The first comment period for CSBG State Plan ended January 31^st. Thank you for the comments and questions that were submitted regarding the 2024-2026 CSBG State Plan. All comments and questions are currently being reviewed. If you submitted a comment or question you will receive feedback from our office in the near future. Any changes needed will be reflected in the final version which will be released on April 1, 2024 for the second comment period.  

As we are entering the last half of FY2024, we are looking closely at TANF expenditures to date. As has occurred in previous years, there are CAAs who, due to extreme need in their areas, utilize their full allocation early in the year. Kindly respond specifying whether (or not) you find that needs have changed in your areas making it a challenge to fully utilize your full TANF allocation. Please notify our office by March 1, 2024, so these funds can be reallocated to meet the needs of individuals throughout the state. 

Please contact Sheila Lemon, Senior Fiscal Officer, at sheila.lemon@dss.virginia.gov if you have any questions.  

The 2024-2025 CSBG Community Action Plan will open on February 15, 2024. The Community Action Plan for the upcoming year has two changes, the DEI section is now titled Equitable Practices and Engagement within Community Action and contains 6 new questions. The ROMA implementer plan was also updated and contains new questions that align with the ROMA Implementer recertification process. All other components of the CAP Plan have remained the same. We have updated the a helpful tip sheet to assist you in completing this CAP Plan. We suggest you review this tip sheet prior to starting your CAP Plan. Also remember, once you open the new program year CAP Plan components will transfer over to the new year. The CAP Plan is due May 1, 2024, please let us know if you need any assistance in completing the CAP Plan by emailing csbg@dss.virginia.gov.  

Training Opportunities

Exciting news! The ROMA Superheroes Peer Group is ready to launch its inaugural quarterly meeting on February 22, 2024. Going forward, virtual gatherings will take place every 3rd Thursday from 2:00-3:00 pm. To participate, registration is mandatory for all sessions. Click here to register. This initiative aims to foster a robust network for community support and knowledge sharing.

Membership in this group is open to anyone interested in delving deeper into the ROMA framework and understanding its relevance to the CAA mission, programs, outcomes, and overall community impact. You are encouraged to plan ahead by exploring upcoming topics and meeting dates. Once registered, a meeting link will be promptly shared.

We look forward to your active participation in building a stronger community through the ROMA Superheroes Peer Group. Contact Landis Faulcon with any questions, Landis.Faulcon@hrcapinc.org. 

Bring your coffee, tea, and other treats, as we kickoff our 4-part virtual workshop entitled "Fireside Chat Series: A Community Needs Assessment Roadmap." This series is specifically tailored for agencies currently or in preparation to work on their needs assessment. Our office is offering a collaborative space to brainstorm and draw inspiration from network peers. Space is limited to 12 people per a session. Click here to register.

Sessions will be held from 10 am – 11:30 am (90 mins.). Deadline to register is Thursday, February 15. Once registered, participants will receive next steps in preparation for each session. Topics include:

• Session 1: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 “Strategic Approaches to Define and Communicate Agency Expectations for the Community Needs Assessments”
• Session 2: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 "Perfecting the Art of Crafting Impactful Community Surveys for Lasting Change"
• Session 3: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 "Empowering Community Engagement: Strategies for Dynamic Community Forums and Meetings"
• Session 4: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 "A Conversational Blueprint for Comprehensive Decision-Making with Research and Community Resources"

Calling all Executive Directors! We are excited to announce the first VACAP Racial Equity Committee meeting for the year. Your valuable presence and contributions are essential to the success of this peer group, and we highly encourage your active participation. The meeting will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Please take a moment to confirm your attendance by registering here. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please let us know and consider sending a proxy to represent you. Make sure to inform us of your proxy's name and contact details. If you have any specific topics or questions you would like to include in the agenda, kindly submit them on your registration form by Friday, February 9.

As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of community action, take a moment to reflect on the transformations within your communities throughout the years and consider the efforts made to assist all individuals. To propel positive change, embracing data-driven decision-making becomes paramount for social impact and societal advancement.

Evaluate your programs by leveraging the information shared among your staff, clients, community stakeholders, and partners. Are your practices inclusive of data related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the services you provide? Utilize this data not only to pinpoint areas for improvement but also to monitor progress and make well-informed decisions that foster equitable practices.

It is crucial to communicate effectively with all parties involved in your organization to ensure its health and success in the years to come. Keep the channels of communication open, transparent, and inclusive, fostering a collaborative environment that values diverse perspectives. By doing so, we can collectively contribute to the continued positive impact of community action for the next 60 years and beyond.

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is now accepting applications for the Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot (VERP) 2024 Supplemental Funding opportunity. DHCD will allocate up to $465,000 in funding to aid localities, nonprofits, and Planning District Commissions in reducing evictions through systems changes that make eviction rare, brief and humane. DHCD will issue grants in calendar year 2024 to grantees as a result of a competitive application process. Proposals must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. on February 29, 2024.

DHCD is seeking applicants with strong partnerships whose combination of experience and expertise will promote system change to reduce eviction in their communities. Successful grantees must include eviction prevention and eviction diversion activities in their program designs. 

Applications must be submitted through DHCD's Centralized Application and Management System (CAMS). Please closely review the VERP 2024 Supplemental Funding Program Guidelines and Application Instructions for additional details. If you have questions, contact Senta Leslie at senta.leslie@dhcd.virginia.gov.

If your agency is planning on applying for this opportunity, please let us know by emailing csbg@dss.virginia.gov.