DOL Announces Availability of Funding for Stand Down Events

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DOL-VETS) has announced the availability of $600,000 in Stand Down grants that will provide an estimated 10,000 homeless veterans with opportunities to reintegrate into society. The grants are being awarded under the department’s Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program.

In 2010, more than 160 organizations across the country partnered with local businesses, government agencies, and community- and faith-based service providers to hold 81 Stand Down events for homeless veterans and their families.

Stand Down grant funds must be used to enhance employment and training opportunities, or to promote the self-sufficiency of homeless veterans through paid work. Homeless individuals do not always have access to the basic supplies necessary to maintain their health and self-confidence.

In addition, a lack of shelter and related resources often limits the ability of people who are homeless to prepare for job interviews, make a positive impression on prospective employers, or be contacted for follow-up. Basic services such as showers, haircuts, attention to health concerns, and other collaborative services provided at Stand Down events can improve participants’ chances of connecting with community-based service providers, and securing and maintaining employment.

Grantees operating within the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program network will sponsor Stand Down events by coordinating their efforts with various local, state and federal service providers. Applications for Stand Down grants will be accepted from state workforce agencies; state and local workforce investment boards; veterans service organizations; local public agencies; and nonprofit organizations, including community- and faith-based organizations.

The full solicitation for grant applications may be viewed by clicking here. For more information, contact Ken Fenner at fenner.kenneth@dol.gov or 202-693-4728.

For more information about Stand Down events, visit NCHV’s Stand Down page. You can also download the Stand Down guide “National Stand Down Program Design” by clicking here.