CoC Vocationalizing Homeless Services

Jennielynn Holmes, Catholic CharitiesAllison MacDonald, Catholic Charities

Jenna Garcia, COTS

● Background of Project○ HEARTH Act – requires system-wide reporting

on 7 performance measures, including growth of income and employment

○ Raise the percentage exiting programs with employment income from 18.7% to 21% system-wide

● Initial work on project

Overview for Program

● Define a living wage for exit to Permanent Housing

● Increase employment of homeless individuals and families at exit

● Ensure that people experiencing homelessness have the opportunity and support to re-enter the workforce

Desired Outcomes for Project

MissionTo collaborate with Sonoma County providers that serve the homeless population to develop and improve employment resources and programs.

1) Increased access to employment resources for homeless individuals and agencies without employment programs, and;

2) Improved employment programs and tracking within homeless providers with employment programs.

Ultimately, this is motivated by the need to reduce cases of homelessness in Sonoma County.

Short-Term Goals

● Group re-launched May 2014 and has met monthly.

● Primary goal of these meetings have been to complete the Wikispaces site.

● Group consists of Sonoma County providers of homeless services.

● Regular attenders and contributors have included Catholic Charities, COTS, Buckelew, SAY, Turning Point, North Bay Vets, Conservation Corps, Community Family Service Agency.

Vocationalizing Homeless Services

● This Wiki page will include updates about jobs and job fairs in Sonoma County, in addition to information for job seeking and local resources.

● Members are able to update and add documents.

● Once public, site can be accessed by anyone. Goal is that it will be used by Sonoma County providers and job seekers.

● Will be made public February 2015.

Vocational Services Wikisonoma-county-vocational-services.wikispaces.com

The Home Page of the Wiki

The topic pages

Wiki members can add resources and documents to the page. These are available for viewing and downloading by anyone accessing the page.

● Ensure that people experiencing homelessness have the opportunity and support to re-enter the job market

● Raise the percentage of people exiting homeless service programs with employment income

● 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

● Establish a culture of ability and high expectations

Long-term Goals

● 10 year homeless action plan alignment

● Re-set and new strategy in February ● Focus on innovative best practices and

bringing in resources to prioritize income growth for those who are homeless

● Greater participation from more agencies on this very important topic!

Next Steps for Group

Questions?