Seven months ago, Mayor Donna Deegan championed the HVRP program, saying “Jacksonville is a proud military town, and this program provides an array of services to directly assist our homeless vets, get them support and make sure they have a good job and appropriate housing. They get everything from job placement and training to resume preparation, along with referrals to temporary transitional and permanent housing. This program is really something to brag about!”

In the 2023 grant year (July 1,2023 to June 30, 2024) 92 veterans were enrolled in the program, with 76 placed into employment with an average hourly wage of $17.63. Over the same time frame, 88% of clients received vocational training, and the program achieved an 81% employment rate for chronically homeless.

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 4 p.m. Veterans may also contact the HVRP Staff at (904) 255-5550.