Abstract
As public benefit programs shrink in the face of drastic government cuts, employment becomes increasingly important to low-income individuals and families facing housing insecurity. Employment can offer a key pathway out of homelessness and toward housing stability. However, housing and employment services are traditionally siloed in separate service agencies, and mainstream employment service providers are often reluctant to serve homeless people due to the widespread stigma against homeless people. In response to this challenge, the Secure Jobs Initiative, a $1.5 million demonstration project funded by the Paul and Phyllis Fireman Foundation, was launched in 2013 and implemented in five regions in Massachusetts. These regions also leveraged a total of $635,000 in additional investments to expand the scope and reach of this Initiative. In addition, one region expanded the model to a shelter provider.