Homeless 

Employment 

Guid

for Service P

U.S. Departme

Veterans’ Employment a

200 Constitutio

Washington, D

202-693-
Table of Contents 

3 Connecting With the Community 

■ Community-based Organizations

■ Community/Government Partnerships

7 Special Considerations 

■ Residence■ Health and Hygiene■ Lack of Income

■ Personal & Veteran Identification

9 Communicating With Employers 

■ Legal Considerations

■ Regarding Homelessness

10 Supporting the Veteran 

■ Understanding the Client 

■ Coaching the Homeless Job Seeker

11 Employment Services 13 Disabled Veteran Employment 15 Other Employment Resources 16 General Assistance Resources 

®

This guide was produced with the assistance of the 

NATIONAL COALITION 

for HOMELESS VETERANS

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Introduction This guide was produced t

hrough a D

serve as a quick reference resource to com

munity-based organizations, socia

and others who are hel

ping homeless v

obtain employ

ment. 

Homeless veterans have t

he same lega

employment assistance, preferences i

n 

an

d eligibility for Department of Vete

Depart

ment of Labor employ

ment pro

homelessness presents unique challenUse t

his guide to address those issues 

success i

n hel

ping t

his special veteran 

Connecting With the CHel

ping homeless veterans obtain stea

seem like a daunting challenge, but if with the local homeless service providthe valuable allies and support you nemost co

m

mu

nities, yo

u will be welco

m

established team of government officihomeless service providers, social woand counselors who are working togetin

divid

uals an

d families. 

■ Community-based OrganizatCom

munity-based and faith-based org

more direct services for homeless vetefacilities co

mbined. These organizatio

regional net

works i

n partnership with 

provide emergency and transitional hocounseling and job placement servicesaid, su

bstance ab

use an

d mental health 

and other supportive services t

hat prep

once again become productive membewill be sen

din

g yo

u job-ready veteran

participated i

n job preparation and tra

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To learn which organizations can help you better serve your 

homeless veteran clients, refer to the following: • National Coalition for Homeless Veterans – The only national 

organization wholly dedicated to providing services for homeless veterans, NCHV can offer valuable information and guidance about assistance programs in many communities. Go to 

www.nchv.org, and click on “Locate a Community-based 

Organization” for contact information in your area. 

• Coalitions for the Homeless are networks of service providers 

working together to help homeless people. They exist in most cities and urban counties. Look in the local phone book, or contact the mayor’s office for information. You may also find local information about assistance providers, arranged by state, at www.nationalhomeless.org/local/local.html. 

• Local Charitable Organizations – Local chapters of national 

organizations can be a valuable source of information on employment and other supportive services available in their communities. Contact the nearest office of the Salvation Army, Volunteers of America, United Way, Goodwill, Catholic Charities, and other charitable organizations. Local yellow pages often have a section for “Homeless” or “Homeless Services” that includes listings for organizations that help homeless citizens. 

• Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), such as the American 

Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans Association, Blinded Veterans Association, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Vietnam Veterans of America and Non Commissioned Officers Association, offer employment related services for veterans in various localities. Contact the local posts or chapters and ask about their services. 

• Stand Downs – These are one- to three-day events offering 

homeless veterans a broad range of necessities including food, 

clothing, medical services, legal and mental health assistance, 

job counseling and referrals. Employment specialists should participate in these programs to forge strong community ties and to provide employment counseling for homeless veterans. A list of scheduled Stand Downs can be found at www.nchv.org. 

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■ Community/Government Par• Department of Housing and Urban 

federal homeless program funding iHUD, which allocates funds accord

of Care” plans. Local homeless servgovernment agencies work together HUD maintains a list of agencies anorganizations in every state that proindividuals and families. Go to: ww

• Department of Labor – Veterans’ 

Service – Homeless Veterans Rein

(HVRP) facilitates the reintegration the labor force through grants that acommunity-based organizations, woand state government agencies offerreadiness services. Call your local sservice office and ask for the DOL rHVRP programs that are available i

• Department of Labor – Veterans’ 

Service – Veterans Workforce Inv

provides grants to states and commulocal public organizations to offer wveterans who have service connecteexperience in a war or campaign, arservice, or are facing significant bar(including homelessness). To check contact your nearest DOL-VETS oflisted at: http://www.dol.gov/vets/ab

• Department of Veterans Affairs C

Department of Veterans Affairs conhealthcare facilities and the nation’s providers and clients through the CoAssessment, Local Education and N(CHALENG) Project. Survey informof the number of homeless veterans service area, the services that are avgaps in necessary services. Each VA designated point of contact. For the 
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nearest you, go to www.va.gov/homeless/ and click on “CHALENG Report.” 

• Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Health 

Administration Homeless Veteran Coordinators – Every VA 

medical center has a Homeless Veteran Coordinator who can give you information about local services for homeless veterans provided through the Veterans Health Administration. Services include outreach, case management, referrals to benefits counselors, linkage to health care and housing assistance. 

For local contacts, go to: www.va.gov/homeless/docs/HCHV_ 

Programs_ByState.pdf. 

• Department of Veterans Affairs – Veteran Benefits 

Administration Homeless Veteran Coordinators – Every VA 

Regional Office (VARO) has an assigned Homeless Veteran Coordinator who can help expedite the VA benefits claims process for homeless veterans. To find the nearest VBA office, go to: www1.va.gov/directory/guide/allstate_flsh.asp. 

• State Directors of Veterans Affairs – Every state has a 

Director of Veterans Affairs, usually appointed by the governor. These offices are not associated with the VA, and may provide additional services to veterans that include housing assistance, employment programs, education grants and emergency loans. Services vary widely from state to state. 

For contact information in your state, go to www.nasdva.com. 

• County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs) – These are locally 

funded veteran representatives authorized to help veterans file claims for benefits to which they are entitled due to military service, and provide referrals to supportive services veterans 

need. Not all states have CVSOs. Check the blue pages of your 

local phone book to see if there is a county veteran service officer in your area, or check online at www.nacvso.org. 

• State Offices on Aging – Department of Labor Title V 

programs, administered by State Offices or Bureaus on Aging, focus on employment training for veterans 55 and older and their spouses who meet low-income criteria, which includes homelessness. Check the blue pages of your phone book under “State Government” for contact information. May be listed under Human Services or Public Assistance. 

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Special Considerations ■ Residence Homeless veterans who are not enrollprogram often have no fixed address, and phone calls may be a problem. Duhow you will keep in touch with your • If staying at a shelter, the veteran sh

use its address and telephone numb

Community shelters often have limistay, so a long-term alternative for 

• If transient, the veteran should obtain 

and phone calls at an acceptable locThis can be a local shelter, VA regiveteran service organization (VSO)your office. Clients should be referrtransitional housing programs as soother supportive services they need prospects of obtaining steady, gainfinformation on how to help your cli“General Assistance Resources” secguide. 

■ Health and Hygiene Depending on how long they have beeresidence, homeless veterans may havhygiene issues that must be addressedalready enrolled in a supportive residereferred to the nearest VA medical cencommunity clinic for assessment and t• Hepatitis C, HIV, tuberculosis (TB) 

a higher risk of contracting these inpopulation, and homeless veterans aHepatitis C and TB. 

• General health screening. • Dental care – this is often one of the 

someone encounters economic hard

• Mental health assessment – a large p

veterans experience depression or p
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(PTSD) related to their military service and their struggles leading to and during periods of homelessness. 

• Substance abuse – Untreated psychosocial disorders often lead 

to self-medication with alcohol and illegal drugs. As many as 

76% of homeless veterans have substance abuse and/or mental health issues. 

Remember: Addiction is, in itself, a disease that requires treatment and follow-up supportive counseling. You need to familiarize yourself with the recovery process and the programs in which your clients are participating. 

■ Lack of Income Clothing for interviews; laundry; preparing, copying and mailing resumes and applications; telephone calls to prospective employers; transportation to interviews – all of these are cost items many homeless veterans cannot afford. • If the veteran is in a residential program, contact the case 

manager to determine availability of clothing, help with resume and job applications, bus tokens or other transportation 

assistance, telephone access and other support. 

• If transient, the veteran will be dependent upon other sources of 

assistance. Refer to “General Assistance” on page 16. 

■ Personal & Veteran Identification Many homeless veterans do not have the personal identification documents required to obtain employment. Along with an application and resume, a person may need the following: • Photo ID – Contact the VA homeless veterans coordinator at the 

nearest VA Medical Center for information about how to obtain a photo ID. These are VA eligibility and veteran status confirmation cards with the veteran’s photo. To find the center serving your area, look in the blue pages of the phone book under “U.S. Government, Veterans Affairs.” State Motor Vehicle Departments provide this service for a fee. 

• DD 214 – Homeless veterans are entitled to one copy of their 

service and medical records free of charge. Send requests to the 

National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63132-5100. 

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Homeless veterans, through their Dmanager, may fax the request for resure to write “Homeless veteran casVeterans discharged from the Navy Marine Corps after Sept. 30, 2001, Navy Personnel Command, PERS 3Millington, TN 38055-3120. Veterarequests online at vetrecs.archives.gState Offices of Veterans Affairs ofveterans who are state residents. Go 

contact information in your state. 

• Birth Certificate – Contact the appro

government in the veteran’s state of 

• Social Security Card – Apply at the n

Office (check the blue pages of youU.S. Government, Social Security Atightened security at some federal blocal office to see if there are speciaveteran clients must follow to comp

Communicating With E■ Legal Considerations Many homeless veterans have historieabuse and legal problems, and you murestrictions on your activities. Generalthese issues with your client, but the vhas an absolute legal right to divulge mhistories to a potential employer. You• Helping prepare the veteran to answ

health and legal issues. Be honest an

veteran draft statements that attest taddress past problems. These can be requested, or used during preparatio

• Accessing VA medical and service r

complementing the case managemereceiving through a supportive residthe veteran develop an individual em
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serving as a de facto case manager, you should request that the 

veteran complete the Request for and Consent to Release Information from Claimant’s Records, VA Form 70-3288. 

■ Regarding Homelessness You are encouraged to maintain follow-up contact with homeless veterans after they have accepted employment. This is necessary to assess the success of the client, and to evaluate the suitability of employment opportunities for other homeless veterans. • When the outcomes are positive, employment specialists should 

cultivate their association with companies that have benefited from successful placements. 

• Care should be exercised to focus only on the skills, work ethic 

and job performance of the veteran clients. Do not engage in discussions with employers about private, personal matters. 

• NEVER guarantee that a client will perform at a satisfactory 

level. The veteran’s performance is beyond your control. Your integrity as an employment specialist must be safeguarded. 

Supporting the Veteran ■ Understand the Client It is not unusual for a person to experience anxiety and frustration when applying for employment and undergoing the strain of interviews. Homeless veterans often have the added burden of impaired self-esteem, fear of failure and other psychosocial obstacles to overcome. In many cases, the veteran will need supportive case management and various counseling services long after gaining employment. Part of your assessment will necessarily have to consider the veteran’s mental and emotional stability as it relates to the stress level of certain jobs. You may find that it is sometimes difficult to make a connection with a homeless veteran. Their trust is not easily earned. Some seek instant solutions and don’t return when their expectations are not met. Advise your client up front that seeking employment takes time, and be prepared to coach them through frustration. 

Make certain your clients know your dyou will go the distance with them. 

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■ Coaching the Homeless Job • Make sure the client does the work w

employment. Offer guidance and aspreparation and filling out applicatiThis will be a critical learning and pfor the veteran. Your objective shouhow to search for and obtain steady

• During the initial assessment, you w

current skills and work experience wHowever, this is also an excellent odevelop employment plans that reflcoach them on how to achieve their 

• Obtain the client’s permission to talk 

about the need for additional job pretraining. The case manager will be oand influential allies. 

• Be honest with the client to minimiz

you will have to make it clear he or over.” Discuss reasonable job advan

encourage the veteran to participate programs that will open the door to 

• Work with the veteran’s case manag

programs, benefits or social serviceclient’s income. 

• Help clients understand that success

ultimately their responsibility, that imotivation, commitment and satisfa

Employment Services Use this section to guide your employRefer to the following sources, in addservices, to help your clients prepare fand apply for vocational training and find immediate employment opportun
■ Department of Labor – Veterans’ Employment and 

Training Service – Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project (HVRP) provides grants to homeless veteran service 

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providers across the nation to help veterans return to the 

workforce. To find programs in your area, go to 

http://www.dol.gov/vets/aboutvets/contacts/main.htm. 

■ Department of Labor – Veterans’ Employment and 

Training Service – Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER) are employment specialists funded by DOL-VETS and stationed in more than 1,600 state, municipal and county 

employment offices nationwide. LVERs are trained and certified to help veterans prepare for and secure employment. They work closely with government agencies, communitybased service organizations and employers. To find the LVER serving your area, call your state employment office, or contact DOL-VETS at: www.dol.gov/vets/aboutvets/contacts/ 

main.htm. 

■ Department of Veterans Affairs website can help job seekers 

prepare resumes, find on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs, and search for job openings by state. For more information about VA employment assistance services and programs, and for contact information in your area, go to 

www.va.gov, and click on “Vocational Rehabilitation and 

Employment Services.” 

■ State Employment Offices – Every state government has an 

employment services and assistance department that provides information and supportive services to job seekers. Though each state is different, most offer comprehensive job listings, veteran-specific assistance programs (usually in partnership with DOL and VA programs), and information about unemployment benefits and training programs. If you have not already done so, search your state’s employment assistance 

website for services that are offered, application policies, contact information and office locations. On most Internet search engines, simply type in the state name followed by “employment.” 

■ State Offices of Veterans Affairs 

of Veterans Affairs. These offices VA, and provide additional serviceinclude employment training and jcontact information in your state, glook in the blue pages of your locaGovernment, Veterans Affairs.” 

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■ National Coalition for Homeless V

community-based organizations prpreparation and placement serviceoften part of a holistic program offsupportive services. For a list of m

provide information and local emp

www.nchv.org and click on “Loca

Organization,” or call 800-VET-H

■ On-line Employment Resources a

• America’s Job Bank – A compremployment opportunities nationwfor openings within 25 miles of analso several other job banks listed. to: http://www.nvti.cudenver.edu/v• Job-Hunt.org – A national organcomprehensive employment servicstate, on-line application capabilitibenefits for job seekers. Go to: ww

Disabled Veteran EmplThe great majority of homeless veteraillness, substance abuse disorders, or pbe service-connected or are the result Employment specialists should be awaplace to serve disabled veterans and haccess them. Unless disability status hthe process of determining disability athe programs will take time. In most cproceed with your employment assistaapplications for disability benefits are 
■ Department of Labor – Veterans’ Employment and 

Training Service – Disabled Veterans Outreach Program

(DVOP) – The DVOP Program provides funding through state employment agencies and many community-based homeless service providers nationwide to support dedicated staff who develop and provide employment and job training opportunities 

for disabled veterans. The program promotes and develops onthe-job training, apprenticeships and other employment services 

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in both the private sector and federal job programs. The program provides outreach to veterans through local agencies and community-based organizations. For information on the DVOP program, contact your nearest DOL-VETS office. Go to www.dol.gov/vets/aboutvets/contacts/main.htm. 

■ Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation 

and Employment Services offers a nationwide employment training program for service connected disabled veterans who qualify for vocational rehabilitation. In addition to employment and educational training programs, these offices can provide eligible disabled veterans with job-specific training and, in some cases, job placement assistance. The VA also provides eligible disabled veterans with assistance to obtain assistive technology devices to enhance employment opportunities and promote self-sufficiency. For information and local contacts, go to www.va.gov and click on “Vocational Rehabilitation and 

Employment Services.” 

■ Department of Veterans Affairs Compensated Work 

Therapy (CWT) Program is available to veterans meeting certain criteria and who are enrolled in a therapeutic or supportive residential program. The primary goal of the CWT 

program is to provide veterans with psychosocial disorders an opportunity to develop work skills and obtain employment to maximize, as much as possible, their independence and quality of life. The program involves intense case management support, employment, transitional housing, and a wide range of supportive services. Contact the local VA Medical Center to see if there are programs in your area. 

■ Social Security Administration – 

Administration provides supplemeincome to disabled Americans, reg

administers a national services netwdisabled people return to the workdisability and health care benefits t

The agency features a comprehensemployment specialists and job seesupplemental security income and assistance programs for disabled wnational 

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 “Ticket to Work” program; online and local employment contacts and download a copy of the “Red Bookresource for employment specialispeople trying to re-enter the workf

and click on “Disability and SSI.” 

Other Employment Re(Department of Labor’s 21st Century 

• America’s Career InfoNet – ww

America’s Career InfoNet (ACINemore informed career decisions. It employers, human resource speciadevelopment specialists. From learand employment trends to checkinskills and abilities against requiremthis site is your source to the most resources available on the Internet

• America’s Service Locator – 

ww

America’s Service Locator (ASL) the nearest location delivering valuassistance and information. The cushows the point-to-point directions providers. Quickly and effectively America’s Workforce Network’s snational level down to local One-Sproviders — is the top priority of A
• CareerOneStop – 

www.careeronestop.org

The CareerOneStop is a suite of Web-based applications formerly known as America’s Career Kit. The CareerOneStop portal provides easy access to the features and tools of America’s Job Bank, Career InfoNet and Service Locator. It 

organizes the information in these websites and offers additional information grouped by Centers. 

• Department of Labor Employment & Training Administration – www.doleta.gov

This DOL agency has responsibility for development and administration of training programs and services for the nation’s 

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workforce. ETA is a member of America’s Workforce Network — the nationwide system of workforce organizations that provides information and services to employers, job seekers and employment specialists. Access to programs at state and local levels can be obtained by calling America’s Workforce Network toll-free Help Line (1-877-US2-JOBS). 

• Federal Learning Exchange – www.flx.gov

One-stop electronic information center for federal employees, agencies and departments to gain the education, training and skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly changing workplace. 

• The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – www.jan.wvu.edu/

The workplace of the 21st Century is open to everyone. JAN dispels misconceptions and provides one-on-one information about ADA job accommodations and the employability of people with disabilities through this site and its 1-800-ADAWORK hotline. 

• Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy – 

www.dol.gov/odep/welcome.html 

ODEP’s mission is to carry out the President’s New Freedom Initiative by getting technology and other tools to Americans with disabilities so they can enter the economic mainstream. This will be achieved through policy analysis, technical assistance and development of best practices, as well as outreach, education, constituent services and promoting ODEP’s mission among employers. This resource is designed for planners, employment centers and job seekers. 

General Assistance ResBecause the living situation of homelesuddenly, this section is included to hethrough unforeseen situations and enaparticipant on the homeless veteran’s team. ■ HousingIn the event a homeless veteran client assistance finding emergency shelter, temporary residence and needs your h

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Emergency • Look in the yellow pages of the loca

“Homeless” for a list of shelters, omayor or county executive for infoshelters. 

• Local Department of Social Servic

phone book blue pages under city 

• Department of Housing and Urban 

online list of emergency shelters fuwomen and families in every state

www.hud.gov/homeless/hmlsagen

• Coalitions for the Homeless are net

working together to help homeless purban counties. Look in the local phmayor’s office for information. You information about assistance provid

www.nationalhomeless.org/local/lo

Veteran-Specific Programs • Nearest VA Medical Center – Ever

homeless veteran services coordinahelping homeless or at-risk veteranCenter serving your area, go online 

“Veterans Health Administration,” Medical Center.” Or look in your l
pages under “U.S. Government, Veterans Affairs” for the 

nearest VA medical and VA benefits offices. 

• State Offices of Veterans Affairs – Many states have special 

funds and/or benefits for veterans in their state. Look in your local phone book blue pages under “State Government, Veterans Affairs,” or go to www.nasdva.com for contact 

information in your state. 

• National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. Go to 

www.nchv.org and click on “Locate a Community-based 

Organization” for a list of homeless veteran service providers in your area, or call 800-VET-HELP. 

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■ Community Assistance Sources There are many charitable, civic, veteran, faith-based and public service agencies in most communities that are available to help you in your work. The assistance they can provide will vary greatly from community to community. These organizations can provide emergency shelter, transitional and low-cost housing, clothing, food, cash donations for transportation, employment assistance and other services that may benefit your homeless veteran clients. Check your local phone book, or use the website addresses listed below, and maintain a record of the contacts you make and the assistance that is offered. Charitable Organizations (Examples)• United Way (www.unitedway.org) provides a variety of services 

through local organizations. Check your phone book for the local United Way office. In some states, you can also access local emergency services by dialing 2-1-1. 

• Faith-based Organizations and churches – Check with your 

county or city Department of Social Services (phone book blue pages). National faith-based organizations, such as The Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org), Volunteers 

of America (www.volunteersofamerica.org), Catholic 

Charities USA (www.catholiccharitiesusa.org), and 

Lutheran Services in America (www.lutheranservices.org), 

provide emergency shelter, housing assistance, clothing, health care referrals and other services for homeless people. 

Veteran Service Organizations, AMost Veteran Service Organizations (service officers who help veterans obtare entitled. Some help homeless and supportive services they need. Most Vunits that take a leadership role in proin their communities. Look in your phbelonging to the following organizatio• AMVETS (www.amvets.org) • Blinded Veterans Association (ww• Disabled American Veterans (www

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• Jewish War Veterans (www.jwv.or

• Military Order of the Purple Hear

• Non Commissioned Officers Assoc

(www.ncoausa.org) 

• Paralyzed Veterans of America (w

• Veterans of Foreign Wars (www.v• Vietnam Veterans of America (ww

• The American Legion (www.legion

♦ Temporary Financial Assistan

headquarters of The American Leg

maintain a stable environment for Contact a local Post to obtain an application. ApplNational Headquarters, so the proc

Fraternal Organizations (ExamplFraternal Organizations support worthcommunities. Cash donations to proviservices for homeless veterans seeking of possible support. Be specific in youamount of support you seek. As with morganizations, available assistance is dand budgets. Remember, these organizations represbusinessmen, contractors, labor uniontradesmen. Contacts you make throughelpful in finding employment for you
• Lions International (www.lions.org) 

• Kiwanis International (www.kiwanis.org) • Rotary International (www.rotary.org) • Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (www.elks.org) • Knights of Columbus (www.kofc.org/index.cfm) • Masonic Temple (check local phone book) • Loyal Order of Moose (www.mooseintl.org) 

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Notes 

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Notes 

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Local Phone 

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U.S. Departme

Veterans’ Employment a

200 Constitution 

Washington, D