Against All Odds

featured in the January 2012 newsletter

“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.