Labor Department Awards $29 Million in Grants to Help Veterans

Labor Department Awards $29 Million in Grants to Help Veterans

From a Department of Labor News Release
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2013 – More than 14,000 veterans across the nation will benefit from job training, job placement, housing help and other services, thanks to 121 grants totaling almost $29 million announced today by officials of the Labor Department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.

The grants were awarded through the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, the only federal program that focuses exclusively on employment of homeless veterans.

"Military service members and their families have been asked to make tremendous sacrifices for this nation. Although homelessness among veterans has fallen, too many of our heroes cannot find jobs or homes," acting Labor Secretary Seth D. Harris said. "These grants will provide those who have served our nation with the means to find meaningful civilian employment and chart new directions for their lives."

The grants will help homeless veterans reintegrate into society and the labor force while providing effective services aimed at addressing the complex challenges that homeless veterans often confront, officials said. The services provided by grantees will include job placement, on-the-job training, career counseling, life skills and money management mentoring, as well as help in finding housing.

Funds were 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 organizations are familiar with the areas and populations to be served, officials explained, and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs to help veterans.

41 States suffer job losses

Job losses reported in 41 states
The number of states suffering monthly job losses more than doubled in September, with Michigan losing the greatest number of jobs, according to a government report released Tuesday. Private sector and government jobs fell in 41 states and the District of Columbia last month, the Labor Department said. By comparison, only 18 states reported monthly job losses in August, CNNMoney reports. full story

Stand Down Grant Money Available

DOL-VETS Grants for Stand Down Support

Approximately $400,000 Available for Stand Downs

The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) continues to support local Stand Down events that assist homeless veterans and is now accepting applications for Stand Down grant awards. A Stand Down is an event held in a local community where homeless veterans are provided with a wide variety of social services in one location.

Under this announcement, VETS anticipates that up to $400,000 will be available in each of the three fiscal years for grant awards of up to a maximum of $10,000 per multi-day event (more than one day), and a maximum of $7,000 for a one (1) day event. VETS expects to award approximately forty-five (45) grants each fiscal year. Availability of Fiscal Year 2009, and Fiscal Year 2010 funds will be dependent upon Congressional appropriations.
http://www.veteranstoday.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3356