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Texas is home to many nonprofit organizations offering unique solutions to the problem of homelessness. These groups recognize that homelessness is, like an illness, a condition that can be remedied through proper care. Many people forced to live on the streets and at the mercy of government and private assistance would gladly trade soup lines and cardboard signs for self-sufficiency and self-esteem. Increasingly, homeless individuals are finding new hope through organizations offering unique training opportunities. A few notable examples of programs offered throughout the state are presented here.
Footprints in the Sand helps homeless and battered women in the Houston area learn practical skills, earn money, and restore lost dignity. In 1999, Footprints began making and selling stuffed Christmas bears and Easter rabbits. The women of the shelter participate in all stages of the operation—from assembling materials, creating the products, preparing brochures, tracking sales, determining profit margins, and making presentations to other shelters. As a result, participants acquire production, business, marketing, and computer skills. After leaving the shelter, some of the women have started their own businesses, guided by their experiences at Footprints.
LifeWorks of Austin helps homeless and runaway youth overcome life on the street and gain self-sufficiency. Earlier this year, LifeWorks received a grant from Impact Austin that will enable them to open and operate a local Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop. The initiative, called School for Scoops, will provide a 10-week life-skills program, on-the-job training, and career and educational opportunities for at-risk youth. LifeWorks anticipates that 80 homeless youths will graduate from the program within the first two years.
In Beaumont, The Navy Park Children's Garden, funded by the Catholic Charities Dioceses of Texas, is a collaborative effort that teaches high-risk youth and children of low-income families to grow a garden and eat healthy. Participants learn self-confidence, problem solving, collaboration, and civic-mindedness. Over half of the produce goes to local soup kitchens and to Meals on Wheels, where the older children work for a month out of each year work to further serve the community. The children also learn to plant trees and flowers and gain experience in landscape design. Parents are urged to participate with their children.
American YouthWorks of Austin offers a unique program for teaching life skills to homeless and underprivileged youngsters. Participating youths, who are members of the AmeriCorps National Volunteer Service Program, provide members of their community affordable, energy- and resource-efficient homes. In exchange, they receive a living allowance and health care while simultaneously pursuing their high school diploma or GED. Those who successfully complete their 12-month service earn a $4,725 award to be used for higher education or trade school. Participants gain hands-on construction skills, educational resources, and a sense of community pride.
By acquiring practical life skills such as these, adults and youths can turn their homelessness into hope. The vocational and educational achievements they gain from participating in programs such as these become milestones on their quest for a fruitful and satisfying life.
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