Finding a Job
A range of diverse employment services and funded programs are available to assist you in finding a sustainable job. Through coaching and guidance, we can help you to access opportunities and overcome challenges to achieve your goals.
At the time of the 2021 Australian Census, more than 120,000 individuals reported experiencing homelessness. With the current housing crisis, rising interest rates and general cost of living pressures, this number has likely increased.
People experiencing homelessness face a multitude of hardships, from financial to emotional stress, to personal and physical ill health, social disconnections, as well as unemployment. Some might wonder, why don’t they simply "get a job" to improve their situation? The reality is far more complex. Learn more about why homelessness can be a major barrier to obtaining and maintaining work and the support available to help.
No address
While what might seem an obvious part of experiencing homelessness, having no fixed address makes it difficult to complete simple applications for just about anything, including employment. Most job applications require your basic contact details, with address often being a mandatory field. Without the funds to pay for a PO box or access to use a temporary address this can be a high hurdle to jump before even starting the employment process.
If lucky enough to get a job interview or even secure work, most companies require a home address when completing their paperwork. Disclosing a lack of permanent address to an employer can create a stigma and lead to unfair judgements.
Job maintenance
It’s not only acquiring work that can be tricky for people experiencing homelessness, but also their ability to maintain that employment. Sleeping rough often makes transportation to work difficult. Especially if it’s not within walking distance or close to public transport.
People experiencing homelessness may have to sleep outdoors or with limited shelter, exposing them to the elements. This can lead to limited sleep, fatigue and poor health affecting a person’s ability to work or perform consistency and effectively at their job.
Basic resources
With nowhere to call home, people experiencing homelessness may have no access to showers, washing machines or other equipment used to maintain basic hygiene. Without access, presenting for interviews or even being able to wash a work uniform can be problematic. Along with challenges in accessing work/ interview clothing, people experiencing homelessness also have the problem of being unable to store possessions safely while attending work, interviews or appointments.
Communication
A big roadblock for people experiencing homelessness is their ability to be contactable. These days, most job applications are online, and correspondence from employers or recruitment agents is either through phone or email. Without financial means to acquire a laptop, phone, or the internet, staying connected becomes a challenge. This can make it difficult for people to progress with their job applications and stay reliable throughout the process.
Social support
Having the support of friends and family can have significant benefits for wellbeing and mental health. Not only can this support system provide suitable resources, but they can also help a person’s employment journey, keeping them motivated and accountable. Unfortunately, for many people experiencing homelessness, they can have a limited personal support system, making it difficult to stay on track and make positive changes.
Workskil Australia helping homelessness
Here at Workskil Australia, we see firsthand the crippling impact the housing crisis has on a person's employability. With so many facing the issue, we're committed to be a part of the solution.
Workskil Australia’s pilot non-profit housing program, Home2Work, is the first of its kind in the employment services industry and aims at providing stable housing to disadvantaged customers. Under the Home2Work program, Workskil Australia have bought 20 homes across Adelaide North and Perth South. These one and two-bedroom homes are being made available to eligible registered Workskil Australia job seekers at below market rents.
Each home will be made available on a 12-month lease term with an option to renew for another year. This will help customers not only secure stable housing but also give them a rental history and valuable references, both crucial for obtaining housing long term.
With a roof over their head and a place to call home, we hope to provide our customers with a sense of safety, security, and stability. We are giving them the best opportunity to achieve their employment and education goals.
Customers like Shayne are getting a foot in the door in the housing market through the Home2Work program. Shayne secured a rental in Adelaide’s Northern suburbs and is excited to provide a home for his two sons when they come and visit from Victoria. “It’s been a long road struggling being a bloke who doesn’t have a rental record. You don’t even get a look in. It’s not uncommon for me to sleep outside, burrow myself in under a tree and make a good little nest.”
“Workskil Australia has backed me and helped me realise that anything is in reach.”
Click here to learn more about Shayne’s story and the Home2Work program.
Other support for people experiencing homelessness
Beyond the Home2Work program, Workskil Australia has a dedicated housing team and supports our customers with their housing and accommodation challenges . If you are experiencing homelessness or need support to find housing, speak to your employment coach or contact us to find out more.
Visit our Resource Hub to find information on emergency accommodation, bond and rent assistance, community housing and more. There are also national and state-based support services listed on Homelessness Australia.
