L
o
a
d
i
n
g
.
.
.

The return to civilian life can be tough for any veteran. It can lead to lasting challenges for veterans with multiple barriers to employment for veterans who experience chronic homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse problems, or criminal justice histories. These biographical elements are immediate disqualifications from most jobs, particularly those that pay a sustaining wage. Invisible wounds, including depression and post-traumatic stress can complicate the ability to secure and maintain employment in the civilian marketplace.

Comprehensive programs, managed by professional and culturally competent case managers and job developers have proven successful in helping homeless and at-risk veterans overcome their barriers and achieve stable civilian lives. These programs combine case management and behavioral health counseling with skills development, employment training and job placement in a well-structured, individualized program. Wrap-around services address housing stability, transportation, training and necessary resources. Programs like these stabilize lives and allow veterans to prosper in good jobs that sustain themselves and their families.

CAVSA supports additional federal funding for veterans’ employment programs that specifically target underserved veteran populations such as female veterans, veterans with PTSD, those who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST) and other forms of mental illness. We specifically support additional funding for Jobs for Veterans State Grants and the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program. 

We place nearly 2,000 veterans in jobs each year