On September 13, the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a hearing on the performance of the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) and Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP). Administered jointly by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Labor, the programs provide job training to veterans who are unemployed and/or are at risk of experiencing homelessness.The hearing focused largely on data sharing between the two departments and concern that the departments and programs are not doing enough to end veteran homelessness. Representative Julia Brownley (D-CA) reiterated the importance of the programs, especially for female and formerly incarcerated veterans. She said many veterans remain homeless, and more must be done to prevent veterans from becoming homeless at transition points in their lives. Keith Kelly of the Department of Labor testified that these programs are successful, in part because they are flexible; veterans can receive services that are “tailor made” to their individual needs and circumstances. Representative Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ) reported that veterans comprise 21% of Arizona’s homeless population, and said Mr. Kelly’s testimony did not match reality on the ground. She was concerned with Mr. Kelly’s comment that the departments communicate with veterans via email; she asked how the government could reach veterans with the greatest needs in that manner when many lack access to stable housing and other basic needs. Mr. Kelly clarified that the VRAP program uses email, while the HVRP program relies on local outreach to identify and communicate with veterans given its focus on those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Committee members concluded the hearing by announcing that they will continue to review these programs and issues.View a webcast of the hearing and read witness testimony: http://1.usa.gov/13XkfRZ