Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $500,000 in federal funding for Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. in Rochester. These federal funds are administered through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) and will assist homeless veterans in their job search by providing occupational skills training, on-the-job training, and apprenticeship opportunities. Specifically, the funding will be used by Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. to expand onsite opportunities for education and skills training and engage partner organizations that will provide onsite career coaches and vocational employment services. Schumer previously wrote to the Department of Labor to advocate for the funding in May of this year.
“Even one homeless veteran is one too many. With these federal funds, the Veterans Outreach Center in Rochester will be able to offer new services to local veterans, giving them the tools they need to acquire and keep good-paying jobs,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to announce these federal funds for the Veterans Outreach Center because when they return home from protecting the many freedoms we know and cherish, we owe it to our veterans to ensure they can find affordable, safe housing and stay off the streets.”
“Too many selfless and brave veterans who risked their lives in our military return from their service without a job and place to call home,” said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “These federal funds will help equip veterans with the skills they need to get good-paying jobs, which will benefit the entire Rochester community. I will continuing fighting in the Senate for the resources needed to support our veterans.”
“VOC is pleased and honored to have received funding for this program for our 20th year in a row. Our veterans deserve the opportunity to share their skills with the civilian workforce, and this grant will enable VOC to provide the transition assistance and job readiness training that they need. We deeply appreciate the support from our federal representatives, as well as the Department of Labor’s confidence in our ability to help hundreds of veterans each year in their quest to find meaningful employment,” said Laura Stradley, Executive Director of the Veterans Outreach Center, Inc.
The Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) is an employment-focused competitive grant program of the U.S. Department of Labor. Its two main objectives are to provide services to assist in the reintegration of homeless veterans into meaningful employment and to address the complex problems that homeless veterans face. In 2018, the program prioritized serving chronically homeless veterans, homeless female veterans, veterans with families, and incarcerated veterans. The HVRP is authorized under Sections 2021, 2021A, and 2023 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act.
A copy of Schumer’s letter to the Department of Labor appears below.
Dear Secretary Acosta:
I am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by the Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. (VOC) for the Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.
Veterans Outreach Center, Inc. (VOC) has over 18 years operating United States Department of Labor Veterans Employment and Training Services Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project grants with an overall strategy for providing job-driven employment and training services delivered through a client-centered case management approach. VOC plans to build on its experience and increase the onsite opportunities for education, middle skills training and employment, add an Education/Career Coach partner with Veterans Upward Bound, add VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services on-site, and have on-site support from the American Job Center partner, Rochester Works!.
I applaud the Veterans Outreach Center for its strong application and I sincerely hope the application meets with your approval.
Thanks you for your consideration.
Sincerely,