Paying the Debt We Owe Our Veterans: Military Connection

By Debbie Gregory.

VA Launches Community-Based Employment Service for Homeless Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to giving Veterans the opportunity to return to healthy, productive lifestyles within their own communities. The VA has announced a new program aimed at helping at-risk Veterans secure stable, long-term employment and housing.

The new program, Homeless Veteran Community Employment Services (HVCES), relies on those who know their communities, and can work with local employers to identify suitable jobs based on a Veteran’s skills and abilities. These Community Employment Coordinators (CECs) will be responsible for connecting homeless and at-risk Veterans to appropriate VA and community-based employment services.

“Securing long-term, stable and fulfilling employment is important for Veterans who are exiting homelessness or are at-risk of becoming homeless,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “We know that finding gainful employment can change the life of a Veteran. This new program is a key component of the overall strategy to prevent and end Veteran homelessness.”

The VA offers a variety of additional services, including health care, to increase the likelihood of on-the-job success.

An important function of what CECs do is the development of relationships with employers who may be able to hire Veterans. They are assisted by the VA, which provides the necessary support services to ensure each Veteran’s transition back into the workforce is successful.

Veterans have a proven track record of dependability, teamwork, and individual problem solving from their military experience.

If you are or know of a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless, homeless coordinators are ready to help. Veterans and their families can also call 1-877-4AID-VET to get connected to VA services.

For a list of the CECs in your local area, visit www.va.gov/homeless/cec-contacts.asp.

More information about VA’s homeless programs is available at www.va.gov/homeless.

Veterans have served our country well. Employing them and securing homes for them and their families honors their many sacrifices.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their families. We are the go-to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go-to site.

Paying the Debt We Owe Our Veterans: Military Connection: by Debbie Gregory