The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $17 million grant funding opportunity aimed at assisting organizations that provide training and employment services to homeless veterans and those at risk of homelessness. This initiative is managed by the department's Veterans’ Employment and Training Service through the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP).
The program aims to mitigate veteran homelessness by helping them overcome barriers and rejoin the workforce. Although veteran homelessness has decreased significantly, with a more than 55 percent reduction since 2010 and a 7.5 percent decline since 2023, continued efforts like HVRP are deemed necessary.
Grants from HVRP will offer recipients up to $500,000 annually, reaching up to $1.5 million over three years. Selected recipients will be responsible for providing workplace skills training, facilitating participation in Registered Apprenticeship programs or other on-the-job training opportunities, and offering employment placement assistance.
This initiative forms part of the broader Biden-Harris administration strategy to reduce homelessness among U.S. veterans. It involves collaboration between various entities including the Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care Program, and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Homeless Programs Office.
Eligible applicants encompass state and local Workforce Development Boards; federally recognized Native American governments; Native American organizations; state agencies; for-profit entities and non-profit organizations, including community- and faith-based organizations; as well as public, state, and private institutions of higher education.
To support potential applicants, VETS will conduct two informational webinars in February where participants can learn about the funding opportunity and inquire about the application process. The webinars are scheduled for February 5th at 2 p.m. EST and February 11th at 3 p.m. EST.
Applications for this funding opportunity must be submitted by March 17, 2025.
