“The likelihood of finding a new job falls the longer one is out of work,”

– The Wall Street Journal.

No duh. Excuse the vernacular, but it’s not exactly rocket science. The connection between joblessness and homelessness is similarly obvious: Most homeless people are unemployed. Many have been out of work for months or even years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the likelihood of finding a job when a person has been out of work for six months or more is one in ten, and the longer the period of joblessness extends, the worse the odds become. At some point, most people give up.

Work – finding and keeping a job – is a critical component in breaking the cycle of homelessness. Last year, the Mission stepped up its emphasis on getting residents back to work by creating the Vocational Advancement department. Many of the men and women staying in our shelters face daunting barriers – poor work histories, a lack of references, criminal records, insufficient skills and/or education, unhealthy methods of coping with conflict and stress.

Addressing these barriers is part of the Mission’s fundamental purpose: Partnering with the Inland Northwest to reach the poor with the love and power of the gospel so they may become God-dependent, contributing members of society.

The high value placed on purposeful work permeates the ministry. Short-term guests are assigned daily tasks – housekeeping, kitchen duty, laundry, warehousing and assisting with donations. Those staying long term work 30 hours per week. The primary purpose of the enterprises – UGM Motors, UGM Thrift Stores and the Food Services Training School– is to provide job training and work experience to men and women in transition.

Finally, the Recovery programs address work issues from a variety of angles. Through Vocational Advancement, each resident’s educational background and career interests are assessed and documented. Staff then work with residents to create a long-term plan with incremental goals. Literacy and GED training are provided, along with computer skills and instruction in professional manner and attire, resume creation and interview techniques.

In the final stages of the recovery programs, participants are matched with a local company for a business practicum experience – 20 hours of volunteer work per week for 12 weeks. Every effort is made to match the candidate’s skills and interests to the company’s needs, and participants are encouraged to see the practicum as an opportunity to engage their talents, skills and passions in meaningful work.

At the same time, through this partnership, local businesses have the opportunity to engage with the community – giving back in a significant, practical way. It’s a win-win.

Read stories of Residents engaging in the workplace...

Derek Mobley

“I learned that I needed to be involved in community. I needed to be involved with family. I needed to speak and have human touch. I needed that very dearly, more than I needed the money.” Read more >

Trish Zahn-Whalen

"I learned a lot about the medical field. There was a sense of accomplishment. It helped me to see I have a lot to contribute." Read more >

John Willoughby

"I've always had survival jobs – truck driving, pizza delivery, convenience stores. I never thought there were bigger things out there. Not for me. Through the classes here, I've learned to say, 'I'm good enough to do this. I'm not gonna just live paycheck to paycheck. I'm gonna do something I enjoy and have a passion for.'"   Read more >

Christie Buckley

“I had a lot of fear around going back to work, but I learned that I could be a whole, complete person and be a good worker at the same time.” Read more >

Jerred Baddeley

“For the longest time, I thought I wasn’t worth fulfilling my dreams. Now, I realize work can be something I enjoy. I gained the confidence I needed to leave the trail of dead-end jobs I was on, a trail I thought I was destined to follow the rest of my life.” Read more >

TAKE ACTION

The business practicum is just one of several different ways companies can partner with the Vocational Advancement department. If you own a small business or hold a decision-making position in your company and think you might be interested in an employment partnership, please contact Tiffany Riddle at .