HELP Works

Young adult smiling as they work in a kitchen

About the Program

Our HELP Works program provides employment preparation and job training to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Recognizing that stable employment is crucial for maintaining housing, HELP USA offers comprehensive services to empower participants to obtain and sustain gainful employment while achieving housing stability.

The program operates through the HELP Supportive Employment Center (HELP SEC), located at Wards Island, serving approximately 300 individuals annually. This location is a transitional housing facility that accommodates over 3,000 homeless men each year. Since its establishment in 2015, HELP Works has successfully placed over 2,500 homeless adults into secure and fulfilling careers.

Preparing for Success

HELP Works equips participants with essential job readiness skills and vocational training. Classroom sessions simulate real-world work environments and cover various topics such as resume writing, job search techniques, interview preparation, computer literacy, conflict resolution, and vocational training. Participants receive personalized support from job counselors who match their skill sets with suitable job opportunities. Even after job placement, HELP USA staff continues to provide post-placement support, ensuring the success and stability of participants.

The program also offers security, maintenance, culinary arts, and urban farming internships. Interns undergo on-the-job training and receive stipends for their work. Maintenance interns receive four weeks of full-time training, security interns acquire security guard licenses over four days, and culinary/urban farming interns undergo four weeks of training, including preparation for the New York City food handler license exam.

HELP Works plays a vital role in equipping individuals facing homelessness with the necessary skills and resources to secure and maintain employment, promoting their overall stability and well-being.

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