Two San Diego organizations received federal grants to help homeless veterans re-enter the workforce, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Thursday.
Vietnam Veterans of San Diego received $500,000 as part of a continued grant, while Able-Disabled Advocacy received $476,000 in new funding, the labor department said.
Overseen by the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program provides three years worth of funding to groups that help homeless veterans or those at risk of falling into homelessness.
James D. Rodriguez, VETS assistant secretary, said the grants “will help homeless veterans and those at risk of being homeless secure good jobs with benefits and support efforts focused on building an inclusive economy.”
“Upholding our responsibility to our veterans is central to the unity agenda outlined in President Biden’s State of the Union address,” Rodriguez added.
The program awards grants on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies, tribal governments and nonprofit, faith-based and community groups.
The program aids homeless or at-risk veterans in learning occupational skills, gaining apprenticeships or embarking on on-the-job training. Veterans also may receive job search and placement assistance.
On Thursday, the labor department awarded more than $58 million to groups across the U.S. that help homeless veterans.
According to the labor department, $28 million will fund 72 new three-year grants. VETS also gave an additional $29 million to 87 organizations for two or three years’ participation in the program.
– City News Service
