June 26, 2007

Saratoga Springs, NY – Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand announced a $125,896 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for the Saratoga County Rural Preservation Company, Inc.’s Homeless Veteran’s Reintegration Program.  This program provides assistance for veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to reintegrate into the labor force.  The Congresswoman had written a letter of support for the program’s request to the Department of Labor earlier this year.

Congresswoman Gillibrand, a member of the Armed Services Committee said, "I am thrilled with this news. This program provides assistance for those who sacrificed so much for all of us. The services provided by this organization are critical to ensuring that the men and women who wore our nation’s uniform have the support to become self-sufficient through employment."

The Saratoga County Rural Preservation company, a regional assistance organization, first opened in January 1983.  Specifically, this grant will help serve the veterans’ communities of Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties. The agency's mission is to provide technical assistance to our rural communities in the areas of; community stabilization and improvement, housing rehabilitation, affordable home ownership, affordable and safe rental housing, and housing for chronically mentally ill/homeless; and to further develop resources needed by our veteran's population and homeless advocacy (health, housing and stabilization and employment).

The Congresswoman’s office maintains a clearinghouse and online newsletter with numerous federal grant opportunities available to local organizations and communities.  For more information, please visit the Congresswoman’s Congressional website, www.gillibrand.house.gov

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