Dear john,

Today, U.S. Department of Labor’s Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), the Honorable James D. Rodriguez, and I announced $1,500,000 in federal funding for the American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program, Inc., in San Antonio. The award is from the VETS’ Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP), which provides funding for employment services for homeless veterans and those at risk of homelessness. The program helps homeless veterans overcome barriers to re-entering the workforce and finding meaningful employment.

Of the $1,500,000 awarded to the American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program, $500,000 will be used for the American GI Forum to continue its existing program in San Antonio, which will benefit 238 veterans. The remaining funds will be used to expand the program to the Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin areas. These programs connect veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness with meaningful employment by providing training and supportive services - including bus passes, uniforms, and other assistance.

Assistant Secretary Rodriguez and I joined American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program President and CEO Colonel (RET) Sergio Dickerson for a tour of the organization’s residential center and a roundtable discussion with veterans who have benefited from the American GI Forum’s services and the HVRP grant in the past.

Our veterans have sacrificed so much to defend our nation, and we are eternally indebted to them. The federal funding announced today will help homeless veterans in San Antonio get back on their feet and back to work. Thank you to Assistant Secretary James D. Rodriguez and American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program President and CEO Colonel (RET) Sergio Dickerson for working with me to combat veteran homelessness. To our veterans, thank you for your service!