Why Is the Homeless Workforce Important? Especially, Why Now?

When we improve the employability and long-term employment of the homeless and those at risk of homelessness, then we empower them to:

• Optimize their human potential through productive work;
• Make positive contributions to their families, communities, and society at large; and
• Reduce their dependence on public assistance, including subsidized housing, health care, and other services.

At present, both public and private charitable funding for such services is stagnant or decreasing, even as the need increases, especially with the continued growth in the population of long-term unemployed. These unsuccessful workers no longer possess job skills that employers need. A growing number of have stopped looking for work, which contrasts with the ongoing decline in the overall unemployment rate.

When the homeless and other long-term jobless workers re-enter the workforce with valuable skills, they rebuild their lives through work, increase their economic self-sufficiency, and reduce their dependency on others. Public agencies and charities then can concentrate their efforts on those who are utterly helpless and dependent and who cannot get a job or sustain employment.