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Intensive Employment ProgramEstimates in Albuquerque show that approximately 1,600 individuals and 880 members in families are homeless in the City on any given night (totaling over 2,480). The average monthly household income among the homeless is less that $200. While over one third of the homeless population is employed, at some level, they are unable to find or maintain adequate housing at the wages they earn. The majority of individuals living on the street have lost many living, financial, social, and job retention skills that would enable them to find and keep employment long enough to secure and keep a personal residence. Potential employers that are willing to take a chance by hiring many of these individuals are often disappointed because the employees quit or fail to come to work. All this is occurring while at the same time many employers are in need of dependable workers. The Intensive Employment Program includes a 12 apartment facility. The facility is staffed seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. Cooperative employers are recruited to participate in the program. The program provides the following:
While living in the structured facility, clients will be required to share in responsibilities of running and maintaining their own apartment. This includes cleaning, cooking, laundry, etc. Thirty percent of their salary goes into a fund to help pay for their room. Clients are required to establish a savings account with their first paycheck. In the evening there are group meetings that include topics such as job retention skills, life skills, financial management, social skills, etc. In addition there are substance abuse meetings available on a weekly basis. The length of stay for any individual will be up to 8 months. During that time, they are to be either at work, in the facility, or on a group outing. The only exceptions to this will be social outings or emergency outings approved by the case manager. Intensive Employment Program for Individuals with Psychiatric DisabilityThis program has been patterned after the successful Intensive Employment Program to target individuals with psychiatric disabilities. It includes working with 10-15 clients at any given time that fit this profile. Cooperative employers are recruited to participate in the program. In addition, the supportive housing program has been expanded to include job development and coaching. This adds another 10-15 clients to the effort. Individuals enrolled in this program must be 18 years old or older, have an ability to work, be willing to participate in the program and have a current ID and social security card. Up to thirty percent of their salary will go into a fund to help pay for room and board, each client will be evaluated individually to determine the amount that will go toward this fund. Clients will be required to establish a savings account with their first paycheck. In addition to job training, they attend group meetings that include topics such as job retention skills, life skills, financial management, social skills, etc. In addition there are substance abuse meetings available on a weekly basis. The length of stay for any individual will flexible and dependent on the needs and challenges of the client. When a participant is placed in a workplace and is adequately trained, generally that will be considered a program completion. Many of the participants may be referred to other programs that will support their employment efforts. The clients with psychiatric disabilities live in scattered housing and receive the following services:
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