MEDIA RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) and Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) praised a U.S. Department of Labor decision to award a total of $593,000 in second year extended funding to two established Hawaii community service organizations that help homeless veterans reintegrate into the workforce and establish productive civilian careers.

“I believe it is our duty to ensure that the brave men and women that served our country have the opportunities and support to successfully transition to the next stage in their lives,” said Senator Akaka. “Hawaii continues to face a high rate of homelessness among veterans and I am pleased to see the Department of Labor continue its support for these valuable programs, which help our nation’s homeless veterans get back on their feet during these tough economic times.”

“We have a very visible epidemic of homelessness in Hawaii, but what many may not realize is that a disproportionate number of those living on the streets are veterans,” said Senator Inouye. “These men and women volunteered to put on the uniform and defend our country. We must do all we can to provide job training and support services to help our veterans provide for themselves, their families and the community.”

Network Enterprises, based in Honolulu, was awarded $293,000 in second year funding from the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) and Mental Health Association in Hawaii, who has offices on Oahu and Maui, will receive $300,000 in second year funding from the Homeless Female Veterans and Homeless Veterans with Families (HFVHVF) program. Funding for these programs is administered by the Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training at the Department of Labor.

Nationally, over $35 million in federal grants were awarded to states, local investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations which showed when winning first year departmental funding that they are familiar with the areas and populations to be served and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs. These grants will provide approximately 21,000 veterans with much needed job training in the U.S.