YWCA Veterans' Services

 YW Veterans Employment and Housing Program --

Since 2006, the YWCA has been providing employment readiness programs to homeless veterans in Dauphin, Cumberland, York, Lebanon, and Perry Counties.  YWCA case managers, who are veterans, conduct outreach and prepare veterans for the job market by providing training in making career choices, business technology, job search strategies, resume preparation, and interviewing skills.  In addition, case managers assist veterans in accessing other services such as health care, public assistance, Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits, job training, and housing. An additional benefit to this program is that it provides veterans access to transportation assistance (when available) for employment. 

In 2010, the YWCA started a similar program that targets homeless female veterans and veterans with families.  The service area is the same however the initial focus of the program is to find housing for these veterans. 

These programs are funded through grants with the US Department of Labor (Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program and Homeless Female Veterans and Homeless Veterans with Families).  To be eligible for these services veterans must be homeless or near homeless. 		 Photo copyright The Decatur Daily

Stand Down

Since 2007, the YWCA Veteran Program has organized and held a “Stand Down” in the winter.  This event is designed to provide a respite from the streets for homeless veterans and connect them with services.  The Lebanon Veteran’s Administration (VA) Medical Center has provided medical service at these events and other service providers including the local CareerLink, the Harrisburg Vets Center, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and other veteran groups and County Veteran’s Affairs officers attend to offer services and support.  Vets receive meals, clothing, sleeping bags and medical attention at these events.

Housing Programs

Since 2009, the YWCA has worked in partnership with the VA to provide transitional housing for homeless veterans through the VA’s Per Diem Grants.  The YWCA sponsors 10 beds at the YMCA in Harrisburg.  Through this grant, Veterans can stay at the YMCA for up to two years.  A Case manager assists the veteran in getting services such as medical treatment, drug and alcohol services, mental health services and job training.  To be eligible for this program, a veteran must be eligible for VA medical services.

HUD Disabled Veterans Housing

Since 2009, the YWCA, through a grant with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), has provided housing assistance to disabled veterans.  This is a small grant that allows the YWCA to subsidize the veteran’s rent and electricity bills.  To be eligible for this grant the veteran must have a medically identified disability and demonstrate chronic homelessness.

 

Program Highlights:

-Housing Assistance.
-Free and confidential services.
-Application, resume, and cover letter development.
-Extensive network with area employers.
-Mock interviews.
-Education and employment site visits.
-On-site computer access for self-paced learning and practice.
-Dress for success and a working professional closet (including men).
-Personal skills development.
-Follow-up job coaching, temporary transportation to and from interviews and employment (subject to availability). 
   

For more information, please contact:                           

Ken Huling, Vets Employment Program Manager
YWCA greater harrisburg
1101 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17103
(717) 234-7931 ext. 3045
khuling@ywcahbg.org