| Helping People Experiencing Homelessness Rebuild Their Lives Through Work | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/homeless-solutions/2602 | Homeless Solutions | | 12/15/2022 1:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2602/Newsroom_HomelessSolutions_001.jpg | | Helping People Experiencing Homelessness Rebuild Their Lives Through Work | <div class="ExternalClassF72B77539AE64F1BA8B8CFD0C62E8240"><html>
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The City of Phoenix and Phoenix Rescue Mission are proud to announce Phoenix Works, a solutions-focused program to help individuals experiencing homelessness in Phoenix. Phoenix Works gives people in need the opportunity to earn a daily wage, access to two daily meals and life-saving support services to put them on a path to financial independence and housing.<br></p>
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Participants will earn $65 for a five-hour shift participating in various beautification projects throughout the City of Phoenix. They'll also be provided breakfast and lunch during each shift. The program will empower participants, helping them learn essential workforce skills and build their resumes to help them find permanent employment.<br></p>
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“Employment is key when we're talking about overcoming homelessness," said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “I'm pleased with the Phoenix Works program's focus on finding that for people, and following it up with case management services that support securing steady employment, permanent housing, and self-sustainability." <br></p>
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In March 2022, Mayor Gallego and the Phoenix City Council approved $1.5 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds to support this partnership. Phoenix is the third city to partner with the Mission to bring this working program to those in need. From July 2021 to June 2022, the Glendale and Scottsdale Works programs worked with 421 individuals, who performed a total of 3,615 shifts. In that timeframe, the Mission assisted 36 men and women in obtaining and moving into housing via long-term or emergency housing vouchers. <br></p>
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“Our goal with this program is to assist people faced with insurmountable, life-controlling problems by offering them the opportunity to earn money and connect with services," said Phoenix Rescue Mission CEO Ken Brissa. “Phoenix Works will bring meaningful solutions to people experiencing homelessness, instilling them with a sense of dignity and self-worth while giving neighborhoods a cleaner and safer appearance." <br></p>
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Participants will earn a cash payout for the day to help complete a wide variety of community projects. Recently, participants cleaned up a stretch of the Grand Canal from 40th to 51st Avenues, clearing trash, debris and overgrown brush from the area. Additional neighborhood beautification projects, such as park revitalization and cleaning and maintaining public walkways and event venues, will provide a benefit for the larger community.<br></p>
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Participants don't just earn money; they are equipped with a support team that provides individualized case management and navigation services. At the end of each day, participants can meet one-on-one with case managers to connect them with resources to help them secure identification, employment and housing.</p>
<p>“Building relationships through case management is an essential step toward helping people end their homelessness," said Rachel Milne, Director of the City of Phoenix Office of Homeless Solutions. “By establishing those connections and daily touchpoints between participants and case managers, we can help get people off the streets and on the path to being housed, healthy and employed."</p>
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For more information about Phoenix Works visit <a href="https://action.phoenix.gov/c1.pl?5b899e142c1999d8c42a473d9e08c8b48a9548e865fdcdc672e1dc31ee73587f" target="_blank">phxmission.org/willwork</a>. <br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/homeless-solutions | News | | homeless-solutions | Phoenix Works participants working to clear debris, trash and brush from an area along the Grand Canal. | Homeless Solutions | | | | #PHXSolutions | Solutions, Homeless, Homelessness | Kristin Couturier | 602-568-8126 | 602-534-5627 | | | kristin.couturier@phoenix.gov | | | | | | | | | cityofphoenixaz | |
