DOL Announces Availability of Funding for Stand Down Events
$600,000 to fund approximately 70 Stand Downs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DOL-VETS) has announced the availability of $600,000 in Stand Down grants that will provide an estimated 10,000 homeless veterans with opportunities to reintegrate into society. The grants are being awarded under the department’s Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP).

Stand Down grant funds must be used to enhance employment and training opportunities, or to promote the self-sufficiency of homeless veterans through paid work. Homeless individuals do not always have access to the basic supplies necessary to maintain their health and self-confidence.

In addition, a lack of shelter and related resources often limits the ability of people who are homeless to prepare for job interviews, make a positive impression on prospective employers, or be contacted for follow-up. Basic services such as showers, haircuts, attention to health concerns, and other collaborative services provided at Stand Down events can improve participants’ chances of connecting with community-based service providers, and securing and maintaining employment.

Grantees operating within the HVRP network will sponsor Stand Down events by coordinating their efforts with various local, state and federal service providers. Applications for Stand Down grants will be accepted from state workforce agencies; state and local workforce investment boards; veterans service organizations; local public agencies; and nonprofit organizations, including community- and faith-based organizations.

The full solicitation for grant applications may be viewed by clicking here. For more information, contact Ken Fenner at fenner.kenneth@dol.gov or 202-693-4728.

For more information about Stand Down events, visit NCHV’s Stand Down page. You can also download the guide “National Stand Down Program Design” by clicking here.

Online Toolkit Available on Hiring People with Disabilities
Contains resources for federal agencies

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has posted an online toolkit comprised of resources to assist federal agencies in recruiting, employing and retaining individuals with disabilities. ODEP, in collaboration with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, designed a five-step process that agencies can readily follow to ensure an inclusive workplace for employees with disabilities.

The five steps discussed are: employer training, creating a welcoming environment, recruitment, hiring and retention. Topics include "do's and don'ts" for interviewing, accessibility and accommodations, how to find technical assistance, and creating a pipeline of candidates.

To access the toolkit, click here.

Registration Now Open: 2011 NCHV Annual Conference, June 6-8 in Washington, D.C.
Make hotel reservations before discounted room block sells out

Registration is now open for the premiere homeless veteran-specific training and networking event in the nation: the 2011 NCHV Annual Conference! This year's event will take place June 6-8 at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, D.C.

The conference brochure is now available for download here (PDF). To register, download the registration form here (PDF).

A block of rooms has been reserved at the discounted government rate. You are responsible for making your own reservations with Hyatt; call the hotel directly at (202) 582-1234 and specify you will be attending the NCHV Annual Conference in order to receive the discounted rate. Book in advance, as the reserved block has sold out several years in a row.

The 2011 conference will mark the second year of the current administration’s Five-Year Plan to End Homelessness among Veterans. Join us for updates from federal agencies, training on topics across the spectrum of homeless veteran services and issues, and networking with service providers from across the country.

Training tracks of special emphasis will include:

• Policy and Practice: Changes Necessitated by the Five-Year Plan
• Housing: Effective Strategies in Supportive Housing
• Legal Assistance for Homeless Veterans

Conference fees will remain the same as last year in order to help attendees control costs. Three-day registration fees for the 2011 NCHV Annual Conference are $395 for members and $475 for non-members. 

For the latest updates, stay tuned to NCHV's 2011 Annual Conference page.

Call for Entries – Annual NCHV Awards

NCHV members are invited to nominate deserving individuals and organizations for the following awards. Winners will be honored at the NCHV Annual Awards Banquet on June 7 in Washington, D.C.

• Outstanding Member
  To the NCHV member that has demonstrated leadership
  in coalition building.
• Partnership Award
  To a person or organization (not an NCHV member) who
  has contributed to the development of partnerships to
  expand the services available for homeless veterans.
• Public Policy Award
  To a local or state person or organization for influencing
  or implementing public policy to benefit homeless veterans.
• Unsung Hero Award
  To a person who has contributed to the recognition of the
  homeless veteran issue in a supporting or unrecognized
  leadership role.
• Departments of Veterans Affairs and Labor Staff Awards 

Fax your nomination to (202) 546-2063, or email to rbrown@nchv.org.

NAEH Releases Three-Part Series on Eviction Prevention
Examines communities in WA, OH and MA

The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) has released a three-part series highlighting the way some communities have reduced the number of evictions from public housing authorities. Effective strategies identified include case management, relationship building, organizational structure and financial support. The three communities examined in this series are Kings County, Washington; Cleveland, Ohio; and Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

To access “Promising Practices: Eviction Prevention,” click here.

Funding Opportunities

The Hearst Foundations work with comprehensive direct-service organizations that foster effective solutions to social and economic problems. The Foundations’ interest include family support services, domestic violence and child abuse prevention, housing and homelessness, job training, and programs for older adults. There are no application deadlines. For more information, click here.

The Standard Charitable Foundation seeks to support organizations that address major human services issues, including those focused on disadvantaged populations. The Foundation is interested in programs that increase employment opportunities, strengthen job skills and opportunities, and develop financial literacy. Support is also provided for programs that help people with disabilities lead independent and fulfilling lives. The Foundation funds organizations across the country in communities where The Standard employees live and work. The next deadline for applications is May 1. For more information, click here.