St. Joseph the Worker (SJW) is one of the original partners of the Human Services Campus and is located inside the Lodestar Day Resource Center. The singular mission of SJW is to assist homeless, low-income and other disadvantaged individuals in their efforts to become self-sufficient through quality employment. And for over 30 years, SJW has done just that by focusing exclusively on removing clients’ barriers to becoming (and staying) employed and connecting them to employment opportunities. Services include:
- One-on-one coaching and job search support
- Access to computers and the internet
- Resume and interview assistance
- Interview and work clothing
- Transportation
- Employment prerequisites including uniforms, safety equipment and starter tools for jobs in the trades
In fiscal year 2020/2021, SJW assisted 5,629 individuals with some form of employment assistance and 2,996 of those individuals became employed. The average wage across all jobs was $15.86/hour and 70% of these jobs offered health benefits. SJW recently started the Workforce Villages transitional housing program for unhoused, employed clients. This program empowers them to save money and learn important budgeting and life skills all while having a roof over their heads so that they can continue working and can move into their own apartments within 90 days. The Workforce Villages program has consistently seen a 70% success rate with clients moving into their own housing with at least $2,000 in savings to facilitate their economic security and lasting independence.
SJW is thankful for the collaboration and partnership with the Human Services Campus and is grateful to be a part of this amazing collaborative solution to homelessness.
