As much as 13% of homeless people have jobs and struggle continuously to get out of their situation of homelessness. For those without jobs, climbing out of homelessness is virtually impossible. Additionally, many homeless individuals have to combat additional barriers, such as limited transportation, criminal histories, or past drug activity. As the labor market becomes more competitive, homeless persons suffer the most in overcoming the disparate gap toward gainful employment.
GIA actively participates in the SOAR Network’s Employment and Income Support Action Committee with a shared goal to bring together existing job services training and employment services, as well as area employers to the table to look at strategic goals to assist the homeless find jobs and change their lives.
Committee goals include:
- Develop a comprehensive resource bank of services and supports
- Identify needs, gaps, or barriers in job services and supports to the homeless.
- Identify additional financial, material, and human resources to expand employment and income support services.
For more information about this homeless job services program, please contact Goodwill Industries of Arkansas at (501) 372-5100.