US Labor Department announces $4 million to serve more than 1,400 formerly incarcerated veterans at risk of homelessness

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service has awarded $4 million in Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program grants designed to aid veterans "at risk" of homelessness. The 16 grants will serve more than 1,400 formerly incarcerated veterans in 13 states.

"Everyone deserves a second chance, especially the men and women who have sacrificed for our country," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "These grants will help open doors back into the workplace for veterans, and allow them to contribute positively both to the nation's economic recovery and society as a whole."

The Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program grants are intended to provide referral and counseling services to assist in reintegrating and/or transitioning formerly incarcerated veterans who are "at risk" of becoming homeless into meaningful employment within the labor force, and to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex problems facing these veterans. This program is designed to be flexible in addressing the national, regional and/or local issues that prevent veterans from returning to the workforce after incarceration.

"One of the most important components of rehabilitating our incarcerated veterans is helping them prepare for and obtain meaningful employment," said Assistant Secretary for VETS Ray Jefferson. "These grants will allow 1,400 formerly incarcerated veterans to obtain the help they need to step back into the workforce and make a positive impact within their communities."

For more information on these grants, visit http://www.dol.gov/vets.

Editor's note: A list of grantees is below.

Incarcerated Veterans Reintegration Program Grantees