Hikers lead job seekers on trail to employment

By Ambria Hammel, The Catholic Sun
March 1, 2007

George Russell arrived in the Valley earlier this year with only his ID, a bus pass and the clothes on his back.

His roommate in Utah stole everything he had.

“It wasn’t like I was coming down to be homeless, but I knew I had X amount of money,” Russell said. He moved into Central Arizona Shelter Services facility for men in downtown Phoenix to save what finances he had for necessities.

Russell found St. Joseph the Worker next door. The agency specializes in helping the homeless and disadvantaged secure permanent, full-time employment. All of its services are free.

On the job trail

He registered with the agency and took a class on interview strategies. Russell also met with a job developer who helped him spruce up his résumé and set up personal voicemail at the office so employers could contact him.

Within three weeks, he had a job. Russell expected to start work as a cook for a Phoenix hotel last week. Even if something does fall through with the position, he said, “I see a starting place for myself now.”

Russell is only one of the agency’s success stories already this year. More than 200 clients — 46 percent of those registered — reported St. Joseph the Worker’s aid in securing a job in 2006. Roughly 50 clients visit the office each day pursuing employment. Most are men.

The agency works with anyone seeking job assistance. Holy Cross Father Michael Baxter of André House, a Phoenix shelter and soup line, helped establish St. Joseph the Worker in 1988 to provide basic employment services for the homeless.

“Our approach is to slow down, get people out of crisis mode,” said Amy Caffarello, executive director. She said 35 percent of the Maricopa County homeless population is employable.

St. Joseph the Worker helped another client, Andrew, out of his crisis after being released from jail. His full name is being withheld for protection. Andrew had customer service experience, but lacked other necessities for obtaining a job.

“They offered to help me get my food handler’s card, clothing, anything that I would need,” he said.

Andrew frequently visited the agency to research current job listings, use the computer and browse the fully-stocked wardrobe closet. Clients searching for employment can pick out as many interview and casual outfits as they want from the agency at no charge.

Andrew joked that “all the good clothes are gone,” hinting that he now owns them, but still managed to find a suitable cashmere sweater during another visit.

Russell, who came to the Valley with essentially nothing, also found suitable clothing for himself.

“My two suitcases are full,” he said.

St. Joseph the Worker also helps clients purchase uniforms and tools once employed. Staff made sure Andrew had black pants and a white shirt for his new position as a waiter.

Hikers set foot

The privately funded agency is organizing its largest fundraiser, a hike, to continue to help people like Andrew and Russell take a hike from homelessness and unemployment.

Alyssa Crockett remembers a formerly homeless man who addressed hikers at last year’s event. He eventually got back on his feet through St. Joseph the Worker and compared his journey to the hike.

“I think there’s a nice metaphor for that hike and being able to walk in somebody else’s shoes even if it’s for an hour that morning. It’s symbolic. It’s still important,” said Crockett, the director of development at Xavier College Preparatory.

More than 150 students, parents, faculty and alumni supported last year’s hike as a campus-wide service activity. Administrators hope for 200 this year.

More than 900 supporters raised $50,000 last year. The agency hopes to see 1,000 hikers at this year’s event.