Make a Difference, Hire a Veteran

By Shawn Liu, National Homeless Program Manager; Dr. Carma Heitzmann, National Director for Homeless Veterans Community Employment Services; and Peter McCoy, Special Assignment for the VA Homeless Programs Office

July 15, 2024

Finding a job can make all the difference when it comes to helping Veterans climb out of homelessness, or even avoid it completely. Stable employment doesn’t just bring a steady income to pay for housing costs, but also the kinds of social connection and personal fulfillment that can combat the isolation of homelessness.

In recognition of National Hire a Veteran Day on July 25, we invite you to consider the difference you can make in someone’s life by hiring a Veteran experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

The importance of employment

Though the Veteran unemployment rate has been steadily dropping over the last decade—falling to 2.9% in June 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Labor—Veterans who are homeless are more likely to be unemployed.

Finding a job can give homeless Veterans a new chance at financial stability and expedite their reintegration into their community. Studies show that gainful employment at a livable wage helps maintain economic stability and reduces the risk of becoming homeless. Employment is also likely to reduce substance use, improve mental health, and lower the risk of suicide.

Recognizing that employment is a critical component to combatting Veteran homelessness, we’ve created the Homeless Veterans Community Employment Services (HVCES) program to connect homeless Veterans with jobs. HVCES community employment coordinators are available at nearly all VA medical centers to serve as a bridge between Veterans, community employment resources, and employers ready to hire Veterans exiting homelessness.

The benefits of hiring Veterans

Established in 2017 by Dan Caporale, Marine Corps Veteran and founder of the national nonprofit Hiring Our Heroes, National Hire a Veteran Day is set aside to raise awareness of civilian employment for transitioning service members and Veterans. It reminds employers to consider that Veterans have the skills and training to make ideal candidates for numerous open positions.

During their military service, Veterans acquire skills like leadership, work ethic, teamwork, tenacity, and dedication, all of which can serve them well in civilian employment. Military occupational specialties, like logistics, communications, and administration, also often translate directly into civilian jobs.

Veterans have been trained to work in fast-paced environments and are skilled at working as part of a team with people from all walks of life.

Hire a Veteran today

At VA, we believe that even one Veteran experiencing homelessness is one too many. We’re committed to helping all Veterans find a safe place to sleep and gain the means to stay there.

If you’re ready to hire a Veteran facing homelessness, connect with your local community employment coordinator. They can:

• Pre-screen Veterans with a variety of skill sets and from all educational levels
• Refer job-ready Veteran candidates who are ready to work from day one for open positions
• Help facilitate hiring and onboarding