Homeless Veteran Service Providers > Massachusetts Veterans Inc.
Massachusetts Veterans Inc.
HVRP Gives Homeless Veterans Technical Advantage
It the beginning of the 1990s, a group of Vietnam veterans banded together to open a homeless shelter for fellow veterans in Worcester, MA. In 1992, the group formed a nonprofit organization called Massachusetts Veterans Inc. (MVI), and with assistance from the state of Massachusetts, volunteers and labor unions, they opened a shelter in a previously condemned National Guard armory. The shelter served as a temporary home for nine clients when it opened. In the 11 years since, MVI has expanded to provide housing and supportive services to more than 5,000 homeless veterans.
In 2000, MVI applied for and received an $82,425 grant from the Department of Labor (DOL) Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP). This funding allowed the organization to develop the MVI Employment and Training Division (MVIETD) to help shelter residents prepare for and find employment.
The MVIETD employment program involves providing needed wrap-around services that maximize client success in securing employment and achieving self-sufficiency. Employment services that are provided include job counseling and assessment; pre-employment services such as interview training, application and resume completion; internet job search instruction; training; and job placement services.
Wrap-around services that are an integral part of the program include transitional housing, clothing, medical and substance abuse treatment referrals, and transportation assistance.
Employment specialists provide one-on-one case management to clients. They help clients conduct job searches, provide job coaching, schedule interviews and ensure clients receive the transportation assistance they need to get to interviews and job sites. Clients are encouraged to enroll in computer training courses at the MVI Computer Academy. Courses include basic computer literacy, an eight-week computer building and repair course, and a six-week certification preparation class.
MVIETD has a current budget of $337,732, with $275,787 funded through the HVRP program, and the rest coming from the City of Worcester Community Development Block Grant, donations and fundraising. The organization has increased its interaction with local employers to help identify employment opportunities.
The computer academy has instituted an internationally recognized certification and testing course provided free of charge to clients. MVI also owns and operates the Mobile Education Center, a handicapped-accessible, 32-foot recreational vehicle equipped with 12 Dell computers. This resource is used to expand access to computer training in several rural sites.
HVRP programs are expected to provide linkages to other mainstream services in the communities they serve. MVI collaborates with local community-based organizations and government agencies to improve and expand services for its clients, including:
- United Veterans of America
- Veterans Transition House
- Massachusetts Veterans Outreach Center
- Veterans outreach centers in Marlboro and Pittsfield
- The Puerto Rican Veterans' Association of Massachusetts
- Transitional housing programs across the state
- Government agencies, including Department of Labor, VA hospitals and clinics
- The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars
- One-stop work centers throughout the state
The Department of Labor traditionally approves HVRP programs that include innovative practices that can be replicated in other parts of the country. According to Allison Alaimo, MVI Employment and Training Manager, the Employment and Training Division is innovative in its approach to the care and rehabilitation of homeless veterans because of its focus on employment as the means to end homelessness. The goals established within each employment plan are individualized and attainable because they are based on a comprehensive understanding of the needs and skills of each client. The program also includes job retention efforts to ensure that those who find employment and housing have the resources they need to avoid returning to the street.
Massachusetts Veterans Inc. HVRP – 2003:
Goal Actual % of Goal
Assessments 772 761 99%
Enrollments 500 538 108%
Placed in Perm Housing 183 178 97%
Pre-Employment Services 261 463 177%
Occupational Skills Training 130 192 148%
Employment Placement 157 182 116%
Combined Placements (Emp.) 244 254 104%
Retained Employment 90 days 193 139 72%
Retained Employment 180 Days 163 96 59%
Average Hourly Wage $9.25 $9.79 106%
In order to determine the level of success each HVRP program achieves, DOL assesses outcomes that are compared to goals outlined in each organization's application. Grant recipients must file quarterly reports with the department. Massachusetts Veterans Inc. exceeded most of its program goals by large margins.
According to the above measurements, the MVI program has earned high marks in enrollments, pre-employment services, occupational skills training, direct employment placement and hourly wages. The program had room to improve in employment retention and assisted placement. All other areas were within 5% of program goals.
The combination of services, collaboration with the community, and the extensive outreach efforts provided by MVI constitute an effective, model program that other
homeless veteran employment programs can implement. The program provides modern, useful computer training that gives homeless veterans skills that may not be possessed by other job applicants, and the mobile education center takes the training where clients need it. This innovative approach to employment training and outreach has earned MVIETD recognition as a national HVRP best practice.
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