Santa Cruz Standard

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced more than $1.11 million for Marina and Monterey to assist homeless veterans to reenter the workforce.  The funding comes through the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program. 

California is home to more than 1.6 million veterans, more than any other state.  About 20,000 veterans currently live in Monterey County.  Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. in Marina and Veteran Employment Services in Monterey received $770,000 and $347,000 respectively.  These programs are part of a broader $58 million investment in veterans training programs across the country.

“It’s unfortunate, but it also must be unacceptable, that anyone who served and sacrificed for our country goes homeless,” said Rep. Panetta.  “This significant federal investment in job training and placement for local veterans experiencing homelessness will help them get back on their feet and back into our workforce and community.  By assisting our local veterans with this type of federal funding, our community can continue to live up to its responsibility of serving those who served our country.”  

HVRP awards grants competitively to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, and faith-based and community organizations.  Through the program’s services, veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness can learn occupational skills, gain apprenticeships or on-the-job training opportunities, and receive job search and placement assistance.

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