June 25, 2002 

SUBJECT:

Authorization for Department of Employment Development to Apply for Homeless Veterans Reintegration Grant in the Amount of $250,000

REPORT IN BRIEF 

Funding has become available through the Department of Labor 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 grant proposal in the amount of $250,000 to continue NOVA's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project through June 30, 2003.  Additionally, it is recommended that the agreement with the current provider of services, Vietnam Veterans of California, be extended through December 31, 2002 if the proposal is approved, pending a complete procurement process. 

BACKGROUND 

Since September 1988, NOVA has operated a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project (HVRP) funded through the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act.  The Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 amended the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Programs (HVRPs) and provides “the Secretary shall conduct…such programs as the Secretary determines appropriate to provide job training, counseling, and placement services (including job readiness and literacy and skills training) to expedite the reintegration of homeless veterans into the labor force.”  Current funding for these projects expires June 30, 2002.  The Assistant Secretary for Veterans Employment and Training is now making available approximately $5.5 million to award grants for HVRPs in selected urban areas. 

EXISTING POLICY 

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.

 DISCUSSION 

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. 

For the period ending December 31, 2001, NOVA’s HVRP enrolled 454 participants (vs. 250 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 177 veterans (140 planned) with an average wage at placement of $11.47 per hour.  These are considered excellent statistics for this population. 

The maximum grant that may be awarded is $250,000.  In light of the current demand for services, staff recommends submission of a grant proposal in the amount of $250,000.  The NOVA Workforce Board Executive Committee approved the submission of the grant at its meeting of June 19, 2002. 

Fiscal Impact 

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

PUBLIC CONTACT 

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 Executive Committee and approves the submission of a grant proposal to operate NOVA’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program to June 30, 2003. 

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

RECOMMENDATION 

It is recommended by staff that the Sunnyvale City Council, on behalf of the NOVA Consortium cities, adopt Alternative #1: To concur with the NOVA Workforce Board Executive Committee and authorize the submission of a grant proposal in the amount of $250,000 to continue NOVA's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project through June 30, 2003.  Additionally, it is recommended that the agreement with the current provider of services, Vietnam Veterans of California, be extended through December 31, 2002 if the proposal is approved, pending a complete procurement process.

 

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