Middle School Spotlight is an occasional series showcasing Archer middle school students who are learning about journalism. These were written for a class assignment then submitted to The Oracle. Outstanding pieces were selected for publication by the Editorial Board.

“Get a job!” is a phrase commonly hurled at the homeless standing on street corners throughout Los Angeles.

The task of finding stable employment appears hopeless to those without resources, but some local organizations offer methods to help the homeless successfully secure sustainable work. Some people assume that if someone is homeless they are just not trying hard enough to find work or do not want it. One organization helping the homeless acquire jobs is Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homeless [PPTFH].

“There is a large percentage of homeless individuals that want jobs,” Brian Deming, a board member for PPTFH said.

Deming noted that if a person committed a crime, even if by accident, he or she is required to reveal a criminal record when applying for a job. Deming cites that even if a person has totally changed after committing a crime years ago, if “the hiring manager of [a] business isn’t informed [or] open minded to homelessness, dunzo. Application denied.”

How does a homeless person overcome a lack of skills and education, a criminal past and a lack of stable housing in order to find a job? In fact, something as basic as not having a home address can prevent a homeless person from being able to apply for a job position.

There are options available to helping the homeless find employment. Chrysalis, a Los Angeles nonprofit organization, focuses on both therapeutic and physical resources to help the homeless learn how to obtain long term work. An important part of their process is to help the homeless re-identify with who they are internally.To do this, they provide housing and classes that concentrate on developing independent living skills.  

The program has proven effective; since 1984, Chrysalis has helped more than 55,000 people through their employment programs and services.

Homelessness presents many obstacles in one’s attempt to re-integrate back into the workforce, but the Los Angeles community offers opportunities to give people the chance to succeed in doing so.