Sonoma County Continuum of Care

Sonoma County Continuum of Care “Vocationalizing” Homeless Services October 20, 2011 3:00-4:30 pm

Goal of this initiative: Define a living wage for exit to permanent housing, increase employment of homeless individuals and families at exit, and ensure that people experiencing homelessness have the opportunity and support to re-enter the job market.

Present: Jenny Abramson (Continuum of Care), Algeo Ché Casul (Buckelew), Donna Clavaud (COTS), Jennifer Hayworth (JobLink), Jennielynn Holmes (Catholic Charities), Trula LaCalle (NAMI Sonoma County), Allison MacDonald (Catholic Charities), Pamela Powers (CAP), Michael Spielman (DAAC), Kathy Young (JobLink).

1. Introductions included a compilation of workforce development efforts offered by participants:

Provider Vocational Services offered Population Served CAP/Sloan House Referral Homeless women COTS Mary Isaak Work Right: Homeless single Center Intern/Apprentice opportunities, 5-day adults; families intensive Job Smart (fast track program), in transitional Mentorship program, Weekly workshops on housing different topics *Buckelew Peer provider, Social Enterprises Severe Mental Programs Illness *Catholic Case management Homeless or at Charities 7-week Coach 2 Career class: resume, risk of interviewing, tutorials for computer skills, homelessness expungment workshops Learning center Dress for Success - interview clothing closet Workbuild - volunteer experience *JobLink New facility at 2227 Capricorn Way, Santa General public Rosa, also a virtual one-stop at www.joblinksonomacounty.com. Training, Career Assessments, 56 workshops per month, Individual counseling, Networking opportunities, Computer labs

1 Provider Vocational Services offered Population Served NAMI Peer-to-peer coping strategies Mental illness DAAC HIV/Hepatitis C Testing & AOD Treatment Substance Abuse *Open to the public

2. Origins of this Project and What We Know So Far

Jenny explained the history of this effort in new federal legislation (the HEARTH Act – Homeless Emergency and Rapid Transition to Housing Act, passed 2009), which will require system-wide reporting on 7 performance measures, including homeless persons’ growth of income and employment. Through a 6-month goal setting process, Continuum of Care partners agreed we should build system-wide capacity to help homeless people to become employed as a key strategy towards getting them stably housed.

Currently approximately 18.7% of people exiting homeless services programs have employment income. HUD has not set a system-wide benchmark, but for Continuum of Care funded projects, the benchmark is 21%. Our current goal is to raise the percentage exiting programs with employment income to 21% system-wide.

3. Best Practice Strategies: “Vocationalizing” Housing Programs

Jenny also noted that there are not many best practices out there, but that the US Interagency Council on Homelessness just took this up with a webinar October 5th, highlighting services in Seattle and Dallas. The Seattle program is featured in the attached PowerPoint. This is where we derived the strategic phrase, “Vocationalizing Homeless Services,” which will:  Redefine the homeless provider role to support participation in the workforce system;  Embed the expectations, practice and service delivery of employment in all facets of program operations; and  Establish a culture of ability and high expectations.

4. Current Process/Identification of Gaps

A discussion of key gaps in services to homeless individuals followed:  Transportation: it’s very hard for homeless people to get around (despite JobLink being on a bus line). Therefore site-based services are helpful; Coach 2 Career can be delivered on site with other agencies, contact Allison MacDonald, [email protected] or 542-5426.  Soft Skills: Providers should note these are embedded in the living skills/ stabilization programs they already provide. Conflict resolution and communication skills are

2 critical to job search and maintenance. These should be explicitly provided as job skills.  Providers want to know, how do we know where the jobs are? JobLink is a key source and partner.  Identify employers who are willing to hire these clients from our programs. Kathy warned that every organization working with special needs populations is trying to work directly with employers, and eventually they shut down hiring under the onslaught. Having really qualified candidates is the best way to get employers willing to hire.  Trula referenced CASRA (CA Association of Social and Rehabilitation Agencies), which provides model services such as Crossroads in Sacramento (www.crossroadsdiversified.com/index2.html).  Older people who have lost their jobs now can’t find work. Experience Works provided supported employment for people 55 and over, their funding has been cut drastically. This was subsidized employment: Joblink paid for 1st 6 months, then the employer had to take over. Currently the only subsidized employment is for TANF recipients.  Training in specific skills for which there will be jobs.

Through the conversation it became clear we are discussing two different populations: those whose work is essentially rehabilitation, and those seeking regular employment.

5. Next Steps/Next meeting

Donna suggested developing an Advisory Team of Industry Leaders, similar to what was developed years ago by California Human Development. There are challenges here, as Kathy referenced a list of 16 industry roundtables that JobLink is trying to work with.

The State Department of Rehabilitation should be here at this table. Ché will contact through his personal connections. The importance of volunteer work experience should not be forgotten: we should reach out to the Volunteer Center.

As this was just a kickoff meeting, Jennie and Jenny will float meeting dates for a follow- up session.