Local agencies awarded $200,000 to assist homeless veterans

WORKFORCE plus and the Big Bend Homeless Coalition are excited to announce the receipt of a Homeless Veteran Reintegration Project grant through the United Statement Department of Labor, Veteran Employment and Training Services. As one of thirty-three organizations receiving the award nationwide, the joint project between WORKFORCE plus and the Big Bend Homeless Coalition was the only new project funded in the State of Florida.

Homeless Veterans face a number of barriers to employment, including (1) physical challenges and disabilities; (2) mental health issues, such as PTSD and depression; (3) chronic substance abuse; (4) limited education; (5) inadequate family support; (6) limited access to transportation; and (6) difficulty obtaining affordable housing. This joint project will offer a comprehensive reintegration plan for homeless Veterans, combining employment services with appropriate supportive services to promote employment readiness and retention. The Homeless Veteran Reintegration Project will include outreach, supportive services, assessment, job training, job development, obtaining employer commitments to hire, job placement, and post-placement follow-up services.

“As a community partner we understand that if Veterans experiencing homelessness are to regain their lives and sense of security they fought so hard to maintain, it is critical that additional support be provided,” stated Kimberly A. Moore, chief executive officer of WORKFORCE plus. “We believe that the partnership with the Big Bend Homeless Coalition is essential to the grant’s pending success.” WORKFORCE plus, will provide comprehensive assessments, job training, placement, related employment services, and follow up. The Big Bend Homeless Coalition will provide necessary supportive services for homeless Veterans.

“This collaboration between WORKFORCE plus and the Big Bend Homeless Coalition is a model for providing the necessary combination of services for people experiencing homelessness in our community. We are honored to be able to offer these services to our Veterans, who have offered themselves for our country,” said Susan Pourciau, Executive Director of the Big Bend Homeless Coalition.

Supportive services will address barriers to employment and retention, including: substance abuse recovery, mental health, housing, transportation, and needs of those with disabilities. The program will have especially intensive outreach to, and services for, Veterans who are chronically homeless.

If you know someone who could benefit from these services or if you are an employer and interested in hiring a local Veteran, please contact WORKFORCE plus at (850) 414- 6085 or email veterans@wfplus.org today.