ST. PAUL — Minnesota is joining a pilot program that provides free hotel stays to veterans who are searching for a job or new housing.

The program lets veterans stay up to three nights free at Hilton hotels in the state. The hotel chain joined state officials Tuesday for an announcing the program, which is also offered in Iowa, Texas and Arizona.

State employment commissioner Katie Clark Sieben says the program is a way to thank veterans by covering some of the costs of a job hunt.