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

WASHINGTON, June 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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 Labor's 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.

"Homelessness is a tragedy that affects far too many of America's veterans, both women and men," said Sara Manzano-Diaz, director of the Labor Department's Women's Bureau.  "There are barriers unique to women veterans that leave them vulnerable to homelessness.  The grants announced today, combined with available social services, will provide the holistic assistance necessary to help reintegrate these women into the labor force."

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.

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov.  The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request.  Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.  The Labor Department is committed to providing America’s employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations.  For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Labor