JHP, Inc. : : : Jobs Have Priority : : : Jobs for Homeless People : : :

JHP provides services for the homeless in DC and Prince Georges County. We serve approximately 400 people in the District and 350 in Prince Georges County each year.

Many are veterans, ex-offenders re-entering mainstream society, youth that has aged out of the foster care system, and/or families running from domestic violence situations. Still others are dealing with mental illness, drug addiction and/or physical disabilities. The only requirement for entering JHP’s program is that the person is homeless and committed to improving their life.

Upon enrolling in one of JHP's programs, specialists work with each participant to develop a plan to achieve education and career goals. Barriers to learning and employment, such as a need for glasses, inadequate child care, and access to transportation are addressed and remedied on an individual basis. After being assessed to attain a base level of education, participants have the option of attending education classes. In addition to literacy and basic education, participants can take computer repair courses, learn to navigate the internet, become proficient in popular software packages, and take customer service classes.

Participants also take the Holland Self-directed Search to identify areas of employment interest and skill areas. They meet with employment specialists to develop a resume and a plan for attaining employment. Using the internet, the yellow pages, newspapers etc., clients are guided in how to conduct a job search. JHP also provides program participants with the resources needed to conduct a job search, including voice mail, access to computers, a message service, telephone access and fax machines.

Individual employment counseling sessions and group meetings are held weekly. Group meetings cover topics like interpersonal skills, customer service, time management, financial budgeting, career opportunities, interviewing strategies and other employment "soft skills" designed to give individuals the tools they need to succeed in the workforce. Individual sessions elaborate on topics covered in the group and focus on overcoming the specific challenges the individual might be facing.

Utilizing the network of service providers that JHP has forged relationships with, clients are given the opportunity to enroll in specific job training programs. Money is made available on an individual need basis to help participants cover the cost of training, obtain work supplies, cover transportation costs etc. Case-managers work closely with participants to ensure that they don't succumb to "first pay-check syndrome" and retention specialists work with the participants and with employers to resolve any work-place problems that could lead to unemployment.

While any homeless person is eligible to enroll in JHP's day programs, a participant will not be successful unless they are committed to changing their own lives. Therefore JHP concentrates on providing services to the shelter residents who are motivated to find employment and build a better life for themselves.

Located at 2nd & D, NW, spanning the entire block, and with the capacity to house well over a thousand people, Federal City Shelter FCS is the largest shelter in the country. JHP maintains a “business center” in the lobby that gives shelter residents access to free computers, internet, phones and office equipment; as well as, case management, counseling, and employment and housing assistance. JHP also provides outreach to the “street” homeless in the area and works in the hypothermia shelters during the winter months. The DC program provides services to over 300 people a year and places 140 people in jobs and 70 in permanent housing each year.

JHP’s case managers make weekly visits to and/or have offices in a number of emergency shelters under the auspices of this program (shelters include: Shepherd’s Cove, Family Crisis Center, Transitional Housing, and the Family Emergency Center). Program enrollees also come to JHP’s Greenbelt office where they meet with case managers, use computers and office equipment, participate in workshops and receive supportive services. Because residents at the county’s emergency shelters are only allowed to stay for 60 days during any one-year period, it is crucial that JHP’s case managers quickly assist them in finding employment and housing. This program serves over 200 people a year—the majority of them being single mothers. It places at least 90 people in employment and 80 people (75% of them with children under the age of 5) in housing each year.

JHP also operates two shelters in Prince Georges County where we provide 24/7 supervision, meals, and wrap-a-round services. Our job and housing program is incorporated into the day-to-day life at our shelters, and achieving self-sufficiency and employment (when feasible) are the overarching goals at these facilities. The expectation we have of our residents is clear and the support we offer is comprehensive. This allows them to achieve their goals, as evidenced by our successes.

Prince Georges House Shelter (PGH): is a 36-bed men’s shelter located in Capital Heights, MD. This dormitory-style shelter provides 24 beds of 60-day emergency shelter and another 12 beds of one-year transitional shelter. Over 130 men lived at PGH last year for stays that ranged between four days and nine months. 52 people who were not already employed were place in jobs. 63 people moved into permanent housing.

Transitional Rehabilitative Program (TRP) provides two-years of apartment-based shelter for 9 singles and two families along with comprehensive support services including mental health counseling, medical care, food, life skills, education and vocational training. It is designed to help well-motivated people who need extra time and assistance get back on their feet. Of the 9 singles and 3 families who have graduated from TRP since we opened it in October 2006 all but one are still employed and housed.

If you or someone you know could benefit from JHP's services, please contact us at one of the following locations:

Or email rnorton@jobshavepriority.org

Headquarters- 1526 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
(202) 544-9128· Fax (202) 544-6600