Transforming Isolated Housing into Integrated Neighborhoods for Economic Self-Sufficiency
In July 2005, the Workforce Development Plan aimed to revitalize isolated housing structures, fostering community integration and self-sufficiency for 12,606 families. The plan focuses on increasing household income, enhancing employment opportunities, and providing comprehensive support services. Families are encouraged to engage in community activities, and measures are taken to ensure housing quality and compliance. Tracking success through participation rates and employment placements is key to demonstrating positive outcomes. The individualized approach addresses barriers to employment, highlighting ongoing support for job retention and career development.
Transforming Isolated Housing into Integrated Neighborhoods for Economic Self-Sufficiency
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Presentation Transcript
Workforce Development July 2005
Context The Plan for Transformation • Redevelopment of isolated housing structures into integrated neighborhoods • Re-integration of the population into the fabric of the city
Families with OpportunitiesTotal number of households: 12,606
The Goal for Families Achieving self-sufficiency This means families will have income and benefits sufficient to reduce their dependency on public housing and other government subsidies.
Results for Families • Families are stable • Traditional case management work: links to education, child care, mental health, medical and substance abuse treatment, etc. • Families have more household income • Measures increases in the array of assets coming into a home, including employment, work supports, etc • Families have more housing choices • Includes lease compliance, household budgeting, housing quality standards, etc. • Families are involved in their communities • Focuses on families becoming more connection to local churches, block clubs, and other neighborhood activities.
Tracking Our Success • Participation rates • Employment Placements • Service Referrals • Status during Move-In • Customer Satisfaction • Data exchanges with The Chicago Public Schools and the Illinois Dept. of Employment Security
Workforce Development • Education and Job Training for individuals who are motivated to work • Employers who are prepared to make civic commitments to the Plan for Transformation • A Quality Match between an employer’s needs and a residents interests • Support over time for retention and career trajectories
Education Levels Among Adults Education Levels among 2004 Service Connector Clients, Source: Service Connector
Children in CHA Households • 59% of households have children living in them • On average, those households have three children in them (2.7). • 15% of households have four or more children.
CHA Elementary School ChildrenRates of Failure on Basic Reading Tests
Barriers to employment • Literacy: low levels among residents are a profound barrier to employment • Skills: Entry level positions in the global economy often require a skills set that exceeds that of many residents • Work History: a critical mass of residents have little or no work history • Motivation: years of isolation in under-employed communities had a negative impact on motivation to work
Individualized Approach • Leveraging the whole population vs. a tiered approach to current needs: • Employment trajectories for those who are employed • Consistent employment for those who are sporadically employed • Employment skills for those with little or no work history • Inventory of interest level in job opportunities based on market availability
Support skills and life experience • Soft interview and job preparation: • Resume writing • Interview skills • Acceptable attire • Professional behavior • Retention Support • Early warning systems for newly employees • Regular follow up with newly employed residents
