REP. MIKE THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $238,000 GRANT TO AID AND SUPPORT TO SONOMA COUNTY VETERANS

Grant will assist veterans with job training, job placement, housing and other services

Washington, DC – July 1, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-05) today announced a $238,000 federal grant that will provide Sonoma County veterans with job training, job placement, housing and other services. The grant, provided through the Department of Labor (DOL), will be awarded to Vietnam Veterans of California, Inc. in Santa Rosa. The grants were awarded through the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP).

“No one who has fought for our nation in uniform should have to fight for a job or a roof over their head when they return to civilian life,” said Thompson. “Too many of our nation’s heroes live every day without a job or shelter. This is a disgrace and as a combat veteran myself I know we must do better. This grant will ease the transition to civilian life for Sonoma County’s veterans and help make sure can find work, get a home and support their family.”

The HVRP grants will help homeless veterans reintegrate into society and the labor force while providing services aimed at addressing the complex challenges that homeless veterans often confront. The services provided by grantees will include job placement, on-the-job training, career counseling, life skills and money management mentoring, as well as help in finding housing.

Funds were awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. These organizations are familiar with the areas and populations to be served and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs to help veterans.

More information on the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs for veterans can be found at www.dol.gov/vets.

Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California’s 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus.