As we continue our month-long series on walking through the program at Nest Community Shelter, we hope that you’ve learned what the beginning of our program at Nest Community Shelter typically looks like. Last week, we shared an overview of what the program looks like for incoming guests and a fictionalized account of what this program is like for guests who are experiencing it. This week, we move forward in the program, just as a guest would. We will focus on weeks 2 and 3 in the Nest Community Shelter program.
In the early days, we lay the groundwork with our guests, set goals, and establish routines, all of which work towards a safe and stable home for Nest’s guests. Much of the early days at Nest are about obtaining documentation and connecting the guest to services, so that in the later weeks, we can progress in partnership. You can read more about those early stages here.
Building on Progress
Now moving into week 2 and 3, we’ve worked in partnership to support our guests in a few crucial steps. The process for obtaining a lost or stolen ID has started, and case management is happening regularly at Nest with our staff and Flight School instructors, as well as at partner agencies if needed. At this point, the guest has a better understanding of what partners can assist with in various aspects of support.
In these crucial weeks, the guest might have the necessary documentation to see a doctor or obtain medical care if needed. The process of obtaining insurance to continue medical care is underway at this point as well. We need to support our guests’ access to healthcare, if needed, so that they can progress in the program.
Employment, The Next Hurdle
The focus shifts between weeks two and three to employment. If the guest is already employed, we look at ways to support them in their role. For example, do they need a bike, a bus pass, or a vehicle to get to work? Perhaps they need a phone. We see how we can help overcome any barriers to retaining solid employment, if required.
If the guest does not have a job, we help them learn the process for obtaining a job. We help with resume creation and getting our guests online to search through job databases. For some guests, computer literacy may be an issue, so we work with the guest to ensure that they can navigate today’s hiring landscape. While guests are applying for jobs, in the evening, and occasionally during the day, we offer services that include mock job interviews to ensure our guests are well-prepared for success. Our interview program has been highly successful, and guests consistently report that it is beneficial for them. As a result, this program is growing at our shelter. We are always looking for volunteers to help support this vital program.
Continuing not only with computer literacy but also in supporting current job trends, we instill the importance of being accountable and following up on jobs and tasks related to obtaining employment. During this time, if an interview opportunity arises, we might connect with a community partner that has clothing closets for interview attire. Our goal is to support our guests for employment success.
While this technological approach to job hunting might be commonplace to some, for others, the process is entirely different from when they first entered the workforce. As hiring has become more technical over the past few decades, computer literacy and navigating a digital job market can be incredibly overwhelming and a real barrier to employment for some. We work with our partners to ensure that guests know how to navigate the online job market, check and send emails, as well as upload resumes and follow up with potential employers.
For some guests, we also partner with temp agencies. This is a beneficial tool for some guests, enabling them to return to work quickly and progress toward a higher-paying job. This option is well-suited for guests who may have formal training, licenses, or special certifications.
Saving for Success
At the same time, while the guest is working towards employment, continuing employment, or working with a temp agency, we begin setting realistic savings goals together. We encourage and support the opening of bank accounts and teach the basics of budgeting and financial literacy for the long-term economic success of our guests. These savings goals focus on down payments, utilities, and other expenses to establish financial independence and a stable living environment.
Meanwhile, the guest will continue to meet with their Flight School instructor on a weekly basis. Together, they’ll celebrate successes, discuss setbacks as a learning experience, and move forward in the program.
To some, this might not seem like a lot, but for some of our guests, weeks 1-3 are life-changing. Goal setting, structure, and accountability may be new concepts or a welcome return. Either way, we work to meet each guest where they are while still supporting forward progress in our program.
On Thursday, we will publish this process from a guest’s perspective as our fictionalized guest, John, walks through the Nest Community Shelter program. We encourage you to join us as we walk through this process in September.
