Traditional job training programs are not equipped to address many of the core problems that pose barriers to meaningful employment and perpetuate homelessness. In addition to the lack of stable housing, barriers for chronically homeless adults can include lack of reliable transportation, depression, substance abuse, a criminal record, inadequate healthcare management, and/or limited education. Our programs use a compassionate, practical approach that identifies and addresses the issues affecting individuals and make a lasting difference.

The Hope Center at Pullen currently offers two programs through the commitment of volunteers.

Job Readiness Program

The Job Readiness Program serves 20 chronically homeless or marginally-housed men and women in Wake County who are struggling to recover from poverty and related issues, such as substance abuse and undiagnosed or untreated mental health issues. Each program participant is connected with a mentor from the community who is trained and supported by program staff to be a life guide, encourager, and advocate. This program has been designed to meet the unique needs of each individual enrolled, and program components that make this possible include the following:

• an assessment conducted at the time of intake with a licensed mental health counselor;
• development of a customized life plan that outlines short and long term goals and strategies to achieve those goals;
• a mentor who is matched with the program participant because their resources or knowledge align with the needs of the participant;
• seamless case management services offered by the program manager that links them to community resources such as housing, mental or physical health care, substance abuse treatment, legal guidance, continuing education or vocational programs, and employment development services;
• a full year to be actively enrolled in the program with follow up services that are established at the closure of the year.

This combination of support and services addresses the diverse needs of impoverished individuals, and empowers them to achieve their full potential as productive members of our community.

Foster Youth Program

The Hope Center at Pullen offers a homelessness prevention program that targets youth ages 17 to 22 who were involved in the foster care system. Research conducted by the National Alliance to End Homelessness indicated that former foster youth are disproportionately represented in the homeless population and that 3 out of 10 homeless adults spent time in this system.

The goal of this program is to foster a commitment to young people that promotes prosocial relationships, strong interpersonal skills, and reasserts a sense of hope in the future. The Hope Center team will partner with Haven House Services and Wake Technical Community College's Fostering Bright Futures to offer a full continuum of services that includes job readiness and employment development, life skills, mentoring, counseling, housing, and education. Each partner in the collaborative has expertise in its respective area, and enhances the work of the other. Extensive planning and careful consideration have gone into the development of this program, which will increase the effectiveness of the collaboration.