JOHNSTON, RI – In an effort to help homeless veterans get back on their feet and re-integrate into the workforce, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced that two Rhode Island organizations will receive over $600,000 to assist homeless veterans with employment opportunities and job placement.  Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) and Veterans, Inc. will both receive competitive federal grants from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) to provide occupational training, job-placement assistance, and other key employment services.

OSDRI, a private, non-profit organization that provides a range of services that promote housing stability among eligible, low-income veterans and their families, will receive $300,000 for its workforce reintegration programs.  Since 1993, OSDRI has provided Rhode Island veterans with comprehensive services and has used HRVP funding to help homeless veterans address barriers to employment and assist with the transition to meaningful employment. 

Headquartered in Massachusetts, with office space in Pawtucket, Veterans Inc. is receiving $309,000 to continue providing employment and training services to veterans in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.  Veterans Inc. focuses on the “total veteran,” incorporating job training and employment assistance, health care, and supportive services such as transportation and legal aid. 

“While we have made improvements in addressing veteran homelessness and unemployment, there is still much work to be done.  I will continue working across the aisle to deliver federal resources for our veterans that lead to good jobs and housing,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee.  “Both OSDRI and Veterans Inc. won these competitive grants because they have effective programs that provide veterans with job-training and other supportive services and place them in viable, sustainable jobs.  I commend them for their dedication to helping homeless veterans and providing them with real opportunities and a pathway to success.” 

Senator Reed helped secure more than $240 million for veterans employment and training programs in the FY2018 Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies  Appropriations Bill to support employment services to transitioning servicemembers and veterans.

According to the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Affairs 2017 Annual Report, there were 65,470 Veterans living in Rhode Island in 2017.