By james art By Carrie Masters | Executive Director, Saint Joseph the Worker
Homelessness is a complex problem with deep-rooted causes, especially in a fast-growing city like Phoenix, where rising housing prices and widening economic disparities are exacerbating the problem.
For people on the financial edge, losing a job or facing personal trauma can lead to homelessness almost overnight. As someone who has experienced the challenges of homelessness, I understand how critical steady work can be in rebuilding a life.
In St. At Joseph the Worker, we believe that addressing homelessness requires more than just temporary shelter. To create lasting change, we need to address the root causes and give people the tools they need to rebuild their lives. One of the most powerful tools for achieving this? Stable employment.
The unique challenges in Phoenix
Phoenix’s displaced population faces multiple barriers to restoring stability. Affordable housing is scarce, and access to resources such as transportation and employment opportunities can be challenging. Many people are caught in a cycle of underemployment or long-term unemployment, where the lack of stable income makes providing housing, food and other necessities nearly impossible. The city’s harsh desert climate only compounds these challenges, making daily survival that much more difficult.
Although these obstacles may seem overwhelming, they are not insurmountable. With the right support and comprehensive employment services, people can break free from the cycle of poverty and housing insecurity.
How SJWs Support Homelessness Prevention
At SJW, our mission is centered around workforce development as a strategy to combat homelessness. Two key programs, Barrier-free Employment and Workforce Villages, are designed to provide people with the resources and stability they need to secure long-term employment and housing.
Barrier-free Employment supports individuals facing significant challenges in the labor market, including gaps in education, a history of incarceration and long breaks in work. We offer resume writing, interview preparation, job search assistance, transportation assistance, and professional attire. Our employer partnerships ensure jobs pay at least $17 an hour with benefits. Last year, SJW helped over 7,000 people, connecting 4,500 with stable employment.
Once employed, our Workforce Villages program offers 90 days of transitional housing for those in full-time employment, promoting financial independence in a safe environment. On average, participants save 70% of their income – approximately $5,000 – by the end of the program, with 85% of graduates securing housing and financial stability.
The transformative impact of employment
Employment offers much more than just a salary. It provides people with dignity, stability and a renewed sense of hope. With a stable job, people can pay rent, buy groceries and contribute to their community. They regain control of their lives and break the cycle of poverty, often changing the future of their families.
One of our clients, Morris, faced significant barriers due to his experience in the justice system. After entering the Workforce Villages program, he secured a full-time job at a shelter, saved $4,800, and eventually became a shelter supervisor with his own apartment. His story is a testament to how meaningful work can change lives.
Breaking the cycle of homelessness
We can effectively address homelessness through targeted programs like those at SJW. One notable initiative is the implementation project launched in 2020 by the Economic Round Table. This rapid reemployment program uses predictive screening tools to identify workers at high risk of permanent homelessness in order to proactively prevent chronic homelessness. According to the report, 95 percent of participants maintained stable housing after completing the program, and their employment rate increased by 41 percent.
Furthermore, the average cost of these programs per participant is comparable to one year of public spending for individuals who did not receive assistance. This illustrates how the right support can help people regain their independence and break free from the cycle of poverty and dependence on government assistance. It also relieves a significant financial burden at both the local and federal levels.
A multi-pronged approach is needed
Addressing homelessness in Phoenix requires a multifaceted approach that extends beyond simply providing shelter. This requires an in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between economic factors, personal circumstances and systemic barriers that people face.
Looking forward, advocating for systemic change is essential to increasing opportunities for people who are homeless. By working together and implementing the recommendations outlined in recent reports, we can develop a robust support system that tackles the root causes of homelessness. Together, we have the power to break the cycle of homelessness and build a stronger, more resilient community for all.
Editor’s Note: Carrie Masters is the CEO of St. Joseph the Worker (SJW), a Phoenix-based non-profit organization. Appointed in early 2023, she is the first female executive director in SJW’s 35-year history. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcome [email protected].