By: Tina Werner
People often dream about the day they graduate high school, complete a trade program or head off to college. They want to pursue their passions and provide a better life for themselves or their loved ones. They want a future.
For people who are experiencing homelessness, though, that dream isn’t a reality.
People living unsheltered are often concerned with where their next meal will come from, let alone entry into the workforce. Many times, they lack basic items needed for work. Applying for a job requires a permanent address for applications and personal identification. People need computer access to learn about or apply for jobs. A “ just get a job!” approach doesn’t solve those challenges.
That’s where our job training programs come in.
Through the state’s Encampment Resolution Program, we partner with service providers and the state Department of Commerce to transition people living unhoused on state rights of way into safer options . The initial work is happening in King, Pierce, Thurston, Snohomish and Spokane counties. The program includes identifying people’s needs and housing to allow for long-term success. (You can read more about the overall program in a previous blog).
In King and Spokane counties we’ve also added job skills training for some former encampment residents.
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| State Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar poses for a photo with Jomo Trice, a graduate of the “Tools for Success” training program for people living in encampments in King County. Jomo now works in adult care services and has moved into permanent housing. |
Skills and life lessons learned along the way
This training isn’t for everyone living in an encampment. Participants are assessed based on needs and readiness for training. This helps ensure the training will be helpful at this stage of their life.
But the people who have graduated recent programs say it’s invaluable.
“This (program) taught me I have more to offer than what I am giving myself credit for,” said Joshua Price. Price graduated from the Pre-Employment Preparation Program after living in the “Camp Hope” encampment in Spokane. He learned not only job-specific skills but ways to be more stable and successful in other parts of his life. “I gained knowledge and refocused on bettering myself,” he said.
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| Joshua Price (back row, first from left) stands with fellow Pre-Employment Preparation Program g raduates in 2023. The graduates were previously living unhoused in Camp Hope, one of the state’s largest encampments in eastern Washington. In addition to housing, these graduates obtained job readiness training, identification, case management and mental health support. |
Price now works in construction. He is living in emergency housing in Spokane. With a job and place to live, he is focused on improving his relationship with his daughter.
“This class opened my eyes and challenged me for better outcomes,” he said.
Students in the job readiness program receive certifications in OSHA regulations, First Aid and CPR. Students are also trained in forklift operations and flagging (traffic control). This training can allow them to apply for construction or road work jobs. The training is an important step in connecting graduates to potential employers, including us or other local jurisdictions.
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| Recent Tools for Success students in King County learn the basics of forklift operations as part of their job skills training. |
The training programs are delivered by service provider i2 strategies. The program is paid for by our agency as part of the overall Encampment Resolution Program efforts, including funding through the WSDOT Office of Equity and Civil Rights.
In addition to job-specific skills, the program helps students address barriers to employment. Examples include:
- Driver licenses – both written and driving testing or help reissuing lost cards
- Obtaining GED transcripts/documentation
- Addressing mental or behavioral health challenges
- Partnering with local pre-apprenticeship and training programs for employment preparation certificates
- Employment preparation training (workplace expectations, communication skills, resume workshops, interview preparation, etc.)
- Case management support, including tips on how be successful after finding employment.
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| A job training student selects work boots. All students receive boots upon graduation. Work shoes and professional attire are an essential tool in being able to perform tasks and secure a job. |
The training program helps people re-enter the workforce with pride. For some, they have faced years of disruption and now hope to be successful in their first jobs. Students receive help to identify potential careers and interests, prepare for interviews and more. There also is ongoing analysis of the training and student needs after graduation.
Success – by the numbers
These programs have started small to be sure there was enough support for each student. Initial results and individual successes have been encouraging.
In addition to an 80 percent graduation rate, many program graduates have found jobs and are in more safe and secure housing. These successes help stabilize their lives.
2023/2024 job training data for Encampment Resolution Program sites:
- 106 total assessments – individuals’ assessment for program readiness, potential job interests and other job-related barriers that may be present
- 157 service connections – connections include offers of housing, substance use disorder services, GED, behavioral health and legal services.
- 47 people graduated – includes graduates from two pre-apprenticeships in Spokane County, one flagging course and two job readiness courses in King County.
- 80% graduation rate (47 graduates/59 people enrolled)
- 26 graduates employed – total people employed in apprenticeship, flagging or other fields
- 14 graduates living in permanent house
- 15 graduates living in emergency housing
- 7 graduates living in local congregate or other nightly accommodations
*Data provided by service providers as of Aug. 1, 2024. These numbers are specific to King and Spokane County ERP sites.
And the support doesn’t end at the graduation ceremony. Our service providers continue to work with graduates to address challenges like not yet finding a job.
Ongoing support needed to address homelessness
Service providers say flexibility and a safety net of support are keys to helping build more stable lives.
The largest need is for more temporary and long-term housing. Washington’s Encampment Resolution Program works to safely and humanely close sites. This means moving people into secure housing and reducing safety concerns that come with people living along state highways. With our partners we’ve identified strategies that work. These strategies include housing and the job readiness training programs.
This work comes at a cost. We and other state partners do not have unlimited funds to address this need. We continue to share these concerns with lawmakers who set our priorities and budgets.
Our service providers see firsthand how employment training opportunities help people gain self-sufficiency. These programs offer long-term stability, a helping hand and restored dignity to our most vulnerable populations.
And everyone, regardless of their situation or dreams, deserves a chance for a brighter future.
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