Many people experiencing homelessness want to work. But it can be difficult to find employment without skills, training, clean clothes, or a safe place to live. Some may not even have identification, a phone, or a resume.
That’s why job training programs for people experiencing homelessness are so important. These programs teach practical skills that help people find stable employment and rebuild their lives.
Why Job Training Is Important for Homeless People
People experiencing homelessness often face many challenges when trying to find work, such as:
- No fixed address
- No work experience
- Lack of access to transportation
- Mental health issues
- Insufficient work history
- Lack of adequate training or skills
Job training programs help by:
- Teaching job skills
- Helping create resumes
- Offering interview practice
- Providing work clothes
- Access to computers
- Helping find employment
Some programs even pay people while they learn.
Types of Job Training Programs
Vocational and Certification Training: Many organizations offer free or low-cost certifications in high-demand fields such as IT, HVAC, culinary arts, construction, and healthcare.
Transition Jobs: These programs offer short-term paid employment (such as community beautification or food services) to help people develop their career path and professional confidence while receiving support services.
Interpersonal Skills and Readiness: Training often includes essential workplace behaviors such as conflict resolution, resume writing, interview preparation, and computer skills.
Industry-Specific Internships: Programs like Project Renewal offer paid internships in social services, maintenance, and security to provide hands-on experience.
Organizations Offering Job Training for the Homeless
1. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army implements several job training initiatives across the United States, designed to help homeless and low-income individuals acquire job skills and move toward self-sufficiency. Here are some of the main job training programs offered by the Salvation Army:
Homeless to Work (H2W): A 90-day transitional employment program where participants earn a living wage by performing community beautification tasks, such as landscaping and trash removal, while also receiving case management and job placement support.
Vocational and Certification Training: Many centers offer hands-on training for high-demand careers, including:
- Culinary Arts: Intensive courses (generally 10 weeks) that provide professional cooking skills and certifications.
- Construction: Four-week programs in partnership with unions that offer OSHA Level 10 certification and professional certification.
- Health and IT: Specialized certification programs for positions such as Certified Nursing Assistants or technology professionals.
Path of Hope: A long-term, case-management-based initiative specifically for families with children. It focuses on breaking the cycle of poverty by offering personalized plans for education, job training, and financial independence.
Veterans Employment Services (VES): Personalized support for veterans, including resume enhancement, mock interviews, and employer connections.
Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC): The ARC program is one of the Salvation Army’s best-known initiatives for people experiencing homelessness and substance abuse. It typically lasts from six months to a year and includes:
Work Therapy: Participants are assigned jobs within the center (e.g., in warehouses or thrift stores) to rebuild their work habits and self-esteem.
Job Readiness Workshops: Training in interpersonal skills such as conflict resolution, professional demeanor, and interview preparation.
2. Goodwill Industries
Goodwill Industries is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the U.S. providing job training and employment services to people facing barriers, including homelessness. Its programs are designed to help people gain skills, confidence, and access to stable employment.
Goodwill Works: An initiative targeting people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. It offers specialized services such as transportation assistance, appropriate interview attire, and direct connections with employers.
The S.T.R.I.V.E. Program: Designed for people experiencing homelessness, this program typically begins with immediate “fast-track employment” positions, such as paid garbage collection ($18.50/hour), before participants transition to long-term Career Technical Education (CTE).
The Options Program: Operates a “job-first” model, providing on-site assessment and job search support directly at shelters and residential centers for people experiencing homelessness.
Goodwill also offers other job training programs, such as:
Vocational Certifications: Free training and credentials in high-growth fields like Information Technology (Google IT, CompTIA A+), Healthcare, Logistics (CDL), and Solar Installation.
Job Readiness and Soft Skills: Workshops focused on essential job success, including conflict resolution, communication, and time management.
Paid Internships: Programs like “New Beginnings” offer paid internships of 3 to 18 months at Goodwill warehouses or retail stores to help you build a stable work history.
Barrier Removal: Assistance with obtaining essential documents (ID, birth certificates), background checks, and financial literacy training.
To find a program in your area, use the Goodwill Career Locator to find your local Career Center.
3. Covenant House
Covenant House focuses exclusively on at-risk youth (ages 18-24), offering a comprehensive career development model that ranges from basic job readiness to high-growth professional certifications. Its primary job training program includes:
IT Career Pathways Program: A key initiative in partnership with Accenture, Google, and Cisco. Young people can earn professional certifications in approximately six months for roles such as:
- IT Support and Data Analytics.
- Salesforce Development and Sales Operations.
- User Experience (UX) Design and Project Management.
Participants typically receive financial stipends and laptops so they can focus on their studies without needing a separate job.
CovWorks (Covenant Works): This flagship program (especially at the New York headquarters) offers 30 years of experience in:
Job Readiness Training: A two-week course covering resume writing, interview preparation, and work ethic.
Vocational Training: Collaborations leading to careers in nursing assistance, security, culinary arts, and cosmetology.
Educational Support: GED preparation and access to local colleges and universities such as CUNY and SUNY.
White Dove Workforce Development: An 8- to 12-week program (primarily in New Orleans) that provides hands-on training in Covenant House departments such as Food Service, Housekeeping, and Maintenance.
4. Coalition for the Homeless
The Coalition for the Homeless (specifically in New York City) operates the First Step Job Training Program, a nationally recognized model designed specifically for homeless and low-income women.
The First Step Job Training Program is an intensive 14-week program that includes over 100 hours of computer instruction (Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Salesforce), literacy workshops, and communication skills development.
Students complete eight-week paid or unpaid internships at major corporations or non-profit organizations to gain hands-on office experience.
The program offers community service support, including mental health counseling, self-esteem workshops, and mentorship from experienced professionals.
Graduates receive lifetime support, including ongoing job placement assistance, alumni networking opportunities, and additional training seminars.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the NYC program, individuals must:
- Identify as female.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Reside in one of the five boroughs of New York City.
- Have a valid U.S. work authorization.
- Commit to attending classes daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For the NYC First Step program, you can call 212-776-2074 to register for a mandatory information session.
How to Find Local Job Training Resources
American Employment Centers: Use the CareerOneStop Finder to locate government-funded job and training resources in your area.
Local Shelters: Many shelters offer their own job readiness workshops or have direct partnerships with local employers for quick job placement.
Public Libraries: These often provide free access to computers, the internet, and staff who can help with online applications and resume writing.
