Veterans Programs
All people who have served in the military – whether they have seen combat or not – are Veterans and they may qualify to access housing and employment services from Central City Concern. Veterans must first attend a half-hour orientation held every Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. and Thursdays at 1:45 p.m. They will meet a Veteran representative at the conclusion of the orientation.
We provide specialized services to male and female Veterans through two federal grant programs.
Employment & Support Services
Homeless veterans who have an interest in gaining employment may qualify for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program. Approximately 300 men and women are served through this program yearly.
Housing, Employment or Benefits, Case Management
The Veterans Grant & Per Diem is a transitional, clean & sober, housing program that helps Veterans obtain permanent housing and income (through employment, entitlements or benefits acquisition) and increase personal empowerment. The program has 50 beds for men, and an additional 22 beds for women.
In the Community
The Veterans team at Employment Access Center is actively connected to other organizations in the area serving Veterans, including state, local, and community service providers, and works closely with the Oregon Department of Labor and Veterans Affairs.
Stand Down
Yearly, Central City Concern partners with VA Medical Center, Hire Oregon Vets and WorkSource Oregon and other community organizations to produce an annual “Stand Down” event, a free event that brings dozens of employers and agencies together to assist ALL Veterans. In 2010, more than 600 veterans attended the Stand Down; 750 attended in 2011 with more than 50 potential employers and 70 service providers. Attending veterans connected to job opportunities and needed services as well as with each other. 2012 event will be held on October 3rd at the Oregon Convention Center. Check www.portlandstanddown.org for details.
Historically, in times of war, a Stand Down was an opportunity for combat units to take time to rest and recover at secure base camp areas. The Stand Down today is directed at homeless veterans; it began in 1988 in San Diego as an opportunity for veterans to gather and access assistance. Each year, there are nearly 100 Stand Down events held across the country.
Employer and service provider exhibitor information available by contacting vetsprograms@ccconcern.org, or call 503-226-7387.
Helpful Resources
VA Housing Support Services
Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (US Dept. of Labor)
Work Opportunity Tax Credit for Employers
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
America's Heroes at Work
G.I. Jobs
Hire Heroes USA
Impact
Employment Access Center assists more than 300 Veterans with employment yearly and connects Veterans with other critical services (housing, health care, recovery) within Central City Concern and in the community at large.
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