More than 14,000 veterans to benefit from more than $24 million in job training grants

WASHINGTON – At a White House forum of the U.S. Interagency Council of Homelessness today, Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis announced 97 grants, totaling more than $24 million, to provide approximately 14,000 veterans with job training to help them succeed in civilian careers. The grants are being awarded under the U.S. Department of Labors Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.

"This administration is committed to ending homelessness. Achieving that goal is crucial to restoring the strength of our economy and the right thing to do for our nation as a whole," said Secretary Solis. "These grants will help more than 14,000 homeless veterans across the country find meaningful employment, and they will help ensure that these remarkable individuals never face homelessness again."

Funds are being awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. These agencies are familiar with the areas and populations to be served and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs.

"Reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment is a vital and pressing part of the president's five-year plan to end veteran homelessness in America," said Assistant Secretary for the Labor Department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service Ray Jefferson. "Helping homeless veterans obtain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the civilian workforce is essential to repaying our debt of gratitude to those men and women who served our country so honorably."

To assist homeless veterans with reintegration into America's workforce, the Labor Department is distributing these funds nationwide through 33 newly selected grantees and 64 current grantees receiving second-and third-year funding. Homeless veterans may receive occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search and placement assistance, including follow-up services. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program is the only federal program that focuses exclusively on employment of veterans who are homeless.

Grantees under the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program coordinate their efforts with various local, state and federal social service providers. A list of grantees and general information on the Department of Labor's unemployment and re-employment programs for veterans can be found at http://www.dol.gov/vets.