Photo by Matt Collamer on Unsplash
There are several programs to help individuals with Homeless prevention by the way of employment training or finding housing: transitional, temporary, or permanent. More often than not, these programs also have a food pantry or a soup kitchen where someone can receive groceries or a meal.
During the pandemic, food pantries were showing an uptick for those needing help with groceries. For many, the pandemic meant job loss and therefore a loss of steady income. Even though there was an extension for those needing extra time to pay rent and utilities, it didn’t mean that those bills would be canceled; it just meant the bills would just add up, creating a debt that would be difficult to pay off.
More than ever the need for food, housing, and employment training was at a premium during the pandemic. As the U.S. claws its way out of the wreckage from the pandemic, families are finding themselves hanging on by their fingernails to not only make a living wage but also pay off the debt accrued when their jobs were either eliminated or on hold.
Several programs around Maryland will help with Employment Training:
Light House: A Homeless Prevention
10 Hudson Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
Email: info@annapolislighthouse.org
Phone: 410-349-5056
To rebuild lives with compassion by providing shelter and services to prevent homelessness and empower people as they transition toward employment, housing, and self-sufficiency.—Light House Mission Statement
Light House believes that “sustainable employment skills enable our clients to make a living wage so they can afford permanent housing.” They help clients by providing a three-week virtual employment training program through their Building Employment Success Training (B.E.S.T) Job Readiness Trainings. B.E.S.T. aims to support their clients with materials and skillsets to get a job.
Students in the B.E.S.T program receive resources and access to an online curriculum. Students need to commit to 20 hours each week for three weeks and will be provided a stipend during their time in the program. In addition to the Monday through Thursday classes, there are additional meetings.
Classes: Monday through Thursday 4pm-6pm
The program provides individuals with practical skills needed in a job search. Clients will learn how to write a resume, how to prepare for job interviews, and do an employment search. The program will also provide personal development workshops.
Light House provides monthly workshops beginning the first Monday of every month except for June and December. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be drug and alcohol free, and be committed to securing full-time employment after training.
Gedco CARES
Address: 5502 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212 behind St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Chuch
Phone number: 410-532-7117
Gedco CARES also serves individuals seeking jobs and pursuing careers by providing one-on-one support from trained staff and volunteers.—CARES Employment Services
CARES will provide employment services for individuals in any zip code.
According to their website, they help individuals with the following:
- Resume preparation
- Cover letter writing
- Online job search and application assistance
- Interview skills coaching
- Computer training courses
- Help for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI recipients who are also seeking employment.
- Support in overcoming other barriers to employment
Our House
Address: 19715 Zion Road, Brookeville, MD 20833-1505
Phone number 301-519-1019
Email: info@our-house.org
Our house is a residential facility located in Montgomery County, Maryland providing young men with job skills training, counseling, mentorship, and education. This program is different from other job skills training programs as that it’s geared towards at-risk adolescents. The program provides education in specific skills such as organic gardening, engine repair, computers, beekeeping, and carpentry. Many of the residents come in with remedial skills but by the time they leave, be it a few months or a few years, many will have earned a Maryland State Diploma.
"The Our House program is more than just a job skills training program. It includes the development of the entire individual providing the trainees with a full set of skills for success.”—Our House Mission Statement
(Video from the Our House YouTube channel)
Do you have suggestions for a job services program? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading