Volunteers of America of Kentucky and Tennessee

HVRP Program is Model for Rural Areas

Not long ago, homeless veterans in Eastern Kentucky had little hope of re-entering the workforce.  In 1993, Volunteers of America of Kentucky and Tennessee (VOAKT) decided to act on their belief that these men and women, who have served their country with honor, deserved a helping hand to help them return to self-sufficiency and a sense of dignity.  That year the organization applied for a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor-Veterans' Employment and Training Service (DOL-VET). They received a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) grant of $110,000, which allowed them to start a comprehensive employment assistance program on Veterans Day 1993. Since then, the program has provided employment to hundreds of veterans in a 17-county area in Eastern Kentucky. 

The VOAKT employment assistance program, funded by HVRP and located in Pikeville, KY, is the only VOA program currently offered in this 1,800-square-mile area of rural Eastern Kentucky.  It is located in an area where residents face many challenges, such as the lack of public transportation and an unemployment rate of 15%.  Finding employment in this area is difficult; and when added to the burden of being homeless, it can seem hopeless.

The VOAKT HVRP staff has learned quite a bit over the last 11 years about helping homeless veterans find employment.  They help homeless veterans prepare for job searches and placement, provide referrals for housing, help them apply for supportive services, and offer limited case management.

VOAKT recognizes that people trying to become stable and independent in their work life need to achieve stability in their home life as well.  Alex Carroll, VOAKT staff member, says that aggressive outreach is the key to the success of the program, as veterans in the area are often isolated, lack transportation, and do not always know what supportive services are available or where to apply for them. 

By providing housing for homeless veterans and connecting them with existing supportive service providers, VOAKT enhances the likelihood they can succeed in finding gainful employment.  The staff constantly advocates for their clients to ensure that services are accessible and coordinated.  After 10 years of service to the community, the VOAKT HVRP program has become the referral resource center for a wide range of veteran assistance projects.  Staff maintain a close relationship with county social services agencies, Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Offices, the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, and the region's landlords who provide veterans with housing opportunities.  Most of the coordination of local services is accomplished without formal memorandums of understanding. 

The Department of Labor requires HVRP grant recipients to establish and achieve specific goals that demonstrate program success.  VOAKT reported the following outcomes for its HVRP employment assistance program in fiscal year 2003:

HVRP Outcomes – 2003:
                                                                           Goal    Actual   % of Goal
Participants enrolled                                                72         68         94%
Placed in housing                                                    72         68         94%
Direct unsubsidized employment placements             32         34       106%
Combined placements in employment                       48         48        100%
Average Hourly Wage at Placement                      $6.25     $9.16       147%
Number Retaining Employment for 30 days                40         42       108%
Number Retaining Employment for 90 days                38         40       105%
Number Retaining Employment for 180 days              34         35       103%

One challenge to the completion of homeless assistance programs by veterans cited by VOAKT in the final quarter of FY 2003 (April to June) was the attraction of temporary work that is available during warmer months in industries like construction.  Some clients are reportedly reluctant to enter the program while this short-term income is available. Efforts are ongoing to help potential clients understand the value of obtaining long-term employment rather than relying on seasonal work.

VOAKT believes that a strong focus on job retention is the key to successful program outcomes. Clients are provided with housing and other services to maximize their potential for success, which has led to an impressive number of successful long-term placements.  The key to their method is a focus on assessing the specific abilities of the veteran and matching them with employers who are interested in hiring them. VOAKT facilitates this matching process, offering support, encouragement and referral services as needed.

VOAKT makes a daily effort to build on its network of partners, including local nonprofit groups, landlords, government agencies and employers.  This communication helps clients overcome major barriers to employment.  An example of effective collaboration is providing transportation.  Some partner employers set up car pools for those that do not have vehicles.  Constant communication with landlords often makes placement in housing possible for homeless veterans on the same day as their intake into the program.

VOAKT provides vital employment and supportive services to almost 70 homeless veterans a year, and achieves a successful housing and job placement rate of 94% at an average cost of $2,205 per individual.  Without the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, it is doubtful homeless veterans in this expansive, rural area would have any access to employment assistance, and little chance of regaining their self esteem and economic independence. 

• For more information about the Volunteers of America of Kentucky and Tennessee program, call 502-636-0771.
• For more information about HVRP, go to: http://www.dol.gov/vets/ grants/new_hvrp_grants.htm.
  

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