The National Learning Center (NLC) and NVTI are pleased to announce the appointment of Vaune Shelbourn as its new director. Outgoing director Steve Chapman plans to stay on during the transition of the new director into the position.

 

Shelbourn has been with NVTI since 1987, when she joined the instructor staff after serving as a LVER/job interviewer at a Nebraska employment service office. In 1993, Shelbourn was promoted to NVTI training and development manager. In 1997, she moved to Montana but continued to work for NVTI and NLC as a senior instructor, primarily conducting training sessions off campus in many states around the nation. She also assisted in the development and revision of several NVTI and NLC courses.

 

"I am honored and excited to have this chance to guide NVTI and the National Learning Center. I've seen the impact of our training programs in so many states over the years, and I want to continue building that strong reputation for results oriented learning," Shelbourn said.

   

Shelbourn is a veteran of the U.S. Army and holds a B.A. from Edinboro (PA) University and a M.S. from the University of Colorado at Denver.

 

 

As part of NCHV's technical assistance grant from the Department of Labor-Veterans Employment and Training Service (DOL-VETS), 15 to 20 Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP) Best Practices profiles will be added to the profiles currently featured on the organization's website. Both new and revised program profiles will be published for distribution to grantees, members of Congress, and organizations interested in planning and implementing employment assistance programs for homeless veterans.

 

Organizations interested in being considered for this important resource guide should fill out the questionnaire distributed at the DOL-VETS Competitive Grantees Conference and fax it with a letter outlining what makes your program worthy of consideration to NCHV at 202-546-1969, or you can email Randy Brown at nchv6@nchv.org to request a questionnaire if you did not receive one. Best Practices are model HVRP programs that serve as examples of successful programs for those wishing to start or improve their own employment assistance projects.

 

The HVRP Best Practices Project, first published in 2004, remains the fifth-most accessed feature on the NCHV website. A $500 stipend will be awarded to programs selected for inclusion to offset the cost of staff participation in support of the project. 

 

CSH has published the "Guidebook on Developing Permanent Supportive Housing for Homeless Veterans," created through a subcontract with the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans with funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The guidebook is geared for veterans housing and service organizations that are interested in developing permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans. The document also includes a case study of a permanent supportive housing project for homeless veterans in San Francisco. To download the publication for free, visit http://www.csh.org/publications. To request a printed copy, send email to nchv5@nchv.org.

 

 

The Department of Veterans Affairs has added a link on its website to a page dedicated to services for veterans returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. 

VA offers a wide range of benefits for returning veterans from these combat theaters. Included are links to other federal agencies and organizations that offer related benefits and services. 

The page also includes a section with quick tips, as well as pages dedicated to the following areas of interest: benefits, medical, dependents, transition assistance, active duty, and reservists/national guard. To access these resources, visit: http://www.seamlesstransition.va.gov/.

 

 

 

 

The National Alliance to End Homelessness has published a policy guide to help policymakers and advocates understand federal programs and policies regarding housing and homelessness. The 80-page guide includes information and recommendations about recent action on appropriations, pending legislation, and the broader context in which existing policies are being debated. It also provides advocates with information about the legislative process and key strategies for influencing the process.

To view the guide visit: http://www.endhomelessness.org/pol/2006_policy_book.pdf.

 

 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has updated three chapters of the Integrated Disbursement & Information System Reference Manual.  Updated chapters include:

Chapter 1, Grants Management, available at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/systems/idis/library/ refmanual/ref_man_1.pdf

Chapter 4, Setting Up the Activity Common Path, available at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/systems/idis/library/refmanual/ref_man_4.pdf

Chapter 9, Setting Up and Completing HOME Activities, available at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/systems/idis/library/ refmanual/ref_man_9.pdf.

 

 

Wells Fargo is proud to support organizations working to strengthen communities. Through their contributions, they give back to nonprofits that address vital community needs and issues.  Grant proposals are accepted continually, and are available in these states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, IL, IN, IA, MI, MN, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, and WY.  For more information visit: https://www.wellsfargo.com/about/charitable/.

 

 

NCHV is hosting a series of conference calls that focus on employment programs and related resources. Calls are scheduled for September 6 and 26, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. (EDT). The September 6 call will focus on tools for job development and employer marketing. 

 

NCHV is partnering with Advocates for Human Potential and other service providers to conduct this series of conference calls on employment strategies. Each teleconference will have a supplemental PowerPoint presentation, as well as other resource material distributed prior to the call.
 
To register for the September 6 call, send an email with your name, organization, and email address to employment2@nchv.org.

 

 

Stand Down co-founder Dr. John Nachison of San Diego and the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) have teamed up to produce the revised Stand Down Guide, a resource for organizations that are planning to develop a homeless veteran outreach assistance program in their communities. The guide may be obtained by sending an email request to nchv2@nchv.org. Please include your organization name and contact information: event coordinator/sponsor; address; phone number; email address; and website, if applicable.

 

The Stand Down program discussed in this guide is widely recognized as the most effective outreach program to help homeless veterans in the nation. In partnership with the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Labor, more than 100 communities nationwide hold Stand Down programs, reaching more than 25,000 homeless veterans each year. Programs range from one to three days, and costs range from $8,000 to more than $40,000 per event depending on length and variety of services offered. This guide will help you organize the event, develop a reasonable budget, and plan your activities to maximize the effectiveness of the program.