Kerry, Brown, McGovern, Keating, Lynch: Massachusetts Wins $1.5 Mil for Homeless Vets Job Training

Press Release

Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, along with Congressmen James McGovern ,William Keating, and Stephen F. Lynch, announced today that five organizations across Massachusetts will receive over $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to provide homeless veterans in Massachusetts the job training to help them succeed in civilian careers.

The funding, awarded through the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, will go toward assisting homeless veterans with reintegration into the workforce. Under these grants, homeless veterans may receive occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search and placement assistance, including follow-up services.

"This is pretty fundamental. You send people to war, you make damn sure they're not living on the streets when they come home. This money will help homeless vets and their families find jobs and safe housing. It's a lifesaver for vets who have been struggling in the transition back into civilian life," said Sen. Kerry.

"Too often our heroes are returning from war only to find themselves fighting a new battle at home for employment or housing. This funding demonstrates our obligation as a nation to care for our veterans, and it will help keep many of our brave men and women from falling through the cracks by providing them with the job training they need to get back on their feet," said Sen. Brown.

"I'm particularly pleased that Veterans Inc. in Worcester is receiving this federal funding. Veterans Inc. does incredible work in our community, and these grants will allow them to expand their outreach to serve more of our veterans in need," said Rep. McGovern

"Father Bill's & MainSpring is an invaluable part of our community, having helped over a hundred veterans find work. The brave men and women who serve our country deserve the chance to succeed when they return home and Father Bill's provides them with that opportunity. This grant will go a long way to helping our local veterans and community at large," said Rep. Keating.

"We have a responsibility to ensure that our veterans receive the very best services that we, as a nation can offer. Assisting homeless vets with job training and placement is a perfect example of this. I am pleased to see that these grants will help provide homeless veterans with the support and training they need," said Rep. Lynch.