January 8, 2002

Funding has become available to continue the provision of employment and training services to homeless veterans. It is recommended that the Sunnyvale City Council, on behalf of the seven NOVA consortium cities, authorize the submission of a modification in the amount of $93,412 to continue NOVA's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project (HVRP) through June 30, 2002. Additionally, it is recommended that the agreement with the current provider of services, Vietnam Veterans of California, be extended through June 30, 2002 if the modification is approved.

Since September 1988, NOVA has operated a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project (HVRP) funded through the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. The Act, enacted in July 1987, provides that "the Secretary (of Labor) shall conduct...such programs as the Secretary determines appropriate to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force." In October 1999, the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project was reauthorized by Congress to extend the program through FY 2003. Current funding for these projects expires December 31, 2001. The Assistant Secretary for Veterans Employment and Training has now received approval to extend the funding through June 30, 2002 for grantees whose performance meets grant requirements.

The proposed activities are consistent with the City of Sunnyvale’s Socio-Economic Goal 5.1F: Provide job training and employment services, within constraints of operative Federal regulations and available Federal funding to address the locally-determined employment and training needs of economically disadvantaged residents and others with special needs.

NOVA's HVRP completed its 13th successful program year on December 31, 2001. Since November of 1999, Vietnam Veterans of California has acted as subcontractor for the project, with services provided by the Next Step Center, located at the Veterans Administration medical center in Menlo Park.

NOVA's current HVRP has enrolled 251 participants to date (vs. 151 planned) and provided vocational skills training, computer literacy training, job development and placement services, and a multitude of supportive services such as post-placement follow up, substance abuse programs, medical and mental health assistance, housing assistance, clothing, tools, etc. The program to date has placed 111 veterans (105 planned) with an average wage at placement of $11.88 per hour. These are considered excellent statistics for this population.

Grantees are allowed to request up to 50 percent of current funding levels. NOVA’s current funding is $186,825 for a 12-month grant. NOVA is requesting approval of a grant modification for an additional $93,412 to continue operating the grant from January 1, 2002 through June 30, 2002. The NOVA Workforce Board approved the submission of the grant modification at its meeting of October 24, 2001.

There will be no fiscal impact to the City because funds received will offset program expenditures.

1. Publication and posting of the City Council agenda.

2. Copies of this report are available to the public in the Library and on the City of Sunnyvale Internet home page.

ALTERNATIVES

1. Council concurs with the decision of the NOVA Workforce Board and approves the submission of a modification to extend NOVA’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program to June 30, 2002.

2. Council instructs staff to identify other means of securing funding for veteran services.

It is recommended by staff that the Sunnyvale City Council, on behalf of the NOVA Consortium cities, adopt Alternative #1: to concur with the decision of the NOVA Workforce Board and approve the submission of a modification in the amount of $93,412 to extend NOVA’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program to June 30, 2002. Additionally, it is recommended that the agreement with the current provider of services, Vietnam Veterans of California, be extended through June 30, 2002 if the modification is approved.

Prepared by:
Jeanette Langdell, Employment Training Manager
Department of Employment Development

Reviewed by:
Michael J. Curran, Director
Department of Employment Development

Approved by:
Robert S. LaSala
City Manager