{"id":5111,"date":"2026-07-01T14:46:58","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T14:46:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/?p=5111"},"modified":"2026-07-01T14:46:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T14:46:58","slug":"connecting-homeless-veterans-to-employment-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/connecting-homeless-veterans-to-employment-opportunities\/","title":{"rendered":"Connecting homeless Veterans to employment opportunities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull va-page-title-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-179 size-large\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/academic-affiliations\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/59\/2025\/05\/Hero2.png?w=1024\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#085795\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-text-align-left\">Featured Article<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"va-body-wrapper wp-block-create-block-body-wrapper\"><div class=\"va-body-wrapper__inner\">\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<form role=\"search\" method=\"get\" action=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/\" class=\"wp-block-search__button-outside wp-block-search__text-button wp-block-search\" ><label class=\"wp-block-search__label\" for=\"wp-block-search__input-1\" >Search Articles<\/label><div class=\"wp-block-search__inside-wrapper\" ><input class=\"wp-block-search__input\" id=\"wp-block-search__input-1\" placeholder=\"\" value=\"\" type=\"search\" name=\"s\" required \/><button aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"wp-block-search__button wp-element-button\" type=\"submit\" >Search<\/button><\/div><\/form>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide va-intro-page va-intro-page-1 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Connecting homeless Veterans to employment opportunities<\/h2>\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color: #0073aa\" class=\"wp-block-create-block-colored-spacer has-0073-aa-background-color has-background\"><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>By Samantha Loving, National HVCES Program Manager, VHA Homeless Programs Office<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>July 1, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"taxonomy-category wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/category\/featured-articles\/\" rel=\"tag\">Featured Articles<\/a><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"taxonomy-post_tag wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/tag\/employment\/\" rel=\"tag\">employment<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-c00f5982\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/HVCES-Stock-Photo_Resized.png\" alt=\"Formerly homeless Veteran speaking with a Community Employment Coordinator about career opportunities.\" class=\"wp-image-5112\" style=\"width:900px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/HVCES-Stock-Photo_Resized.png 1200w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/HVCES-Stock-Photo_Resized.png?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/HVCES-Stock-Photo_Resized.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/HVCES-Stock-Photo_Resized.png?resize=1024,683 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Homeless Veteran Community Employment Services (HVCES) connect Veterans experiencing homelessness with employers, resources, and opportunities that support long-term stability.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide va-intro-page va-intro-page-1 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Veterans experiencing homelessness, the path to stability is rarely a single step. Rather, it is a series of connections\u2014housing, health care, community support\u2014with employment playing a key role in helping Veterans sustain progress and build a foundation for long-term independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through <a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/employment\/\">Homeless Veteran Community Employment Services (HVCES)<\/a>, VA helps Veterans participating in VA homeless programs access individualized employment support that is embedded directly within their care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-c00f5982\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>An integrated approach to employment support<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HVCES operates within VA homeless programs at VA Medical Centers nationwide, ensuring employment support is available alongside local housing and clinical services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This integration matters. Veterans do not need to navigate separate systems or meet additional requirements beyond participation in VA homeless programs. Instead, employment services are available through the same teams supporting their housing and recovery goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More than 170 Vocational Development Specialists serve as Community Employment Coordinators (CECs) and Employment Specialists across the country. Working side-by-side with homeless program teams, they help Veterans identify goals, apply for open positions, prepare for employment, and overcome barriers that may stand in the way of stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because HVCES staff are part of the care team, employment planning is not an isolated step\u2014it is intentionally coordinated with housing progress, clinical care, and each Veteran\u2019s individual readiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-1ac3d91d\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Connecting Veterans to meaningful employment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">HVCES staff provide individualized employment support that reflects each Veteran\u2019s strengths, interests, and goals. Their work begins with understanding the Veteran, not just their resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CECs actively engage with employers to identify job opportunities and strengthen hiring pathways for Veterans experiencing homelessness. They build relationships with local businesses, workforce agencies such as American Job Centers, Department of Labor programs, and community organizations committed to supporting Veteran employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This employer engagement is matched with hands-on support for Veterans. CECs assist with job development, applications, interview preparation, and onboarding, and continue to support Veterans as they adjust to new employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CECs also participate in job fairs, <a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/stand-down-events\/\">Stand Downs<\/a>, training events, and other outreach activities that connect Veterans with potential employers and career pathways\u2014bringing employment opportunities directly to Veterans where they are already engaged in services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer wp-container-content-1ac3d91d\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Employment is part of recovery<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Employment is often a turning point in a Veteran\u2019s recovery from homelessness. It brings structure to their day, strengthens confidence, rebuilds social connections, and helps restore a sense of identity and purpose that may have been lost during periods of instability. These benefits can improve overall well-being by supporting better mental health, reducing isolation and risks of suicide, and helping Veterans stay connected to their communities during difficult times. It is also a critical step toward sustaining permanent housing once other <a>supports are<\/a> in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sustained income can help Veterans secure and maintain permanent housing, reducing the likelihood that they will return to homelessness. It can also support faster transitions from homelessness programs into permanent housing by providing the financial stability needed to move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/06\/Hiring-Veterans-Infographic_v508.pdf\">In fiscal year 2025, 5,225 Veterans moved from homelessness programs into competitive employment. Additionally, 12,700 Veterans were employed at the point they exited VA homeless programs and services.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These outcomes are the result of consistent, hands-on engagement from HVCES staff working alongside homeless program teams and community partners to ensure employment is accessible at every stage of a Veteran\u2019s housing journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By embedding employment specialists directly within care teams, VA ensures Veterans receive support that is timely, coordinated, and grounded in their individual goals. Through HVCES, employment goes beyond helping Veterans secure stable income\u2014it provides a foundation for stability, independence, and renewed purpose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"va-body-wrapper wp-block-create-block-body-wrapper\"><div class=\"va-body-wrapper__inner\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group va-section-title va-section-title-1 is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact VA for help<\/h2>\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color: #005EA2\" class=\"wp-block-create-block-colored-spacer has-ff-5500-background-color has-background\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, we strongly encourage you to contact the <strong>National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at <a href=\"tel:+18774243838\">877-424-3838<\/a><\/strong> for assistance.<br><br>The call is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained professionals are standing by to connect you to your nearest VA for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-blue-icon-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/homeless\/nationalcallcenter.asp\" rel=\"noopener\">Chat with a live professional now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/homeless\/nationalcallcenter.asp\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1385\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png\" alt=\"National Call Center for Homeless Veterans logo. 877-424-3838\" class=\"wp-image-5628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png 1385w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png?resize=300,130 300w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png?resize=768,333 768w, https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/08\/NCCHV-Logo-02-Large.png?resize=1024,444 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1385px) 100vw, 1385px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>HVCES helps Veterans in VA homeless programs access employment opportunities, build confidence, and achieve housing stability.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":201,"featured_media":5112,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"priority":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[21],"class_list":["post-5111","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured-articles","tag-employment"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/connecting-homeless-veterans-to-employment-opportunities\/","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Connecting homeless Veterans to employment opportunities","url":"http:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/connecting-homeless-veterans-to-employment-opportunities\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/connecting-homeless-veterans-to-employment-opportunities\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/HVCES-Stock-Photo_Resized.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/72\/2026\/07\/HVCES-Stock-Photo_Resized.png"},"articleSection":"Featured Articles","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Shawn Liu"}],"creator":["Shawn Liu"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"VA Homeless Programs","logo":""},"keywords":["employment"],"dateCreated":"2026-07-01T14:46:58Z","datePublished":"2026-07-01T14:46:58Z","dateModified":"2026-07-01T14:46:58Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"Connecting homeless Veterans to employment opportunities\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/connecting-homeless-veterans-to-employment-opportunities\\\/\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/connecting-homeless-veterans-to-employment-opportunities\\\/\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/72\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/HVCES-Stock-Photo_Resized.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/department.va.gov\\\/homeless\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/72\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/HVCES-Stock-Photo_Resized.png\"},\"articleSection\":\"Featured Articles\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Shawn Liu\"}],\"creator\":[\"Shawn Liu\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"VA Homeless Programs\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"employment\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2026-07-01T14:46:58Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-01T14:46:58Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-01T14:46:58Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/department.va.gov\/p.js"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5111","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/201"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5111"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5111\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5115,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5111\/revisions\/5115"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5112"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5111"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5111"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/department.va.gov\/homeless\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5111"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}