By Constance Taylor, Employment Services Job Coach
The U.S. economy lost nearly six million jobs since the recession began in December 2007. Kansas City alone lost nearly 70,000 jobs since 2007. Government estimates show that from August 2010 to August 2011, only the Atlanta area lost more than the 120,000 jobs lost in the Kansas City area. Both on a numerical and percentage basis, the area ranks second worst among the 127 major U.S. cities where employment shrank over the year.
In such a competitive environment, the difficulties of job-seeking as a homeless person can be almost insurmountable barriers.
For those with limited skills or experience, there aren’t many opportunities to find a job that pays a living wage.
All segments of the homeless population, especially heads of family households, face significant and multiple barriers to employment. These barriers are personal, programmatic, and systemic.
People who are homeless often lack stress management, social interaction, independent living and vocational engagement skills, as well as a place to live and financial resources. On top of that, many members of the homeless population have to combat barriers, such as limited transportation and reduced access to educational and training programs.
The digital divide remains a deep void for homeless populations. Competing for jobs today requires some understanding of and competency in information technology. Lack of computer knowledge and fear of failure can prevent these populations from seeking to use computers available through public access. These limitations contribute to poor labor market outcomes for homeless people.
To equip our formerly homeless clients to overcome their barriers, we provide job readiness classes and job coaching. We work with each family to assess educational and vocational needs. And, we seek relationships with employers to establish a broad support system for the families we serve.
On the positive side, about 70% of adults are employed when they exit to their own homes. Less encouraging is that the average wage is $9.39 per hour. That’s an annual income of less than $20,000 a year.
Hopefully, the very low income population will soon share in the gradual improvement in the economy.
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