"Seven in 10 Americans are one paycheck away from being homeless." -- Pras Michel, Producer of the documentary film SKID ROW
Homelessness can happen to anyone. It is the most traumatic of experiences and can reshape a life for decades. The nonprofit organization, Hand Up Cooperative addresses the need to reduce homelessness by providing access to employment education and career opportunities. Our mission is to assist the homeless and near homeless in gaining employment and to receive the 'hand up' they need to become permanently self-sufficient.
Hand Up Cooperative offers a comprehensive program tailored to the individual needs of our clients and the business community:
Rigorous drug/alcohol/mental health screening
Job and career skills evaluation and classes offered by collaborative agencies
One-on-one job search counseling and coaching sessions
Job placement with a Hand Up Cooperative corporate partner or other local employer
Corporate partnership with Hand Up Cooperative acting as employer during probationary period
Volunteer mentoring program and ongoing counseling to ease transition to the workforce
The results of our programs to provide employment education and career opportunities for the homeless include:
89% of Hand Up Cooperative program graduates are able to find permanent employment
67% retain employment with the original employer for at least one year
Corporate partners report satisfaction and several clients have been promoted
