While some continue to view homeless re-entry into society as impossible, there is an organization in Los Angeles that offers them vital resources.
The Integrated Recovery Network focuses on helping them with access to housing, health care and employment. Through an integrated network of providers, the organization addresses the needs of the homeless and formerly homeless with co-occurring mental illness and / or addiction.
Ruby Villarreal, Employment Specialist with Integrated Recovery Network, said that the participants are referred by agencies or they find them themselves and as soon as they accept the help they are assigned a case manager.
“So we address any challenge or barrier that person may be facing, ”said Villarreal.
The important thing, he assured, is not only to get them a job but also to make sure of their well-being and to know their challenges already that, for example, if the person does not have a home, it will be difficult for them to maintain a stable job.
“Because they will need a place to rest, a place to shower, otherwise the The probability of keeping the job, in the long term, is not going to be substantial ”, indicated the specialist.
This is when the case manager helps clients with the vital part, such as knowing if you need a rent subsidy, some food bank or lately, covid resources – or the vaccine.
Once these needs have been addressed, they are transferred to the Employment Department and they meet with Villarreal and his team who focus on their preparation for work.
“We help with mock interviews, in the creation of curriculum. We help them with free clothes for the interviews, we give them a free bus pass and then they meet with a job developer who focuses on job placement ”, said Villarreal.
This person is in charge to help them look for job opportunities. Once the client has gone through the whole process, they can re-enter the workforce.
During the pandemic, the Integrated Recovery Network has secured more than 95 jobs that include warehouse, logistics and customer service areas. The positions are for beginners, which also tend to be in higher demand.
It is estimated that the % of the population that the organization helps are of Latino origin and the % of them speak Spanish only. The organization also helps people regardless of their immigration status by focusing on the qualities and abilities of the person to help him / her find employment.
The help continues
Villarreal said that once the person you have found your job, you can still have access to a case manager. This includes therapists in case the person is interested in mental health and psychological help. All for free.
“Once the person gets their job and faces challenges like covid or other problems, then they can continue to access mental health therapy, and can continue to meet with his case manager, “said Villarreal.
The idea is to provide comprehensive services correctly, not only focus on employment, but also emphasize other areas of needs that the individual may be facing.
“The long-term objective is for this individual to rejoin the community again, but to keep his job. Finding the job is the easiest part, but keeping it is where it becomes a challenge for a part of our population ”, concluded the specialist.
Clients have access to the case manager for up to 120 days, all after they have settled down with housing and work.
Yes you or someone you know needs these services can contact the Integrated Recovery Network by calling (213) 977-9447.
The direction en 2010 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1012 Los Angeles, CA 90057.
Key Services:
– Job placement
– Free training for licenses and certifications (security guard card, OSHA, forklift and more)
– Career guidance, including resume development and mock interviews
– Live job fairs and virtual, trainings to help find employment during COVID
– Free interview clothing
– Mental health services
– Management of cases
– Financial orientation
– Access to computers, fax, photocopier and telephones
– FREE bus pass