EMERGE
Jobs for the homeless—one of the most critical factors in getting people off the streets permanently. At the Weingart Center, we know this, which is why our EMERGE program provides homeless men and women with literacy and basic skills training plus job development and placement services to enhance earning potential, and promote and enable a self-sufficient lifestyle. EMERGE offers a direct link to shelter, education and employment opportunities for homeless individuals in the Los Angeles downtown area.
Stressing the importance of attaining personal employment goals and the benefits of maintaining employment, EMERGE gives program participants the opportunity to train and enter into a growing job industry while receiving transitional housing and having access to a savings account and supportive services. The EMERGE program has a 12-month workforce development curriculum that includes:
- Transitional housing with nutritious meals
- Case management
- Basic education and computer literacy
- Job development, placement assistance and retention support
- Life skills and money management
- Substance abuse supportive services
- Community referrals
- And more…
Basic Necessities
We provide basic necessities — transitional housing, meals, clothing, laundry and toiletries, and even voicemail and mail drop — so our participants can transform their lives and focus on their future goals.
Case Management
Case managers prepare an initial needs-assessment for each participant based on physical, mental, emotional and social services needs, skill and literacy level, and substance abuse status. Case managers then work closely with participants to develop individual goals and objectives, make the appropriate referrals and follow up to assure delivery of services, and work on family reunification.
Education
Our participants receive an initial educational, vocational and personality assessment which is then used to establish goals and determine educational needs.
In addition to the classroom and individual teaching sessions, participants have access to an on-site learning lab with computer stations that are used for self-paced instruction and online tutorials.
Finding Jobs for the Homeless through Workforce Development
EMERGE requires all participants to ready themselves for employment by completing courses in the areas of: social skills, decision making, employability, money management, transportation, health, basic law, family responsibilities and telephone skills. Each course includes group discussions and lessons that address specific aspects or issues related to that skill set.
Our skilled staff works with participants to match interests with current and future abilities and identify the correct work environment for each participant. Based on this assessment, participants develop their skills within one of three entry-level, on-site job training programs: facilities maintenance, food services, and hospitality/customer service, with additional vocational tracks coming soon. These three areas were selected because they do not require more than a high school degree and are growing sectors in our city.
Employment Training Programs
EMERGE also offers three on-site training programs — Customer Service and Hospitality; Facilities and Maintenance; and Food Services — to prepare participants for employment. When individuals graduate from one of the EMERGE training programs, they have the skills required for working in these growing industries.
In addition, our participants learn the importance of setting and attaining personal employment goals as well as the benefits of maintaining employment.
Pre- and Post-Employment Placement
Finding jobs for the homeless isn’t easy, but our EMERGE Job Specialists and Job Developers identify and track new job leads, facilitate employment referrals, and work closely with prospective employers to identify the best possible match for our participants.
For participants who already have a work history, we help them get back into the workforce, and for others we help them increase their skill-set to obtain a higher-paying and more fulfilling job.
We give our participants appropriate attire from our on-site clothing boutique for going on job interviews and starting work while access to a phone bank allows participants to connect with perspective employers.
In addition, follow-up services by our staff, including on-the-job site visits occurring for up to six months, ensure that the employer and new employee are both satisfied in their work arrangement, which results in long-term success for our participants.
On-Site Savings Plan
Participants are required to save 75% of their income for use when transitioning into permanent housing and living on their own.
In Partnership
EMERGE operates in partnership with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA).
