Overcoming Employment Barriers Commonly Experienced Within the Homeless Community

Obtaining a job is not always an easy task and although it is a societal norm, it can be very difficult at times. There are many factors that can make stable employment harder to achieve including limited people skills, a lack of education, work experience or credentials, and competitive job markets can all effect one’s ability to gain employment. 

What barriers to homeless people experience? 

Taking into consideration that obtaining a job is not an easy task, imagine how much more difficult it can be when coupled with homelessness. Not only does an individual experience these basic challenges in job hunting, there are additional challenges commonly experienced within the homeless community when seeking employment. One of these challenges include having a low credit score due to financial instability, which is often checked by employers during the background check process and can disqualify an individual from the employment process. It can be much more difficult for an individual experiencing homelessness to maintain their physical appearance, which is an important aspect of the interview/employment process. Additionally, houseless individuals experience additional economic, social and physical stressors which can further impact their ability to gain and maintain employment. 

Another barrier that is often experienced is the stigma surrounding employment within the homeless community. Although 53% of the homeless shelter population and 40.4% of the unsheltered homeless population are employed, many people think people experiencing homelessness “just need to get a job”. The unfortunate reality is the average cost of living is much higher than minimum wage, which means that an income alone is not enough to support stable housing. 

Those experiencing homelessness are more likely to experience discrimination, difficulties with transportation and accommodations which can make an employer less likely to hire you. Overall, homelessness increases the difficulties associated with obtaining employment. So how can we overcome these barriers? 

How to overcome these barriers 

Although difficult, maintaining employment while experiencing homelessness is not impossible. Researchers with the United States Department of Labor’s seven-year Job Training for the Homeless Demonstration Program found that homeless individuals can secure and retain jobs that contribute to housing stability with the proper support, including case management, employment, training, housing and support services. Ensuring an employment program understands the process of change and offers options that meet the needs of the individual are vital components of a successful transition to employment. Understanding and acknowledging the presence of diverse barriers to employment such as parents small children, language barriers, old age, etc. is vital in creating support systems that support these barriers. 

How to Help

Although it may not seem like it at times, there are ways we can all help break down these barriers. Providing job assistance with job searches, resume building and interview preparation through volunteering at local shelters is a great way to support those seeking employment. Advocating for this issue, educating others, and raising awareness about this issue can help dispute the misconceptions and stigma surrounding homelessness and employment. Want to volunteer? Find local shelters near you!