1. Veterans Employment and Training Service
Department of Labor
Veterans Employment and Training Service
Presented To: Mid-West and Eastern Multi-Regional Conference
By: Lucius Drawhorn Jr.
US Department of Labor
Assistant Director for Veterans Employment and Training
Oklahoma
Good Morning
I am Lucius Drawhorn Jr. form the US Department of labor and I want to thank you for inviting me to participate in the Conference and provide you with an background on VETS and the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program
Before I get into HVRP, I want to give you some background on VETS and the unemployment rate for veterans.

2. VETS Vision and Mission Statement
Department of Labor
VETS Vision and Mission Statement
“We will be the nationally recognized leader in helping veterans, service members and spouses find good jobs.”
We Prepare America's veterans, service members and their spouses, for meaningful careers, Provide them with employment resources and expertise, Protect their employment rights and Promote their employment opportunities.
Compliance Assistance
Transition Assistance Program
Employment Services
Grants Management
VETS: who we are and what we do.
Compliance: Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), 38 U.S.C (Statute) Veterans' Preference
Transition Assistance Program: Department of Labor Employment Workshop (DOL-EW) GBX, Inc Consultants - Facilitators
Employment Services: Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) American Job Centers – JVSG Staff Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP)
Grants Management: Competitive Grants HVRP (Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program) IVTP (Incarcerated Veterans' Transition Program) Stand Downs

3. Department of Labor Background
2009 Congress mandated that the Secretary submit a report assessing employment needs of Native American veterans on tribal lands
2010 Department of Labor submitted a report to congress of employment needs of Native American veterans on tribal lands
I’ll share a little background about VETS Native American Initiative
In 2009 Congress mandated that the Secretary of Labor submit a report assessing employment needs of American Indian and Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian veterans living on tribal lands.
After receiving the mandate from Congress the Department contracted services to conduct a study on the employment needs of Native American veterans living on tribal lands.
In August 2010 the Department submitted the report to congress.

4. Department of Labor Background Continued;
The Report to Congress recommended:
Boost Economic Development
Collaborate across Federal, State and tribal govts
Launch communications program
Map services and needs to determine unmet needs
Create advisory committee subgroup
Add flexibility in programs to meet needs of Native American veterans
The Departments Report contained six recommendations;
Boost economic development on tribal lands;
Collaborate across Federal and State agencies with tribal governments;
Launch a communications program focused on outreach to Native American veterans on tribal lands;
Map inventoried employment needs of Native American veterans against existing programs and services available to veterans to identify unmet needs and eliminate overlaps;
Create an advisory committee subgroup to institutionalize an increased focus on Native American veteran employment issues; and
Allow for flexibility in existing employment programs to better meet the needs of Native American veterans.

5. Department of Labor Background Continued;
2012 GAO study to determine the status of the 6 recommendations in the 2010 Report. GAO recommended:
A written strategy
Identification and dissemination of Lessons Learned and Best Practices
Expanded collaboration with other agencies
In 2012, Congress initiated a GAO study to determine the progress the Department had made in addressing the six recommendations. The GAO published its final report (13-664) in September In the report, GAO recommended that the Secretary of Labor do the following:
Ensure the Department has a written strategy to position the agency to efficiently and effectively respond to the 2010 recommendations, including the identification of roles and responsibilities, as well as the goals, costs, and time frames to complete their implementation;
Identify and disseminate lessons-learned and promising practices from DOL and other agencies' efforts; and
Expand collaboration with other agencies to leverage agency resources. This effort could include working through the Advisory Committee on Veterans' Employment, Training and Employer Outreach (ACVETEO) and other efforts, strengthening relationships with agencies that also serve Native American veterans, such as the Department of Defense (DOD), Veterans Affairs (VA), Education, Health and Human Services, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).

6. Department of Labor Background Continued;
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, directed VETS to provide a strategy to the Congress in 2014.
As part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, VETS was directed to provide a report that outlines VETS strategy to implement the recommendations in the Departments’s Report on the Employment Needs of Native American Veterans Living on Tribal Lands.
The report was required to include goals, benchmarks, costs, and timelines.
As part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, VETS was directed to provide a report that outlines VETS strategy to implement the recommendations in the Department’s 2010 Report on the Employment Needs of Native American Veterans Living on Tribal Lands. 
The Act called for a report on the Department’s strategy to include, goals, benchmarks, costs, and timelines

7. The Department of Labor VETS Strategy
I won’t go into the specifics, that’s for another briefing. I just wanted to share what VETS’s strategy which is designed to engage American Indian, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiian veterans residing on reservations, villages, and home lands to improve employment services to and outcomes for this population. This strategy is subject to the Department of Labor’s Tribal Consultation Policy which states,
“In accordance with Executive Order 13175, when formulating and implementing policies that will have tribal implications, it is the Department’s policy that, to the extent practicable and permitted by law, consultation with affected Indian tribes will occur. As stated in the executive order, this refers to proposed legislation, regulations, policies, or actions that have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, and on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.”

8. Department of Labor
Required states’ strategic plans for FY to include how they will serve Native American veterans on tribal lands
Goal is to involve states in addressing needs
Requires a specific plan
Promotes collaboration with tribal governments
VETS’ guidance will required states to explicitly describe how they will, in consultation with tribes, serve Native American veterans on tribal lands in their 5-year JVSG Strategic Plans which begin October 1, Our guidance will solicit specific ideas on how employment services for Native American veterans on tribal lands can best be executed by the state in collaboration with tribal governments. The goal was to involve states in addressing the needs of the Native American veteran population on tribal lands by engaging them in tribal consultation so they are more informed about the challenges, priorities and opportunities that exist regarding veterans’ employment on tribal lands and by establishing initiatives in their 5-Year JVSG Strategic Plans. States wer required to specify in their 5-Year JVSG Strategic Plans the programs and services that are currently underway to address this population and what actions the states will initiate to improve these programs and/or services for FY 2015 – FY 2019.

9. Department of Labor
Allow states to request funding for Special Initiatives (SI) to support Native American veterans on tribal lands
Goal is to identify new and innovative ways of reaching out to Native American veterans on tribal lands
Allocates funds for special initiatives
Promotes collaboration with tribal governments
Consistent with the President’s initiative to Strengthen Tribal Communities Economic Development, we will allow more flexibility in funding through the JVSG program by publishing separate guidance for states on how to apply for SI funding in order to provide employment services to Native American veterans on tribal lands. VETS will review, prioritize, and award SI funds based on a) availability of funds, b) population of Native American veterans on tribal lands, and the c) demonstration of probable SI success. The goal is to identify new and innovative ways of reaching out to Native American veterans on tribal lands.

10. Department of Labor
Encourage applications for Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) grants focused specifically on homeless Native American veterans on tribal lands
Goal is to develop a capacity among homeless service providers to serve homeless Native American veterans on tribal lands
Now let’s get into the focus of our briefing today which is the Homeless Veterans Reintegration program.
HVRP is a program within the Department that provides services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment and stimulates the development of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex problems facing homeless veterans.
VETS encourages potential service providers for homeless Native American veterans on tribal lands to apply for HVRP grants. The strategy will be to continue improving the capacity to serve this population. VETS will confer with VA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Inter-Agency Council on Homelessness and conduct outreach activities to identify service providers who may be providing special reintegration or housing services for the homeless Native American veterans on tribal lands.
One of VETS grantee’s Muskogee Creek Nation has graciously decided to join us today and after I finish my portion they will come and share their experience as being a HVRP grantee.

11. Department of Labor
Veteran Unemployment Rate 2.7 Percent in October In October 2017, the veteran unemployment rate was 2.7 percent, down from 4.3 percent last October. In comparison, the non-veteran unemployment rate for October 2017 was 3.8 percent (not seasonally adjusted). Additionally, Gulf War II-era veterans (those who served after September 11, 2001) showed a rate of 3.6 percent for the month
Source:
Why is this important?: according to an article published by the National Coalition for the Homeless in July extended periods of unemployment is “one” of the reasons for the increase of homelessness.

12. Department of Labor HVRP Competitive Grant Eligible Applicants
Employment Focused
HVRP: Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP) is to provide services to assist in reintegrating homeless veterans into meaningful employment within the labor force and to stimulate the development of effective service delivery systems that will address the complex problems facing homeless veterans.
Competitive Grant: Funds are awarded on a competitive basis. Applications are received and reviewed to determine which grantee will be selected.
Eligible Applicants: State and local Workforce Investment Boards, public agencies, for-profit/commercial entities, and non-profit organizations, including faith based and community based organizations.
EmploymenT Focused: The program is "employment focused" and veterans receive the employment and training services they need in order to re-enter the labor force. Job placement, training, job development, career counseling, resume preparation, are among the services that are provided. Supportive services such as clothing, provision of or referral to temporary, transitional, and permanent housing, referral to medical and substance abuse treatment, and transportation assistance are also provided to meet the needs of this target group.

13. Department of Labor HVRP Outreach Component Modified
Former Homeless veterans
HVRP has featured an outreach component using veterans who themselves have experienced homelessness. In recent years, this successful technique was modified to allow the programs to utilize formerly homeless veterans in various other positions where there is direct client contact such as counseling, peer coaching, intake, and follow-up services.
Source:

14. Department of Labor HVRP Partner Agencies
State Workforce Agencies AJC’s
Workforce Investment Boards
American Legion
Disabled American Veterans
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Departments of Veterans' Affairs
The emphasis on helping homeless veterans get and retain jobs is enhanced through many linkages and coordination with various veterans' services programs and organizations such as the Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives stationed in the local employment service offices of the State Workforce Agencies AJC’s, Workforce Investment Boards, One-Stop Centers, Veterans' Workforce Investment Program, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Departments of Veterans' Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human Services.

15. Department of Labor Funding Opportunity Announcements
February 2017 the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), announces the availability of approximately $12 million in grant funds authorized under Title 38 of United States Code (U.S.C.), Sections 2021 and 2023.
Applicants may apply for a 12-month grant. 
The maximum limit for an individual award is $500,000.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), announces the availability of approximately $??????? million in grant funds authorized under Title 38 of United States Code (U.S.C.), Sections 2021 and 2023.
12-month grant. The current grant period of performance is July 1, 2017, to June 30, If you’re interested in applying for next years grant I encourage you to take immediate action because the deadline for submission for the next period of performance will be July 1, 2018, to June 30, The application deadline will be March 31, 2018 (approximate)
The purpose of these funds is to conduct programs to provide job training, counseling, placement, and related services to expedite the reintegration of homeless and incarcerated veterans (eligible veterans) into the labor force. As the applicant, you are encouraged to design programs that address the employment challenges faced by eligible veterans in consultation with industry, employers, and employer associations to identify the skills needed for in-demand jobs and careers.
DOL-VETS will conduct Audits and there are quarterly reporting requirements.

16. Department of Labor Questions? Resources:
Division of Indian and Native American Programs
Questions regarding HVRP Grant?
Resources:
Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and Training Service
Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration-Division of Indian and Native American Programs
Grants.gov
Before we take a break I would like to Introduce to you one of our Grantees, Ms. Denna Voltra, Grant Coordinator, Muskogee Creek Nation, Henryetta, OK After the break she will share her experience as an HVRP Grantee.

17. Department of Labor Muskogee Creek Nation
Deana Votra, Grant Coordinator
Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program
Muskogee Creek Nation: MCN’s Grant Coordinator, Deana Voltra will share MCN’s experience of being a grantee from their initial grant, Staffing, Outreach to state agencies, community service organizations and candidates, Networking with other service providers, travel. Etc.