The myth is that most homeless people don’t want to actually work. Surveys show that many would like to work if given the opportunity and if they could make enough to be self-sufficient. Check out the survey results below and then learn how to get involved with the Let’s Get to Work Initiative.
UT School of Social Work shows 52% Looking for Work
In August 2008, the University of Texas School of Social Work presented its preliminary findings on their “Solicitation Report”. They interviewed about 103 individuals and found that 51 % of those surveyed wanted job training and 52% were looking for work and their over-riding common theme was that they were “soliciting for daily survival.” (Soliciting refers to pan-handling while standing on street corners, sidewalks etc.) (PDF of the Final Report) (City of Austin Report Summary)
Unsheltered Homeless Count Survey: Over 50% are homeless due to unemployment
In the Unsheltered Homeless Count Survey, conducted in Austin in May 2007, over 200 respondents were interviewed. When asked as to the cause of their homelessness, 100 said it was because of being “unable to pay either their rent or mortgage.” Another 118 said it was “due to unemployment.” (PDF of the Full Report, see Appendix E)
House the Homeless Survey November 2007: 90% would work 40 Hours for a Living Wage
This survey was conducted by House the Homeless Inc. in Austin in November 2007. 526 people experiencing homelessness were successfully interviewed. 37.8% said they were working at the time of the interview. When asked if they would work a 40 hour week job, if they were sure it would pay them enough to afford basic food, clothing, shelter, (in other words a Living Wage), 468 or 90.7% said they would work 40 hours for a living wage. (from www.housethehomeless.org)
House the Homeless Survey January 2009: 57% Homeless Due to Job Loss or Low Income, 74% Would Take Job Training
57% Homeless Due to Job Loss or Too Low of Income
In a subsequent House the Homeless survey conducted January 1st 2009, 429 people experiencing homeless were interviewed. Of those responding, (out of eleven, options), “job loss” ranked 1st at 150 and “insufficient income” ranked 2nd (unduplicated) with 94. Some might say these two causes could be combined under “insufficient income” for a total of 244 (or over half of those interviewed). (from www.housethehomeless.org)
74% Would Take New Job Training if They Could Make a Living Wage
Also in this survey, we compiled a list of 20 jobs that are being taught at Austin Community College. We then asked, “If you could earn a living wage (enough to pay for food, clothing, shelter (including utilities) by doing one of these jobs, would you accept training? Their response? Yes -317 and No-38.
We then asked them to rank their top three choices.
- 112-truck driver
- l09-landscaping
- 64-bus driver
- 61-heating and air conditioning
- 52 computer tech repair
- 51 welder
- 44-solar panel installer
- 41-small engine mechanic
- 38-tow truck operator
- 37 -administrative assistant
- 36-nurses aid
- 35-auto body repair
- 34-small engine electrician
- 33 -upholstery
- 30-dental assistant
- 29-phlebotomy ( draw blood)
- 25-TV/VCR/DVD repair
- 18-outboard motor repair
- 17-wedding planner
- 15-accounting
The surveys, coupled with the Let’s Get to Work Forum, provide the justification and the framework for the creation of pathways to assist people experiencing homelessness go through job training and end up in Living Wage jobs. The Let’s Get to Work Initiative utilizes and involves city, state, federal , in-kind dollars and participants that include businesses, non-profits, religious organizations, educational and affected persons to improve our community in devising a replicable solution.
