Fewer Women Homeless with Support from Step Up DC Job Placement Program

Step Up DC, a job placement program for women experiencing homelessness, demonstrates that stable employment can be a critical element in a woman’s ability to overcome homelessness. Calvary Women’s Services launched Step Up DC in October 2014 in response to the needs of homeless women who are ready to work and live independently.

The goal of Step Up DC is to connect women at Calvary to jobs so they can earn a stable source of income, pursue their career goals and move out of homelessness. The program’s activities include personalized support from a full-time job developer, resume building, mock interviewing and trips to local job fairs.

Over the course of the program’s first year, 44 women enrolled in Step Up DC and 25 women were placed in jobs. This surpasses the program’s initial goal of 15 job placements during the first year. Women secured positions in industries including IT support, healthcare, social work and retail, among others.

“Securing a good job makes a difference for homeless women who are striving to move into housing,” said Calvary’s executive director, Kris Thompson. “We are excited for even more women at Calvary to successfully move into their own homes as Step Up DC enters its second year.”

“This program is all about people, not numbers, but we are proud that the job placement rate in Step Up DC exceeds federal and city standards,” said Robinson Cook, job developer for Step Up DC. “The outcomes are a testament to the women at Calvary, who put in the work to change their lives.”

Today, Step Up DC hosted a Fall Career Fair at Calvary Women’s Services. The Fair was open to women currently in Calvary’s housing programs, as well as current and former STRIDE (Search Together to Resume Dignified Employment) program employees. Women participating in Friendship Place’s AimHire and Jubilee Jobs – two job placement and training programs in the District – were also invited to attend and meet with employers.

For additional information about Calvary Women’s Services, please contact Amanda Griesser at (202) 678-2341 ext. 223 or agriesser@calvaryservices.org.