Breaking Barriers: Helping our Friends Have Access to Equal Job Opportunities
I hope September finds you well, winding down from a fun and relaxing summer. As the seasons change, we at City Relief are shifting our focus to a pressing issue that connects directly to homelessness: employment. This month, we want to unravel the intricacies of how the current employment system inherently discriminates against unhoused people.
Life is challenging enough without a roof over your head, but when it comes to finding and keeping a job that pays a living wage, the hurdles faced by our unhoused friends can seem insurmountable.
My friend, Juan, came to the United States legally from Argentina. He had a green card and plans for the future. He worked at one of the nicest steakhouses in New York City and had an apartment in Harlem. He supported himself and was able to even send money to support his family. But the years of hard work caught up with him, leaving him with chronic pain and eventually the loss of his employment. As a result, he lost his apartment, and all of his documentation was stolen. A 60 year-old legal resident of the United States, with years of work experience but a now depleted savings found himself "undocumented," homeless, and looking for a new job.
The prerequisites that many of us take for granted to find and maintain a job are often out of reach for those without stable housing. Juan had to navigate the job application process without an address, a mailbox, wifi access, or even a cell phone.
Vital documentation is necessary to complete a job application, and in Juan's case, he needed to replace his green card to even begin applying for jobs. However, due to his health issues, he had to consider opportunities that either reduced his hours, were less physically demanding, or were minimum wage jobs; none of which would fully cover rent, utilities, and basic necessities. And to get anything above those options, he would need other job training or certifications to build other skills, which cost time and money that he didn't have.
Once he got past all of that to finally get an interview, he then needed access to a shower, the right clothing, and transportation, just to name a few things. All of this before he could even begin to earn any wages.
Juan is just one out of many unhoused people who lack these basic necessities that are so vital to the job application process and maintaining employment.
Lastly, let's not forget the stigma Juan faced when applying for jobs. Potential employers often prejudge those without stable housing, overlooking their potential and ability to perform in the workplace. The underlying prejudice can make securing a job almost an impossible task.
At City Relief, we're committed to changing this narrative. Through our outreaches, we assist with obtaining necessary documentation, providing means of communication, and breaking down the barriers that keep our unhoused guests from accessing equal employment opportunities.
But we can't do it alone.
Together, we can challenge stereotypes and build a more inclusive job market. Thank you for standing with us in this mission. Every effort counts, whether it's sharing this information, volunteering your time, or contributing to our cause.
With gratitude,
Josiah Haken
P.S. Your support can make all the difference. Consider joining our dedicated monthly giving community today. Even a small contribution can open doors for someone like Juan. Together, we'll create a world where everyone has a fair shot at employment. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
