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How can a person
confidently attend a job interview
if they are not presentable in appearance?
They can’t. That is where Working Essentials comes into play. Working Essentials is one of the essential pieces of support in assisting people who are homeless to look more presentable, feel more confident, and be better prepared for job interviews. The items provided are basic items which can not be purchased with food stamps or on an extremely low income. Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, razors, date books, and clothing are taken for granted by many of us when we prepare for the day. By having access to these basic items a person’s appearance changes in a positive direction making the possibility of obtaining a job more likely.
Why was Working Essentials established?
In 1994, over two hundred people from non-profits, businesses, and government agencies came together to design a Continuum of Care Plan. During the process of developing the Continuum of Care Plan it was repeatedly stated by service providers at numerous meetings regarding job development that (material resources were needed for their clients to be successful at their job search.) Many agencies were, and continue to struggle in acquiring personal hygiene products, clothing vouchers, haircuts and other necessary items to provide to their clients. It was discovered that there was no coordinated effort pursuing the collection and free distribution of "working essentials" on a large scale.
Who are the people receiving these essentials?
Our program is connected to
the community by the service we provide at no cost to agencies serving
people who are homeless. Working Essentials serves agencies representing
all age groups. These agencies also serve a variety of clients with different
needs. Veterans, individuals with substance abuse addictions, women and
children fleeing domestic violence, in general people needing job training
and housing placement represent the wide variety of people served. The
(organizations served) are spread across the city geographically, serving
diverse groups of people in the Tenderloin, Mission, Richmond, Haight
and South of Market.
Has the program grown over the years?
Our program has grown each year in the (value of material support provided to the agencies and the number of individuals served.) The practical and concrete daily use of items Working Essentials collects captures peoples attention and donors realize it is simple and effective way for them to help others. Our supporter range from big companies to businesses having barrel drives, to small entrepreneurs donating services. Foundations have provided grants, and individuals have contributed everything from financial support to toiletries they collect while on vacation.
What is done with the clothing our program collects?
Working Essentials provides the clothing we collect to Youth Industry, a nonprofit program providing retail job training at their thrift stores for youth who are homeless. In exchange for the clothing we provide to Youth Industry, Working Essentials receives clothing vouchers. Our program distributes these vouchers to the agencies we serve so their clients can "shop" for free clothing to be better prepared for their job interview.
Are there creative ways to get the word out about Working Essentials?
We have begun a "Local Band Collection Drive." Merl Saunders (a long time San Francisco based musician) Jefferson Starship, and Spearhead have already started collecting shampoos and soaps from the hotels they stay at while traveling the country on their tours. We have begun outreach to other music talent in the Bay Area with the intent to greatly expand this collection drive.
What makes our program "successful"?
Our success is measured by the simple action of providing "working essentials" to individuals and heads of households who are trying to move through the trauma of being homeless with dignity. Job counselors send us thank you letters stating how our material support makes a difference in people acquiring jobs. The program was a recipient of a 1999 Tenderchamp Award presented by (Central City Hospitality House) and a Goodwill Community Partnership Award in 1997.
Did Working Essentials acquire community input?
Working Essentials obtained community input before designing the program. A questionnaire was distributed to job counselors at homeless service agencies to determine their most pressing needs and priorities to better prepare their clients to be successful in their job search. This community feedback designed the programmatic direction of Working Essentials. We save two precious commodities on behalf of the agencies we serve ... time and money. Our program specifically addresses one of the main barriers to employment. A survey was taken in May 2000 of the agencies we serve. Only one of the fifteen agencies surveyed had any money in their budget for client toiletries. Working Essentials fills a crucial hole in job training programs.
What are the long term goals of Working Essentials?
The long term larger vision is to create a "Working Essentials Bank", similar in design to the Food Bank. Working Essentials would do the education and outreach regarding the need for and collection of these basic necessities. With the growth of the program it would take an even larger portion of the burden off of individual agencies. Both, the necessity and potential for Working Essentials to grow and serve many more people is immediate. The economic boom taking place in the Bay Area provides for a perfect opportunity for individuals to acquire work, but for them to participate, they need to be prepared. This program concept can also be replicated in other cities. (See Tool Kit)
CONTACT US
Laila Villaume
1032 Irving Street, #515
San Francisco, CA 94122
phone #415/751-0812 Fax #415/751-0315
Email: admin@workingessentials.org
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