10/16/2017
Under the umbrella of the Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center, we have been operating a program for over six years to give persons who are homeless or nearly homeless a hand up. Many such persons are eager to work but don’t have the opportunity to do so because they lack training, work skills or self-confidence. Others have physical disabilities or have a history which precludes them from gaining re-entry into the work force. Many are veterans. Quite a few have special skills but have been victims of the recession. Some have children to support. It is these individuals that The Homeless Employment Launching Project aims to serve.
Interested homeowners or businesses phone in their needs to a part-time employee of the non-profit Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center (CDDC.) This employee acts as coordinator, matching up a fully screened, marginally poor or homeless person with the homeowner. A time for the work to be done is agreed upon, and on that day, the HELP worker then is transported by either a HELP aide or the client, or if possible, takes public transportation. The client then submits a check together with an evaluation of the work done. A local accounting office calculates taxes and insurance charges and then issues a check to the worker at the end of the month.
As a result of HELP, many local individuals who are homeless, food-insecure, despairing and at-risk, have gained job skills, self-confidence, self-reliance, good work habits, a work history, and most importantly, hope. In several instances, temporary employment with HELP has launched workers from life on the streets into full time paid positions. With secure paychecks in hand, these individuals are now able to acquire meager housing accommodations, buy their own food and pay their utility bills. Their future now holds promise.
If you are interested in hiring a HELP worker or if you have any questions about our program contact our Workforce Coordinator at 541-740-8131. We would be glad to HELP!
