The U.S. Department of Labor is making available $15 million in grants through the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program in an effort to provide job training services to help homeless veterans find success in their civilian careers.

"The men and women who have served our country with distinction should not have to struggle to find good jobs when they return from service," says Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's grant announcement is the first step to helping these homeless veterans gain access to meaningful employment and more stable post-military lives."

The department expects to award 50 grants at minimum to serve about 9,000 veterans. Funds will be distributed on a competitive basis to state and local work force investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. Grantees are required to be familiar with the areas and populations to be served while having shown that they can administer effective programs.