23560HV000041

Purpose of Project: The purpose of our HVRP project is to provide eligible veterans with a job-driven employment and training program that focuses on high-quality career opportunities, that can provide good jobs at a family-sustaining wage with benefits, equity for all employees, and potential for growth, that are both relevant to the local economy and a good match for veterans' military skills. We deliver services with a client-centered case management approach that provides wrap-around support services to help veterans overcome barriers to obtaining and sustaining long-term meaningful employment.

Activities to be funded: Swords to Plowshares requests $1,500,000 over the three-year period (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2025) in Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) funding from the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Services to provide employment services, vocational training, and job placement to veterans experiencing homelessness. Our job-driven employment and training program focuses on the career opportunities that provide a good job at a family-sustaining wage with benefits, equity, and potential for growth and are both relevant to the local economy and a good match for veterans' military skills. We provide a client-centered case management approach with wrap-around support to help veterans overcome barriers and achieve long-term employment. Our program will provide training to 80% of participants.

Intended beneficiaries: The project will serve eligible veterans experiencing and at risk of homelessness in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties in California, targeting episodically homeless veterans and veterans from marginalized and underserved communities. Of total veterans enrolled, we expect 35% will be episodically homeless, 15% will be veterans of color from historically marginalized and underserved communities, 12% will be women veterans, 30% will be veterans with families, and 8% will have been recently incarcerated.

Outcomes of project: Of the 103 veterans enrolled annually, 82 will be placed into employment with an average hourly wage of $16.97 or higher. The overall job placement rate is 80%. In the 2nd quarter after program exit, 60% of participants will be in unsubsidized employment with median quarterly earnings of $9,200. In the 4th quarter after exit from the program, 50% of participants will be in unsubsidized employment. The cost-per-placement is $6,097, higher than the national rate due to the high cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area and the additional support unsheltered and chronically homeless veterans with a high acuity need to obtain and retain employment in this region.

Key partnerships: The VA is one of Swords to Plowshares' closest partners, and we have referral relationships with the San Francisco Bay Area VA Medical Centers, clinics, and Vet Centers to support access to healthcare and mental health services and contribute to wrap-around support. Our outreach team coordinates and works with the VA's homeless outreach teams. Swords to Plowshares works closely with the San Francisco CoC. We operate an in-house SSVF program that serves veterans in San Francisco County. We also have an extensive network of local, state, and federal workforce development partners, employers, and training providers, including Bay Area community colleges and universities, veterans service agencies, California National Guard, and other service providers. Formalized partnerships with regional WIBs in the targeted counties recognize Swords to Plowshares as the primary veteran service provider for Bay Area One-Stop Career Centers.

Subrecipient activities: N/A

Are you a recipient of other funding? Yes, Swords to Plowshares has previously received HVRP funding.

Swords To Plowshares Veterans Rights Organization

17.805 - Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program

Employment and Training Administration (ETA) [DOL]

Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) [DOL]

California United States

State-Wide

Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP), Incarcerated Veterans’ Transition Program (IVTP), and the Homeless Women Veterans' and Homeless Veterans' with Children Reintegration Grant Program (HWVHVWC) (referred to collectively as HVRP) (FOA-VETS-23-01)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 130% from $500,000 to $1,150,000.