Resource Update: Social Services Block Grant Supplemental Funding Awards for Hurricane Relief

One-time funds remain available, but must be spent by September 30,
2007.

These funds are available to provide the usual array of human services
directly to persons affected by the gulf hurricanes. However, they may
also be used to help meet the health and mental health needs of people
affected by these hurricanes. Funds for affected states may also be used to
restore and resume operations of health/mental health care providers and centers through repairs or reconstruction.

Highlights:
. $550 million in supplemental funding was appropriated in 2005 through
the Social Services Block Grants (SSBG) for hurricane relief.
. As of April 27, 2007 only $173 million had been drawn down. There is
approximately $376 million remaining nationwide. See the attachments for
details for your state.
. These funds must be expended by September 30, 2007 or be returned to
the Treasury for non-use.

States with remaining balances are strongly encouraged to engage in a
discussion on how to best utilize these funds before they expire in
September 30, 2007.

Below are a few highlights of potential eligible activities in addition
to standard SSBG activities that may not have been considered, but refer to
the attached documents for clarification:
. The replacement of vans and equipment at non-profits as related to the
consequences of the hurricane and related to assisting persons affected
to access services, care, and employment.
. The costs of medications and durable medical equipment for affected
persons.
. Rental assistance, home and property repairs, and replacement of
household items, depending on the state's determination of these payments as integral but subordinate to the services to help meet the health care needs of affected persons.

Please read the attached documents and contact your SSBG State Program
Contact (list attached) if you have any questions.

Attached to this e-mail are three resource documents:
1) the SSBG Supplemental funding status document which shows the
amount available to your state,
2) the types and kinds of services that can be supported with these
funds, and
3) the Program contact listing for the Social Services Block Grant.
It should be noted that each state submitted a state plan for use of the
supplemental funds and if necessary, such plan can be modified to cover
new
services.

This resource update brought to you by the Homeless Resource Center
(HRC) and Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)
through the Institute on Homelessness and Trauma, LLC. http://www.pathprogram.samhsa.gov/