August 19, 2003

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 accepting a grant award in the amount of $250,000 to continue NOVA's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project through June 30, 2004. 

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 expire June 30, 2003. 

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 15th successful program year on June 30, 2002.  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 June 30, 2003, NOVA’s HVRP enrolled 353 participants (vs. 320 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 166 veterans (180 planned) with an average wage at placement of $11.24 per hour.  These are considered excellent statistics for this population.

The maximum grant for the second-year funding is $250,000. 

Fiscal Impact

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

PUBLIC CONTACT

1. Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City's web page and the availability of the report in the Library and City Clerk's Office.

ALTERNATIVES

1. Council accepts second-year continuation funds in the amount of $250,000 for NOVA’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program that extend veteran services to June 30, 2004.

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

3. Other action as determined by Council.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended by staff that the Sunnyvale City Council, on behalf of the NOVA seven-city consortium, adopt Alternative 1: Council accepts second-year continuation funds in the amount of $250,000 for NOVA’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program that extend veteran services to June 30, 2004.

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

Reviewed by:
Stephen Quick, Manager of Business Operations
Department of Employment Development 

Michael J. Curran, Director
Department of Employment Development

Approved by:
Robert S. LaSala
City Manager