Nearly 200,000 veterans are homeless on any given night and twice as many experience homelessness during a year. Right now, the number of homeless Vietnam era veterans is greater than the number of service persons who died during that war. Already, veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are appearing in the homeless population.

Volunteers of America of Illinois is happy to announce the launch of a new program to help homeless veterans achieve stability and self-sufficiency. The program is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.  The program, which is called the Homeless Veteran’s Reintegration Program or HVRP, will provide a broad continuum of services to homeless veterans in Chicago including outreach, assessment, targeted case management, supportive services, job training and placement, life skills training, assistance with recovery and aftercare support.

Locating and connecting with homeless veterans is a key to the success of all Volunteers of America’s programs. In some locations integrated service centers are provided, where veterans have access to a full array of services in one location. Volunteers of America also operates a mobile service center, reaching out to veterans with medical and dental care and access to benefits and services.

Transitional housing is provided for homeless veterans and their families. Comprehensive support services include outreach and assessment, emergency services and case management. Volunteers of America also offers Transitional Treatment Programs, providing residential therapeutic treatment for veterans recovering from substance addiction and special needs services for the frail elderly and veterans with mental illness.

Homeless veterans are prepared to re-enter the labor force through employment and training, as well as linkage to community support services. A special feature is outreach by veterans who themselves have experienced homelessness. Employment programs also include Compensated Work Therapy where veterans learn new job skills. Volunteers of America also operates Incarcerated Veterans Transitional Programs, reintegrating veterans exiting the corrections system into their home.

For more information please call 312-564-2300.