By: Eli Messing, Public Service Assistant
When our brave United States veterans come home, the transition to daily civilian life isn’t always smooth. With Veteran’s Day coming up fast, we here at The Library would like to highlight some of the resources we have available to help our local veterans all year long.
Through POWER Library, which you can access via the Research tab on dcls.org, there is a tool available on the Pennsylvania Job Resources link that translates military experience into skills needed for a civilian job. By entering their Military Occupational Classification code (MOC) and branch of service, veterans will find a list of civilian jobs that match the valuable skills they developed during their military service. This list includes job titles, average wages, and education level requirements. Simply enter the ZIP code of the area you live in to be connected directly to all available local job applications in your field!
At the McCormick Riverfront Library (MRL), in downtown Harrisburg, our social workers help connect veterans in need with local organizations offering housing assistance and other essential services. They have compiled a list of resources and programs offered specifically for veterans by the YWCA Greater Harrisburg.
The YWCA provides transitional housing for eligible homeless male veterans, with services that may include up to 24 months of housing, case management, life skills training and employment support. The organization also helps eligible veterans and their families with housing counseling, financial planning, and help accessing childcare services.
Another valuable resource is Veterans Stand Down, an event that connects veterans with housing, health care, legal assistance and other community services. This year’s event will take place Wednesday, November 4, at the Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg. Please contact the YWCA for more details.
Here at MRL, we also have a consistently updated and well-managed community board that has rotating flyers and brochures of free resources available locally. Whether you’re looking for assistance for yourself or someone you know, The Library can help you find information and connect with organizations that serve our community.
To all our veterans returning home in need of support: thank you for serving us, now let The Library serve you!
