People experiencing poverty and homelessness in the Puget Sound Region face major barriers to employment. Uplift Northwest (UNW) addresses these challenges through job training, supportive services, and employer partnerships, creating a clear path to stable employment. According to the Uplift Northwest Impact Report (2023), approximately 1,174 people joined their organization and worked a total of 205,197 hours through their staffing agency. Furthermore, their base pay for all positions started at $20 an hour, a rarity in today’s economic climate. At the end of 2024, they introduced the Roadmap to Independence and Sustained Employment (RISE) job training program. The new program aims to prioritize providing immediate supportive services for participants in their program, while increasing case management support to allow participants to feel confident once they graduate from the program.

Training for Workplace Success

UNW’s RISE Job Training Program provides 16 hours per week for 4 weeks of workplace skills training, conflict resolution, and job preparation. Graduates receive a $600 stipend, certificate, and job readiness resources, including resume-building and interview guidance. Case managers help address obstacles like housing and employment stability. In addition to these services, RISE participants can also sign up for a free eye exam, at their volunteer-run eye clinic, and receive snacks to replenish their energy before and after class.

Motivating Participants to Succeed

Many participants struggle with hopelessness and helplessness. UNW provides personalized mentorship and incentives, ensuring individuals stay engaged. The stipend and certification reinforce progress, while one-on-one case management builds confidence and goal-setting skills.

In the future, there are always ways to take steps further and get ahead of poverty and homelessness in the community. According to an article by a 2024 Reporting Fellow for the Pulitzer Center, Lilly Dietz (2024), one method was introduced in Finland with their Housing First initiative which not only addressed the housing crisis, but also targeted community stigma. Dietz (2024) pointed out that “where homeless people who have a lower risk rate are able to live in regular apartments scattered throughout the community, rather than in large, centralized shelters” (para. 6). Their approach addressed not only the homeless crisis but also ensured sustainability through community involvement. Uplift Northwest is helping their participants become self-sufficient. In the future, who knows how many more ways exist to improve our world.

Expanding Job Opportunities

UNW connects participants with temporary and limited temp-to-hire positions:

• Graffiti Removal Crew: Government-funded jobs at $21+ per hour, improving neighborhoods while providing meaningful employment.
• Temp-to-Hire: Employers can transition temporary workers into permanent roles. It’s up to the external company to decide who they would like to hire on permanently.
• Staffing Services: Reliable, trained workers for partner businesses, increasing employment prospects.

Addressing Key Challenges

While UNW successfully helps many participants transition into stable employment, several challenges remain:

• Long-Term Dependence on Services: Although some participants use UNW as a stepping stone, others remain reliant on its resources for many years. This issue extends beyond UNW and can contribute to concerns about funding sustainability for these services.
• Motivation Barriers: According to research by the Centre for Homelessness Impact (2021), understanding and relating to the mental health issues of people in poverty allow for better results with engagement and creating a safe, trusting environment. Many individuals face personal challenges such as a complex criminal background, domestic violence, substance abuse and more. Therefore, it is important to question: how can we further encourage and support individuals in achieving their goals?
• Funding Limitations: Like many nonprofits, UNW relies on external partners for financial support. However, funding remains limited, making it difficult to meet the growing needs of the community.

Impact and Long-Term Success

By addressing job-readiness, motivation, and employment opportunities, UNW helps participants gain financial stability. Graduates secure stable jobs, reducing reliance on temporary staffing. UNW’s work aligns with sustainable development goals, proving that workforce development is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness.

References

Uplift Northwest. (n.d.). 2023 uplift northwest. 2023 Uplift Northwest Impact Report. https://2023impactreport.upliftnw.org/

Dietz, L. (2024, August 23). A look into Finland’s Housing First Initiative. Pulitzer Center. https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/look-finlands-housing-first-initiative

Centre for Homelessness Impact. (2021, July). Improving access to health and social care: A systematic review. Retrieved February 15, 2025 from https://assets-global.website-files.com/59f07e67422cdf0001904c14/611bb126761e0ad8fabc096f_CHI_improving-access-to-health-and-social-care_systematic-review_2021.pdf

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Feb 13 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com