April 8, 2009
Mr. Bob Pratt, President
Volunteers of America Los Angeles
3600 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1500
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Dear Mr. Pratt:
We are writing to express our support for Volunteers of America Los Angeles as they apply for funding to operate a Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles. The VOA HVRP has been a member and supporter of the POWER Collaborative Network for several years now.
The POWER Collaborative Network is a group of 1200 employers, WorkSources and community based organizations that meet monthly in Los Angeles for the purpose of information sharing and employment services networking. It is noteworthy that during the time they have operated the HVRP, they have placed over 1, 000 homeless veterans in jobs. In the area of Los Angeles where they operate, the unemployment is above 15{ccc488d5a2ce4d1842f7a5a096256d3759c870d7ef5844ed8e9a39b694d97103} and the majority of the job seeking veterans have multiple barriers to employment.
Through their vast community contacts and commitment to their homeless veteran clients, they succeed in placing veterans where the need is greatest. They bring many services to the table, including VA Per Diem housing, a Reentry Program, Substance Abuse Recovery Programs, a Veterans Access Center, Senior Veterans Services and Housing and a true wrap around service delivery system.
The POWER Collaborative Network commits to working with VOALA HVRP on all veteran’s employment related issues through our network of employers and community partners. We hope you will provide them with the opportunity to continue their excellence of service in the coming program year.
Thank you,
Dean L. Jones
Executive Director