![Freshman Milan Earl and sophomore Lucy Kaplan sit with their grandparents at Archer’s annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day Friday, March 15. The event took place over three 75-minute sessions. “[I hope my grandparents] gain an understanding about what I do, Kaplan said, because I know they ask a lot of questions and can sort of see what I do in school and what the experience is like to be here.](https://archeroracle.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/grandparents-day-option-2-1200x800.jpg)
Middle School Spotlight: Homelessness affects reintegration into the workforce
A homeless encampment in Los Angeles. Many homeless people struggle to find steady jobs. Image source: County of Los Angeles, Mark Ridley Thomas.
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.
Shamiya Brown • Nov 2, 2017 at 8:30 am
My mom has six kids including me i have an older brother who is eight-teen and out on his on with a baby on the way. We are all split up and my mom lives in Myrtle Beach from motel to motel struggling to get her six children back together. I just want someone that is willing to help her get a house big enough for us. The designated area is Mullins South Carolina , my grandma and everyone else in the family tries to convince her to move here for better living but she needs help. if you people can please help her i am willing to get a job and help out with the family. i am a senior and this is my last year.
Larisa Carter • Oct 9, 2017 at 9:10 am
Well-written article about an issue that is very relevant to life here in Los Angeles. Thanks for providing a different perspective on this important social issue.