Rep. Neguse Introduces Bill to Expand Key Resources for Homeless Veterans

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, Congressman Joe Neguse introduced the Veterans Jobs Training Act, H.R. 523. The legislation increases funding for the highly successful Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP), which works to expand job training and placement services for our nation’s veterans. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the HVRP program is the only federal grant to focus exclusively on competitive employment for unhoused veterans. 

This legislation is co-led by Representative Jamaal Bowman (NY-16) and is supported by the Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S (VFW Colorado).

“No veteran should be without a place to call home. This program provides critical resources to ensure that the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to serve our country have access to programs that ensure their ability to support themselves and their families upon returning from service,” said Congressman Neguse.

“Veterans have been left behind by the country they fought for decades, and the Veterans Jobs Training Act will continue the work required to right that wrong,” said Congressman Jamaal Bowman Ed.D (NY-16). “It’s unacceptable that unhoused veterans exist in the richest country in the world, and this bill will expand the robust Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program by providing more job training for our unhoused veterans. Those who serve our country should be treated with the utmost respect and supported throughout their lives, not forgotten. I’m excited and honored to be co-leading this legislation to ensure that we aid our veterans.” 

“The Veterans of Foreign Wars Colorado supports this bill which will focus on Veterans Homelessness employment provisions. This legislation allows the Department of Labor greater capacity to fund programs directly to the benefit of Veterans to provide job training, counseling, and placement services. Often the homeless veteran simply needs a hand up to burst through the frustrations of preparedness for the job market.” said Steve Kjonaas, Veterans of Foreign Wars Colorado Legislative Director.

Since 1988, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has utilized this program to offer job counseling, resume preparation, and job placement for former service members. The program follows-up with participants at 30-, 90- and 180-day intervals. Rep. Neguse’s bill increases the funding allocated to the HVRP from $60 million per year to $75 million. The Government Accountability Office cited the HVRP program as one of the most effective, efficient federal homeless assistance programs in the nation. 

Background

Congressman Neguse has been a staunch advocate for providing support to unhoused veterans. As part of the 2023 end of the year omnibus bill he secured $650,000 for the Veterans Community Project Transitional Housing in Longmont, Colorado. This project supports the construction of tiny homes for unhoused veterans in Colorado's Second Congressional District. 

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