The primary purpose of this project is to enhance the effectiveness of the homeless veterans reintegration program (hvrp) by integrating and maintaining high fidelity to the principles of individual…

Volunteers of America Colorado Branch received a $445,473 Project Grant award from the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) under the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program (HVRP, CFDA 17.805) effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. The award funds comprehensive employment-focused services designed to enhance program effectiveness by integrating and maintaining high fidelity to the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model for supported employment. Services include career coaching and case management aligned with IPS fidelity principles to facilitate meaningful employment selection; job training and education to increase employability in veterans' desired career fields; digital literacy training for those lacking technology competency; provision of work-related tools, equipment, and clothing; and gas cards and bus passes to support travel for interviews, education, and employment activities.

The award emphasizes a holistic, wraparound services approach addressing barriers to sustainable workforce reintegration. Eligible homeless and at-risk veteran participants receive connections to supportive services including housing assistance, public benefits, healthcare, and mental health services. The organization will implement intensive staff training and ongoing fidelity monitoring to ensure adherence to IPS standards, thereby improving employment outcomes and promoting sustainable community integration for homeless veterans in Colorado.

The primary purpose of this project is to enhance the effectiveness of the homeless veterans reintegration program (hvrp) by integrating and maintaining high fidelity to the principles of individual placement and support (IPS) within our services. IPS is a well-established evidence-based practice for supported employment, particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing homelessness and veterans facing unique reintegration challenges. Our project seeks to implement IPS fidelity by adhering to the eight key principles, including individualized support, rapid job search, and ongoing job support. By incorporating these principles, we aim to significantly improve employment outcomes for homeless veterans, promoting their sustainable integration into the workforce and broader community. Through intensive staff training, ongoing fidelity monitoring, and collaboration with community partners, we are committed to ensuring that our hvrp grant not only meets but exceeds the IPS fidelity standards. This approach will not only benefit program participants but also contribute to the broader understanding and implementation of evidence-based practices within the veteran reintegration field. Career coaching and case management that adheres to IPS fidelities to assist the veteran in selecting an employment path that is meaningful to the individual. Training and education to assist the veteran in becoming more employable in their desired career field. Digital literacy for those that may be deficient in navigating current technology and unable to compete in a digital recruitment and workplace landscape. Applicable work-related tools, equipment and clothing in order to perform job duties. Connect veterans to wrap around services including housing, public benefits, healthcare and mental health services. Gas cards to assist veteran participants with travel for interviews, education and employment. Bus passes to assist veteran participants with travel for interviews, education and employment. This project will serve homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness, as described by the FOA. In addition, IT is hoped that local employers, the local community and the local economy will benefit by placing veterans into their workforce. Voac anticipates this project of serving 50 veterans annually will produce the following outcomes: 80% of enrollments trained, 65% of enrollments placed into employment, $14,685.92 cost per placement, 65% employment rate 2ND quarter after exit, median earnings 2ND quarter after exit, 50% employment rate after 4TH quarter after exit. Volunteers of america colorado has established partnerships with the following: colorado coalition for the homeless, VA york street community resource and referral center, denver workforce centers, arapahoe douglas county workforce center, colorado department of labor and employment, VA community employment resource coordinator, volunteers of america colorado supportive services for veteran families, volunteers of america colorado grant per diem, metro denver homelessness initiative-COC 503, rocky mountain human services, denver human services, department of housing stability-city and county of denver HUD-vash, salvation army, denver rescue mission, and saint francis center.