Veterans Outreach Center Awarded $500,000 HVRP Grant to Reintegrate Homeless Veterans into the Workforce
Combatting veteran homelessness is a complex and multifaceted endeavor that has proved challenging to solve for many years. The case is clear – veterans do not always receive the support they need after serving in the military. They can have trouble acclimating to civilian life, are plagued by PTSD and other mental and behavioral health problems, and some veterans become trapped in a downward spiral that can lead to them becoming homeless.
Veterans Outreach Center is committed to combatting this crisis with funds from the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) grant, which it has been operating for 22 years in a row. This is the only federal grant to focus exclusively on competitive employment for homeless veterans and has two core objectives:
To provide services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment within the labor workforce
To stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex problems facing homeless veterans
VOC accomplishes this by having extensive knowledge of the veteran population, conducting outreaches to veterans who might fit the need for this grant, providing case management to homeless veterans in need of a job, providing job-driven training and employment services, and by collaborating with our extensive network of public partners at all levels.
Of the 240 veterans who VOC provides employment-related services to annually, we place more than 72% of them into employment and train 80% of them with job skills that will get them into meaningful careers.
Take, for example, a service-connected Army veteran who came to us looking for additional services beyond the VA. We assisted him with improving his resume and referred him directly to a local employer. He received transportation assistance, job readiness training, supportive services, and, through our Quartermaster, clothes to wear to work. This veteran was hired full-time as a Production Operator making PPE equipment at $17.50 an hour.
Another example is of a Gulf War Era Air Force veteran who relocated to Rochester after moving his parents into a senior living community. He was unable to stay with them and ultimately came to VOC’s Residential Program to help him get back on his feet. During his time with us, we helped him revise his resume, he attended a veteran employment networking session (VetNet), attended job readiness classes, and received clothing from our Quartermaster. Ultimately, he was hired as a Production Worker with full benefits making $16 an hour, and has since secured permanent housing. VOC also helped this veteran get furnishings for his apartment with donations from the community.
Through the use of the HVRP grant, we have made a tremendous impact on the lives of local veterans. Through our training programs, collaborations with community partners, and our relationship with the local VA, we are able to help veterans lead successful lives after leaving the military.
This grant also allows us to host our annual Stand Down, in partnership with the VA and Monroe County Veterans Service Agency. More than 50 service providers come together to educate homeless veterans on all the services available to them and get them connected. More information on this event will be coming soon.
To learn more about our Employment & Training services, call us today at 585.546.1081 or visit our website.