FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Supported by Arizona Housing Coalition’s Arizona Nonprofit Capacity Building Innovations for Impact Grant, the nonprofit aims to empower individuals to start new careers by providing job training and secure housing
Phoenix, Ariz. (April 11, 2024) — St. Joseph the Worker (SJW), a leading Phoenix nonprofit organization committed to empowering unhoused, low-income and other disadvantaged individuals with a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency through quality employment, proudly announces the launch of its Workforce Housing and Training Program (WHAT). This new opportunity bridges the gap between job seekers, career opportunities and a pathway to long-term housing. Funding for the project was made possible by Arizona Housing Coalition‘s Capacity Building for Nonprofit Organizations – Innovations for Impact Grant, which is designed to increase the capacity of nonprofit organizations working within Arizona to address housing instability and homelessness.
The core focus of the 120-day WHAT Program is to fast-track participants into stable career employment. It begins with two weeks of hands-on classroom training, after which graduates can start working and receive their first paycheck within the first month. For the next 90 days, participants follow SJW’s Workforce Villages transitional housing model, which provides free housing along with classes on personal finance and how to budget for food, teaching participants how to keep their cost per meal under $5. This enables participants to save 70%-80% of their net income in their own personal bank accounts, allowing them to save enough money to secure their own apartment once the program ends.
Following the classroom portion of WHAT, individuals can secure employment starting at $18 per hour and move to $20 per hour after 90 days with one of SJW’s Preferred Business Partners or other local companies. Over the next six to nine months, wages can increase up to $23 per hour. This represents a remarkable 28% increase compared to traditional 3%-5% wage growth rates. Upon successful completion of the four-month program, graduates will not only have enough money saved to cover the first month’s rent and security deposit for their own apartment but also provide themselves with a savings cushion. With the fair market price of a one-bedroom apartment in Phoenix around $1,200, the program offers members of the community a tangible pathway to longer-term financial stability.
“At SJW, our mission is to provide individuals with the tools they need to free themselves from government assistance and achieve self-sufficiency,” said Carrie Masters, CEO at St. Joseph the Worker. “With our new Workforce Housing and Training Program, we are offering a comprehensive solution in one unique program. It provides a career pathway with real earnings growth, a pathway to long-term housing and fills roles our local partners have available to grow their businesses.”
Although some trade professions provide onsite training, WHAT aims to equip participants with essential soft skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles from day one. The inaugural class, instructed by Phoenix House Painting owner John Morris, will learn the technical and interpersonal skills needed to succeed as a commercial painter. During the classroom portion of the program, trainees spend two hours each day covering essential work and life skills and the remaining six hours are focused on hands-on technical training.
“I am so passionate about sharing my decades of experience in the trade and, more importantly, the life skills necessary to be an excellent team member and build a career,” said Morris. “I’m excited to be a part of a program that not only incorporates a housing component but also emphasizes soft skills like navigating conflict resolution and maintaining professionalism. It truly is a win-win for the individual and the community.”
SJW’s Workforce Training Program is currently accepting applications for its upcoming session starting on May 7, 2024. The program is open to individuals aged 18 and older, from varied backgrounds. Applicants must have reliable transportation and no open evictions or violent felonies.
Interested individuals can visit sjwjobs.org/workforce-villages to learn more and apply.
About St. Joseph the Worker
St. Joseph The Worker (SJW) was formed in 1988 connecting the unhoused community to local employment opportunities. Since then, SJW has been forging pathways to self-sufficiency with employment at the core, believing the only way out of poverty is a paycheck. Common barriers clients face when looking for and upon finding stable employment include access to transportation, money for interview and uniform attire, lack of certifications for the role and housing. By breaking down barriers clients often face when job searching, SJW is providing an opportunity for clients to build a sustainable life free of government assistance. To learn more about SJW, visit https://sjwjobs.org.
###
MEDIA CONTACT:
Beth McRae
The McRae Agency
beth@mcraeagency.com
602-330-1996
Samantha DeRose
The McRae Agency
samantha@mcraeagency.com
480-495-4930
You must be logged in to post a comment.