US Department of Labor announces $15 million in grants to assist approximately 9,000 homeless veterans

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of $15 million in grants through the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program to provide job training services to help homeless veterans succeed in civilian careers.

"The men and women who have served our country with distinction should not have to struggle to find good jobs when they return from service," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's grant announcement is the first step to helping these homeless veterans gain access to meaningful employment and more stable post-military lives."

The department anticipates awarding at least 50 grants to serve approximately 9,000 veterans. Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. Grantees must be familiar with the areas and populations to be served, and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs.

Grantees will provide homeless veterans with occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search and placement assistance, including follow-up services. HVRP is the only federal program that focuses exclusively on employment of veterans who are homeless. Grantees will coordinate their efforts with other local, state and federal social service providers.

More information on the Labor Department's programs for veterans can be found at http://www.dol.gov/vets/.

A solicitation for grant applications will be published on March 29 at Grants.gov. It also may be viewed at http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/hvrp/main2012.htm.