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20003-1148
Mission: The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans will end homelessness among veterans by shaping public policy, promoting collaboration, and building the capacity of service providers.
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