Homelessness — Promoting Economic Self-Sufficiency (2008)

• Emmaus Greenwich

  To help open a second retail unit that will provide work experience for homeless people living in the Emmaus hostel; and to provide vital revenue to enable Emmaus Greenwich to become a self-sustaining community. Emmaus Greenwich offers homeless people a realistic and sustainable alternative to life on the streets, helping them to move from homelessness and dependency on state benefits, to taking responsibility for their own lives through living and working in a self-supporting community. (Over three years)

• Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries (Goodwill)

  To expand the “Human Services Employment Ladder Program”, a Boston-based job training programme that enables people facing barriers such as homelessness or a limited work history to access employment in the growing Human Services sector. To develop a fully realised model in which four employers support the development and implementation of the training, and offer jobs with established career ladders. Goodwill provides a wide range of job training and related services to help individuals achieve independence and dignity through work. (Over three years)

• National Housing Federation

  To persuade the six main energy companies in the UK to equalise their prepayment meter tariffs with standard tariffs, in order to benefit people on low incomes, many of whom live in affordable housing and have experienced homelessness. The National Housing Federation has 1,300 housing association members who manage 2 million homes across England. The Federation supports and promotes the work of housing associations and campaigns for better housing. (Over two years)

• Off the Streets and into Work (OSW)

  To develop a model that equips homeless people in London with the skills, support and linkages they need to gain and sustain work, and to progress within work to achieve greater earnings. The model will combine a structured follow-up service with a job coaching method pioneered by OSW. OSW tackles homelessness by helping individuals to access education, training, volunteering and employment. OSW also conducts research and tests new approaches as a means of influencing policy makers, service providers and homeless people. (Over two years)

• Project H.O.M.E.

  To help formerly homeless people living in Philadelphia reach their potential through employment and educational opportunities that are based on the recovery principles of building a positive identity, personally meaningful connections and a positive role in the community. Project H.O.M.E. is one of Philadelphia’s leading homelessness organisations, providing a wide range of services to chronically homeless people. The organisation’s roots are in providing shelter for the most challenging individuals, and in campaigning to preserve and strengthen the rights of homeless people. (Over three years)

• Project Renewal

  To help New Yorkers who have secured employment through Project Renewal’s employment programme to raise their annual income to a liveable wage, with the aim of increasing job retention rates, promoting financial independence and helping to prevent a return to homelessness. Project Renewal works with some of the neediest homeless people, many of whom have mental health issues and/or addiction to drugs or alcohol. The organisation provides an end-to-end progression of services that includes outreach, housing, medical care, psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment, and employment. (Over three years)

• St Mungo Community Housing Association Ltd

  To pilot post-employment support to improve job retention. The support will target those struggling to cope with the adjustment to full-time work, and if it is successful, will be rolled out to several St Mungo's hostels. St Mungo’s is one of London's largest charities for homeless people, providing street outreach, shelters, and supportive housing, as well as helping people in their recovery by providing health care and tailored work programmes. (Over two years)

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