The City of Jacksonville’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department (MAVD) was awarded a $231,750 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to support the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP). The employment-focused program utilizes a case management approach to directly assist homeless veterans with access to a variety of local support services.
 
“Jacksonville is a proud military town that takes seriously our commitment to the men and women who have served and sacrificed so much on behalf of our nation,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “No veteran should be forced to spend a night on the streets of a nation they have fought to defend. I am proud of the hard work that our Military Affairs and Veterans Department and Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program accomplish in support of our veterans.”
 
In the 2018 grant year (July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019) more than 90 veterans were enrolled in the program, with 78 placed into employment with an average hourly wage of $12.32. Over the same timeframe, 98% of clients received vocational training and the program achieved a 96% employment rate for chronically homeless. July marks the 12th grant year for the program being funded in Jacksonville.
 
Through HVRP, Veterans receive the employment and training services they need to re-enter the labor force, including job placement, training, career counseling and resume preparation services. In collaboration with local programs and through grant resources, support services such as interview clothing and work tools are made available to participants, as well as referrals to temporary, transitional and permanent housing, medical treatment and transportation assistance. 
 
Veterans must be homeless, living in temporary shelter or be facing the impending loss of their housing through foreclosure or eviction to apply for the program. Documentation of foreclosure or eviction is required.
 
For more information about HVRP, citizens are encouraged to visit the office at City Hall, Suite 175, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Veterans may also contact the HVRP Staff at (904) 255-5550.