New job training grants are available for veterans, especially those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, as a result of Labor Department grants.
Some of the grants will provide job training to 4,000 veterans through the Veterans Workforce Investment Program, with am emphasis on “green” jobs in areas such as renewable energy and electric power.
The majority of the grants, totaling more than $28 million and a part of the Labor Department’s Homeless Veterans with Families Program and Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program, will provide job training to approximately 17,000 veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
“The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program is recognized as an extraordinarily efficient and effective program, and is the only federal program that focuses exclusively on employment of veterans who are homeless,” Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis said. “I am pleased that the department can assist these veterans and their families.”
Ending unemployment and homelessness among veterans has been a key mission for senior officials within the White House, Department of Defense and Veterans Administration. The Post-9/11 GI Bill has been cited in a major step forward, but Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen also acknowledged the importance communities play in welcoming home and integrating veterans.
“If we can just open up our lens to be inclusive of them as they return home, with that little boost, I really believe they will take off and make a huge difference for the future,” said Mullen.
Information about Labor Department employment programs for veterans can be found at http://www.dol.gov/vets.
