Stabenow, Peters Announce Nearly $200,000 to Support Job Training for Homeless Veterans in Flint and Bay Region

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced $199,996 has been awarded to Volunteers of America-Michigan to support job training for homeless veterans in Bay, Genesee, Saginaw, and Shiawassee counties. The funding, which is part of the Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP), will go towards assisting veterans with job training for in-demand jobs and help them transition out of homelessness and into more sustainable housing.

"America's veterans put their lives on the line for the safety of our country," Senator Stabenow said. "This support will help our heroes get the training they need to find good-paying jobs and move into permanent homes."

"America's men and women in uniform have made great sacrifices to defend our nation, and we must keep the promises we've made to support them as they transition back to civilian life," said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. "This funding takes steps toward ending veteran homelessness by helping our veterans in Flint and the Bay Region access critical job training."

The HVRP awards competitive grants to state and local workforce investment boards; local public agencies and nonprofit organizations; and tribal governments, including faith-based and community organizations. Homeless veterans may receive occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search and placement assistance, including follow-up services.

Senator Stabenow is committed to making sure veterans have the care and resources they need. For years, Senator Stabenow has led the fight to bring more VA clinics to Michigan so veterans don't have to drive hundreds of miles to receive medical treatment. Additionally, Stabenow has long championed the issue of veterans' employment, including in her 2014 Farm Bill, which includes support for military veterans who are new to farming and ranching.

Senator Peters has been a strong voice in Congress for our nation's veterans. Earlier this year, Peters signed a bipartisan letter calling for continued funding for the Supporting Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program and the Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program that works to end veteran homelessness. On any given night, there are nearly 50,000 veterans across the country without a roof over their heads.