Tempe Works reports nearly 50 graduates since inception; program seeks employer partners, grant funding and shared-housing pathways
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Summary
Tempe Works staff reported program growth and partnerships, said there have been 35 graduates in prior three years with additional anticipated and described efforts on shared housing, employer outreach and grant applications for move-in assistance and staffing.
Tempe Works staff briefed the council on program growth, participant demographics, employer partnerships and expansion plans, including shared-housing strategies and grant applications for move-in assistance.
Jessica Wright, manager in Community Health and Human Services, and Tempe Works coordinator Binta Coker described the program as a "second-chance employment-to-housing" effort for individuals experiencing homelessness. The program offers five temporary city positions (two in Parks and Recreation, three in Solid Waste) and requires a 90-day work period plus securing stable housing before participants are recognized as graduates.
Coker said the program received 133 referrals this fiscal year, has 10 graduates with three more expected by fiscal year-end and had about 35 graduates in the three years prior — approaching roughly 50 graduates total over the life of the program. One graduate recently transitioned to full-time Parks and Recreation employment. Staff said a family featured in the Tempe Tribune exemplified a successful recent outcome.
Tempe Works is pursuing shared housing as a housing-placement strategy and described national best practices: bifurcated leases, roommate matching and landlord engagement. The presenters said shared housing can reduce rent burdens, decrease isolation and increase access to quality housing. Staff described partnerships with ASU (Action Nexus), a UNLV master’s-level capstone cohort reviewing program development and graduate follow-up, and with nonprofit Dignity Foundation for move-in support.
Staff said they have applied for grant funding from local charitable sources and county grant programs to cover security deposits and move-in assistance and asked for help expanding employer partnerships and community outreach. Councilmembers suggested linking Tempe Works graduates with Habitat for Humanity, Rio Salado Community College scholarships, retired-teacher volunteer tutoring and landlord outreach events; staff said they are exploring these connections. Staff also noted a one-person coordinator role and described grant applications to fund a full-time Tempe Works staff position to expand case management and follow-up capacity.
No formal council action was taken; staff sought continued partnership and outreach assistance from council members to widen employer and housing options for graduates.