Washington, DC – July 6, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — Hawaii will receive $500,000 to help homeless veterans and those having difficulty transitioning back into civilian life after leaving active military service, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Representative Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa announced today.
The United States Veterans Initiative in Kapolei will receive $200,000 and the Mental Health Association of Hawaii will receive $300,0000.
The money for Hawaii is part of 90 grants, totaling over $20 million, to provide 11,000 Veterans with job training to help them succeed in civilian careers. The grants are being awarded under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP).
HVRP grants provide occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search and placement assistance, including follow-up services.
“As we end of the war in Iraq and continue to wind down our campaign in Afghanistan, we must remember that our veterans and their families have voluntarily sacrificed so much to defend our way of life. Providing them with the resources they need to start a new career outside of the service and become productive, contributing members of the community is the least we can do. I remember what it is to return home from war. The life you left before the battle is not always the same and the fight changes your perspective on many things. I am grateful to this nation for recognizing what our brave men and women in uniform give up to serve and I will continue to do everything I can to help them find their way,” said Senator Daniel K. Inouye.
“Our veterans who have sacrificed so much have earned and deserve assistance in their time of need. These grants will help homeless veterans transition into the civilian workforce and allow them to move forward with their lives,” said Senator Akaka.
“How we treat our veterans speaks volumes about who we are as a nation. Particularly when our vets face challenges back home, we can reiterate our thanks and our commitment to their wellbeing by helping ensure that they have the resources they need to realize their full potential. I want to thank the Department of Labor for helping Hawaii’s vets and veterans’ families who are facing hardships. The men, women and families that will benefit from these programs earned our support through their service and I am proud that our country is able to offer this assistance,” said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, member of the House Armed Services Committee.
“This welcome support for Hawaii’s veterans comes at a time when many who have served our country are homeless. It is crucial that we keep our commitments to our veterans and help them get back on their feet. During a recent visit to the U.S. VETS center in Kapolei, veterans shared with me their stories of learning new skills and pursuing opportunities. By helping these veterans transition into civilian jobs, we enable them bring their many talents to Hawaii’s businesses. Mahalo to all who served our country with honor and to the members of the numerous organizations, like U.S. VETS and the Mental Health Association in Hawaii, who tirelessly support our veterans,” said Congresswoman Hirono.
Grantees under the HVRP program network and coordinate their efforts with various local, state and federal social service providers to maximize the assistance available to assist the homeless veteran.
For information about the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs for veterans please visit:
Contact:
Marvin Buenconsejo (808) 541-1986
