Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee, announced last week that the Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded three grants in total of $677,434 to charitable veterans organizations in the Rochester area. Rep. Slaughter contacted DOL in support of the grants.
Under the Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP), the Salvation Army will receive $182,693 and the Veterans Outreach Center will receive $300,000 to help homeless veterans pursue employment opportunities. Through the DOL’s Veterans’ Workforce Investment Programs (VWIP), the Veterans Outreach Center is set to receive an additional $194,741 to further its training programs for veterans that face barriers to employment.
“At a time of war, we can see the enormous sacrifices that have been made by our veterans so that we can live without fear and want,” Rep. Slaughter said. “They deserve our heartfelt appreciation – and what is more, they deserve our support.”
The HVRP offers diverse services designed to speed the reentry of veterans into the workforce. From emergency shelter and substance abuse counseling to résumé preparation and job placement, the HVRP helps homeless veterans from a holistic perspective, assisting them to obtain fulfilling employment.
The VWIP combines employment and retraining programs to help veterans with service-connected disabilities and other disadvantages become more active members of the workforce. Recently separated veterans and veterans decorated with a campaign badge are also eligible to take part in the program. The ultimate goal is to enhance the employability of participants.