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San Antonio, TX – Today, U.S. Department of Labor’s Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), the Honorable James D. Rodriguez, and U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) 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 Congressman Cuellar 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,” said Congressman Cuellar, a Senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I will always support our veterans and enable them to lead in civilian life just as they did in service. 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!”

“Making sure that veterans experiencing homelessness can transition into meaningful employment helps to fulfill our nation’s promise to care for those who have served,” said Assistant Secretary James D. Rodriguez. “I appreciate Congressman Cuellar and members of Congress for their continued support of the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service is committed to collaborating with our partners at the local, state, and national levels to provide resources for veterans as they re-enter the workforce.”

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service administers programs to prepare America's veterans, service members, and military spouses for meaningful careers, provide them with employment resources and expertise, protect their employment rights, and promote their employment opportunities.

The American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program in San Antonio was established in 1972. Over the past 51 years, the program has expanded to Austin, Campbellton, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, and Houston and has since helped over 450,000 veterans and their families.

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