How Are Homeless Shelters Run?
Homeless shelters are oftentimes the only safe haven for those without adequate housing or residency. Shelters are places where those without a home can find resources to combat their current situation and trauma, as well as receive the care and support they require at the given moment. Even more importantly, they provide a safe place to sleep and receive a meal. Volunteering at a shelter or donating goods/funds can help in fighting against homelessness, and will provide somebody with the help that they need.
What Is Homelessness?
Homelessness can be defined as the absence of adequate, permanent, or sustainable access to shelter. This includes couch surfing or living in a car. Homelessness is primarily a systemic issue but is also often a result of family breakdown. Poor mental and physical health, subjection to previous violence and abuse, and a shortage of affordable housing all contribute to homelessness.
Sheltered Homelessness
Sheltered homelessness refers to the homeless population that stays in shelters or uses housing programs. Shelters in Canada include emergency shelters, traditional housing shelters, and violence against women shelters.
Unsheltered homelessness encapsulates the homeless population that spends their nights in public or private areas not intended for human habitation.
Causes of Homelessness
Poverty
Inadequate Housing
Divorce and family disputes
Physical and violent abuse
Mental and physical trauma
Sexual trauma and abuse
Addiction to drugs and alcohol
Lack of access to education
Lack of access to social programs
Unemployment
Homelessness in Canada
In Canada, 35,000 people experience homelessness on any given night.
In a year, approximately 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness.
27% are women
19% are youth
Poor housing and homelessness are costly for cities and taxpayers.
The average monthly costs of shelter beds are $1,932, almost ten times higher than the average monthly cost of social housing of $199.92.
The State of Homelessness reports that the annual cost of homelessness to the Canadian economy is 7.05 billion dollars.
How do Homeless Shelters Run?
Homeless shelters usually start due to the efforts of individuals and sponsors (like hospitals, companies, professionals, etc.), and the need to support the local homeless community. Homeless shelters address the complications that homeless people face by creating specific programs that can help them overcome these issues.
Some specialized programs that homeless shelters can provide are:
ID clinics
Cooking clinics
Rehabilitation
Employment guidance
Education guidance
Along with these programs, homeless shelters can provide meals and safe places to sleep for those without access to basic necessities.
Usually, individuals will be admitted to an emergency shelter during a specific time period at night and will be given a meal and provided a shower. They are allowed to stay for the night in a clean bed and will have access to different amenities. The next day, if they want to stay another night, they will need to come back at the previously established time period and get readmitted.
Canada’s Affordable Housing Program
Housing programs are another avenue of social support aimed at combating homelessness. Housing in Canada is considered to be affordable if it costs less than 30% of a household’s before-tax income.
In 2017, the National Housing Strategy was announced with the goal of ensuring that Canadians could access housing that was affordable and could meet their needs. The NHS is a detailed 10-year, $40 billion plan that promises to deliver results and benefit all Canadians. This plan includes building more affordable, accessible, inclusive, and sustainable homes. The primary focus will be on meeting the needs of vulnerable populations, such as:
Women and children fleeing family violence
Seniors
Indigenous peoples
People with disabilities
Those dealing with mental health and addiction issues
Veterans
Young adults
To learn more about Canada’s Affordable Housing Program, visit the CMHC website.
What to Donate to Homeless Shelters
Volunteering Your Time
Volunteering can go a long way for a person who is experiencing homelessness. Helping out at your local shelter can provide the workers there with more on-hand help, and can provide visitors with a kind face to look forward to seeing.
Clothes
During the winter months, it is crucial to stay warm and comfortable. People will not always have access to shelters, so making sure that they have adequate clothing for the weather can help save lives. Clothing such as winter coats, toques, mittens, boots, and men’s jeans are some goods that are in high demand during the colder months.
There is a need and demand for clothes in all seasons. At Regeneration Outreach Community we care about all who are experiencing homelessness and to be able to provide them with needs that are critical to their everyday lives. Having a good pair of shoes critical for individuals experiencing homelessness. People are constantly walking and on their feet and a person experiencing homelessness may not have several pairs to switch between.
Towels
Lots of people use shelters to look after their hygienic needs. Toiletries and towels can be essential products to shelters for use by people without access to their own showers and baths.
Transit Passes
Transit passes can help people in poverty get to where they need to go. Some people may be able to get a job, but do not have access to the transportation needed to get there. Transit passes can help alleviate these kinds of issues.
Why Is Volunteering Important?
Volunteering not only bolsters the strength and effectiveness of your local community services, but can provide you with a great sense of self-fulfillment. Being a volunteer for a service, cause, or event that you believe in can put you into contact with people who share the same passion and sentiments as you, and can expand your network of empowered relationships. If you cannot provide your physical presence to a cause, you can lend your support through other avenues such as donating finances or goods.
What is Volunteering?
Volunteering is when a person willingly uses their time and labour to perform community service for no expected compensation. Volunteer positions can require a specific set of skills, or can require nothing more than a positive attitude and a willingness to help. Volunteers can be used to help provide medical services, emergency rescue/support, support to civil and social causes, and a massive variety of other areas of service.
The Importance of Volunteering
Helping Your Local Community
Your local community contains and provides the essential day-to-day services that you utilize to improve your quality of life. Something you may not realize is that even when you are not directly involved with the provision of these services, you are also an essential part of the systematic workings of your community. Making purchases and using services can help support small businesses and provide them with a sense of engagement with their customers. To take this further, community members can further strengthen their local community services by volunteering. By directly getting involved with community services through volunteering, you are helping to further improve the quality of life for others in your area. The process of volunteering will end up circling back to benefit you and will help you live a more quality, comfortable, and fulfilled life.
Protecting the Environment
Protecting the planet that we live on and use for resources can be a large part of community service. Helping your community cut down on waste and implement more eco-friendly systems through volunteering will keep the area you live in clean and beautiful. You can do a great deal of help through individual efforts to be more eco-conscious in your daily life, but volunteering for an organized environmental effort in your community will exponentially improve the quality of life in your area. Volunteering in any capacity to help the environment will help set up future generations for success and will ensure that the environment that they inherit can take care of their needs.
Gaining Experience and Making Connections
Volunteering is a great way to gain experience in a field or industry you are interested in. Typically, to be a volunteer you will not need the same experience or designated skills that a paid position requires. If you can get some experience through volunteering, it can help open up opportunities for paid work in the same industry or field.
You will also be able to meet many empowering people through volunteer opportunities and make worthwhile connections with them. Along with gaining experience, being able to network and connect with many different people can give you an advantage when looking for paid work.
Pros and Cons of Volunteering
Pros
Helps your local community in different service areas
Protects the environment
Make meaningful connections
Gain experience
Achieve a great sense of fulfillment
Expand your knowledge of certain industries, fields, and services
Learn how to work with a team
Bolster your resume
Improve and mature your character and personality
Chances to volunteer abroad
Cons
Can be time-consuming
No monetary compensation for your efforts
Volunteering abroad can be expensive
Finding the right volunteer position can take a lot of time and effort
Some volunteer positions require a large amount of commitment
Other Ways to Help Your Community
If you cannot provide help through volunteering physically, there are other options available to help your community.
Donating Goods
Donating goods is a fantastic way to help those who do not have the means to purchase necessary products and services receive the help they need. Donating food and clothing are two simple ways to stay active in community services without having to volunteer your time towards specific commitments.
Donating Financially
If you have the means, making a monetary donation can be another good way to provide people with the help they need. Donating money to different causes has never been easier due to the fact that many organizations accept donations through their websites.
The Great Canadian Giving Challenge
Dear Friends of Regeneration,
This June, we are asking you to join us in the Great Canadian Giving Challenge. From June 1- June 30, for every dollar you donate through Canada Helps, Regeneration will be entered in a contest to win $20,000 on Canada Day! The more you give, the more chances we have to win.
Over the past five months, Regeneration staff have been working alongside James, a Brampton resident with limited income, who has been struggling with late-stage leukemia. Regen has been supporting him by bringing him groceries as he goes through his treatments and prepares for the end of life. It’s generous contributions like yours which allow us to support people like James. Donate today and help us increase our impact in Brampton.
What To Know Before You Volunteer At A Homeless Shelter
Most of us want to make the world a better place, but many people don’t know where to begin. What’s more, we tend to assume that volunteer work will be much more complex and difficult than it usually is. In reality, volunteering at a homeless shelter can be an opportunity to have fun and develop valuable skills while assisting people in meaningful ways.
People usually hesitate to volunteer for one of several reasons: they assume they don’t have time, believe they lack the right skills, or have other preconceptions about what volunteering entails. Keep reading as we dispel those myths so that you can discover easy and effective ways to make a difference.
Any Skills You Have Can be Useful
Most shelters do more than simply give people experiencing homelessness a place to rest their heads, so there are usually many different volunteer positions available. At Regeneration Outreach, we welcome volunteers in the following areas:
Kitchen volunteers for our breakfast and lunch programs.
Clothing room volunteers who sort and dispense donation items.
Marketplace volunteers who organize and distribute food and other goods.
Volunteers for our thrift store to sort donations, price items, and perform floor work or cashier duties (proceeds go towards supporting our community initiatives).
Administrative volunteers to help us stay organized and serve our community efficiently.
Maintenance volunteers to help keep our facilities sanitary and accessible.
General volunteers who help deliver our everyday services to the people who need them most.
Before volunteering for an organization like ours, we recommend taking a moment to consider your skills and how they can serve the community most effectively. If you happen to have an eye for fashion, a flair for cooking, or a background in office work, your talents may be most helpful in particular areas.
Short on Time? No Problem
Many people don’t feel like they have time to make a long-term commitment to volunteering, and that’s perfectly all right. Most homeless shelters accept short-term and long-term volunteers.
Short-term volunteering is often an excellent way to volunteer for the first time so that you can gain some experience. You might even want to volunteer for a few short-term positions so that you can try them on for size and find out which area is most comfortable.
Once you’ve found your fit, becoming a long-term volunteer is an excellent way to develop your skills in a particular area and build meaningful relationships with the people who benefit from your help. Long-term volunteering can also help you develop strong connections to other volunteers, allowing you to coordinate and support the community more effectively.
Create Your Own Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering doesn’t always mean coming to the shelter itself. In fact, many groups who volunteer for organizations like ours do so by creating their own events.
We’ve had various organizations volunteer for us in the past by setting up food and clothing drives at their own facilities. Many grassroots organizations have also set up fundraising events on our behalf by reaching out to our volunteer coordinator for planning advice and assistance. From church bake sales to charity walks and everything in between, we’re ready to help make your event as successful as possible.
Tips for Successful Volunteering
In order to help you help others, we’ve put together a quick list of things to remember for your first volunteer experience:
Wear appropriate clothing: kitchen or maintenance volunteers might be working with foods or liquids that can stain clothing, so you probably don’t want to wear anything delicate or expensive. Shoot for practical and comfortable attire that facilitates easy movement.
Expect the unexpected: we work with a wide variety of people who have distinct needs and challenges. If you plan on volunteering in a public-facing position, please remember to approach every interaction with patience and compassion, no matter how out of the ordinary it may seem.
Do some research before volunteering: the more you know about organizations like ours, the better you can prepare to support them. Take a moment to reach out to our coordinators and study our programs to have some idea of where you’ll be able to make the most significant difference.
Your Help Changes Lives
Finally, remember that anything you do to support homeless shelters makes an essential difference to countless people. If you can’t volunteer, consider making a donation or shopping at our thrift store to help fund our programs. Together, we can help ensure better experiences for people facing homelessness throughout our community.
Supporting A Place to Be, This Easter
Regeneration
1: an act or the process of regenerating : the state of being regenerated. 2: spiritual renewal or revival. 3: renewal or restoration of a body, bodily part, or biological system (such as a forest) after injury or as a normal process
Regeneration Outreach Community is exactly that. We are a community of people reaching out to those who in need, and in that process we are ALL renewed and restored.
“When you volunteer at Regeneration you have the opportunity to change a person’s life. And you might just find that your life has been changed as well.” Ted Brown
I heard this said over 7 years ago, and this statement resonated with me—it has never left me. Why? Because it is true. I graduated as a Social Service Worker and while I was so proud of my accomplishments and my new found ability to “help” my community; I found myself being helped more by the community I was serving. Now, to some this might sound “unhealthy”, but I mean this in the healthiest way. I found myself among a community of people who were honest, hurting, and in need of help. If we are all honest with ourselves, we have to admit we have been there, are there, or very easily could be there at any moment. There is something refreshing about being a part of this community.
Outreach
1: the extent or length of reaching out. “the loving outreach of God to the world”
“Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Just as God gives us an example of His sacrificial love for us by giving up His life through Jesus Christ on the cross; in gratitude, we have the opportunity to partner with Him as we reach out to a hurting world extending that mercy and grace to others around us. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 What a gift of dignity. God did not expect us to “clean ourselves up” before we could approach Him; instead, He showed us his overwhelming love by reaching out to us—even in our mess. As we reach out to those in need our goal as a community to serve with love and dignity—meeting a person where they are– no strings attached.
Community
1: a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. 2: a feeling of fellowship with others, a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
Something beautiful is being built as we come together to support some of the most vulnerable in our community,—a sense of belonging for us all!
“So in Christ we, though many, form one body and each member belongs to all the others”. Romans 12:5
Our volunteers are an integral part of our community at Regeneration Outreach Community, The Marketplace, and Regen Thrift. Whether they are in the back, preparing food, cooking, packaging food, sorting clothes, pricing and cleaning; or working frontlines serving and greeting, they are making a difference in the lives around them. It is our prayer for our Volunteers that just as they are being a blessing to others; they would also be blessed in return.
If you need to be renewed, come join us! If you want to pay forward the love you have been given; come join us; and if you want to help us build something beautiful, come join us!
We look forward to serving with you!
Can Going to Church Improve Your Mental Health?
For many, mental health is an uphill battle filled with obstacles that can be difficult to avoid. Depression, anxiety, panic disorders, and many other mental illnesses are prominent issues in many communities, including our own Brampton. This blog explores the possibility of worship services being an aid for those with mental health issues.
How Mental Health Affects Us
In Canada, 1 in 5 people will personally experience a mental health problem in any given year. Unlike some physical ailments, mental health can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, education, or culture. Approximately 8% of adults will experience major depression at some point in their lives.
Although many are standing up to fight the stigma against mental health, there is still a huge barrier present to many that stand between them and the help they need. The stigma surrounding mental health can lead to discrimination that could prevent individuals from seeking a diagnosis and treatment that could potentially change their lives for the better.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, people with severe mental health conditions are disproportionately affected by homelessness. Overall, mental health is an ongoing problem for Canadians (and worldwide), and we continue to fight as a community every day.
Is Spirituality a Viable Resource?
The connection between religion and health is not a new conversation. Studies have been continually conducted over the years to explore the links between spirituality and its effect on physical and mental health.
In 2005, a survey conducted in Atlanta, Georgia, of nearly 37,000 men and women showed that people who regularly attended worship services were less likely to suffer from depression than those who don’t. Researcher Marilyn Baetz, MD, of the University of Saskatchewan, said, “The higher the worship frequency, the lower the odds of depression, mania, and panic disorders.”
A more recent study conducted in Ireland included more than 6,000 adults over the age of 50 to explore the effect of religion and spirituality on mental health. The study found that individuals who regularly attended religious services had fewer depressive symptoms than those who did not. This study’s results align with the 2005 Atlanta survey, which signals the importance of religious beliefs and mental health.
The author and lead of the Irish study hypothesized that the “later-in-life boost worship seems to bring can be attributed to the increased social and emotional support from one’s religious and social networks.” For many, active religious participation gives individuals the chance to combat the isolation felt from many factors, like living alone. The same study also found that social connectedness was one of the most important predictors of mental health and well-being in those studied.
In 2017, a study published in PLOS One found that attending regular worship services led to a reduction in the body’s stress responses as measured by cortisol levels, stress hormones, and immune function changes. The study team also found that more frequent churchgoers (more than once a week) had a 55% reduction in mortality compared to nonchurchgoers.
How Regeneration Can Help
At Regeneration, we believe spirituality plays a significant role in the emotional and mental ability needed to overcome, instill strength and conviction, and go forward in hope. Regardless of your story, we always aim to provide a community that welcomes everyone with open arms.
Although we practice Christian love in action through daily prayer services and fellowship meetings, we support all beliefs. If living in faith means something different to you, we will always respect that and provide guidance wherever necessary.
Mental health is an ongoing battle that many of us face every day. Finding something that works for you is crucial, and our compassionate staff is always here to help you do so. At Regeneration, you’ll find an on-site chaplain and many other team members and offer individual spiritual support at any time.
Together, we can make a difference. And that’s what we plan to do.
The Link Between Homelessness & Mental Health
More than 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness every year, and 1 in every 5 Canadians experiences mental illness. These social problems exist on a grand scale across Canada, but the relationship between them remains poorly understood by many.
Members of the general public commonly make unfair assumptions about people who experience homelessness, mental health challenges, or both. Examining the relationship between these conditions in greater detail is essential for promoting more compassionate and effective approaches to each of them.
Risk Factors for Homelessness and Mental Health Challenges
Anybody can experience homelessness or challenges to their mental health. However, statistics indicate that specific demographics are more likely to experience homelessness than others. Some of these demographics include:
Single adult men, who make up more than 47% of all unhoused people in Canada.
Women, who account for 27.3% of Canadians experiencing homelessness.
Youth between the ages of 13-24, who make up nearly 20% of Canadians without homes. Almost 30% of Canadian youth experiencing homelessness are LGBTQ2S.
Indigenous people, who make up 4.3% of Canada’s population but 28-34% of the people in homeless shelters.
Veterans also experience high rates of homelessness, accounting for 2.2% of shelter populations. The majority of veterans in homeless shelters are adult men.
Each demographic listed above is more likely to experience homelessness for different reasons. Women in Ontario, for example, are more likely than men to experience poverty due to the province’s wage gap, which can create housing insecurity. Women who experience homelessness are also frequently fleeing from intimate partner violence, which was cited as the reason for over 70% of shelter admissions in a 2010 study.
In unhoused Indigenous Canadians, intergenerational trauma due to colonialism contributes to poverty and the risk of facing racism, resulting in fewer economic and housing opportunities. Youth experiencing homelessness generally come from homes with family conflict, instability at home or school, poverty, or neglect. LGBTQ2S youth are particularly vulnerable since homophobia plays a role in many of these situations.
Among single adult males, mental health challenges are one of the most significant contributors to homelessness. However, it is vital to note that nearly all causes of homelessness outlined above stem from some form of trauma, which negatively affects a person’s mental health as well.
Homelessness & Mental Health: a Cyclical Relationship
Historically, a great deal of data has suggested that people experiencing mental health challenges are also more likely to experience homelessness. However, framing the issue in such a way obscures another critical consideration: that the trauma homelessness creates may lead to additional mental health challenges.
The result is a vicious cycle: for people struggling with existing mental illness, the stress of homelessness can make these challenges worse. Meanwhile, those who find themselves homeless for other reasons can experience new mental health obstacles due to their circumstances.
Not all people who experience homelessness have previously struggled with their mental health, but homelessness can create mental health challenges for anybody. Therefore, efforts to improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness must also include comprehensive mental health resources.
Mental Health Resources for People Experiencing Homelessness
The province of Ontario provides a total of 260,000 social housing units. However, only 12,137 of these units have the capacity for community-based mental health support.
Many other organizations provide some form of support for people at the intersection of homelessness and mental illness. A list of such organizations can be found here, although it is by no means exhaustive.
Regeneration offers numerous programs designed to improve the quality of life for people experiencing homelessness. These programs include specific focuses on providing medical resources, opportunities for social engagement, and spiritual guidance, all of which can positively impact a person’s mental health.
Fighting Homelessness Means Fighting for Mental Health
Ending the stigma around mental illness and providing greater access to mental health resources is critical to reducing homelessness in Canada. Likewise, preventing homelessness and providing comprehensive support for individuals and families who experience it is one of the most important ways to improve mental health for Canadians.
Regeneration is always looking for caring individuals who want to become involved with our work. If you want to help us make a difference, connect with us today.
COVID-19 & Its Effects on the Homeless
COVID-19 has upset the balance of society everywhere you look. While economic downturn, schools’ social distancing measures, and unemployment are all problems for most— some of society’s at-risk populations are experiencing unfamiliar pressures. Homelessness is rising in Brampton and nearby Mississauga. The nature of the pandemic hinders conventional services for those in need.
That number of people is bound to grow as long as the COVID-19 crisis persists. But whether volunteers, donating stakeholders, or guests struggling with economic pressures — we’re all trying to work with strategic partners to find creative solutions to keep our communities habitable and safe.
Social Distancing & Emergency Shelters
Before the COVID-19 crisis, there was already a budding housing crisis in the Peel region, with 32% of 922 homeless experiencing chronic periods. Meanwhile, another 24% faced episodic homelessness.
Housing affordability has put pressure on at-risk populations for some time. By 2019, the situation was already dire. Subsidized housing keeps an option open for low-income households struggling with high rents and mortgages.
There were 7,000 subsidized units, all full, while 13,000 more households sat on a waitlist. 11,887 households received a housing subsidy while living elsewhere. The average wait time for subsidization for Peel residents was 6.42 years.
In May 2020, hotels were stepping in, to relieve the dangers of overcrowding. Before the pandemic, shelters could keep a certain number of occupants in for the night according to fire code.
But with the COVID-19 response, social distancing measures in place and a need for unconventional solutions has grown. In May 2020, 51% of the Peel region’s emergency shelter seekers shifted to hotels.
New Drop-In Centre
Regeneration has opened a new drop-in center in response to the crisis. Circumstances demanded that we contribute what we could so that 47% of Peel’s homeless region could still access shelter during the crisis.
To stay true to our mission, we’ve been working to lessen the risk of virus transmission by implementing safety measures. Since our drop-in centre opened, we’ve tried to keep our guests safe by screening new entrants, spacing them out, and disinfecting areas routinely.
Still, at-risk and vulnerable populations are struggling with income to meet needs that shelters can’t provide.
Unemployment & Economic Downturns
In the 2nd quarter of 2020, from April to July, unemployment in the Peel region grew to a record high of 15.7%. Youth unemployment was also up to another record high of 32.6%, meaning at-risk youth facing homelessness need support more than ever.
Families trying to provide for children have much less to work with when budgeting for goods and services beyond their basic needs. The unemployment rate’s spike during this period has been linked to restrictions on businesses due to the COVID-19 crisis.
It’s been the sharpest jump in the recorded history of the region’s isolated unemployment rates, reaching back to 2006.
Employment rates are expected to improve, but because of the time elapsed at those rates, unemployed persons facing homelessness are likely to be competing all at once for positions that can only open slowly and gradually due to lifting restrictions.
After food and permanent housing costs, disposable income has become significantly scarcer, thanks to the economic challenges. The need for functioning soup kitchens could help those struggling with disposable income.
Soup Kitchens
Soup kitchens have been severely cut back, with only a few still operating. Many have switched to a take-out only model. Dining in together with a hot lunch is something our community has relied on — not only for nourishing the hungry — but also to provide a sense of community and bonding.
Limited Dine-in
While Regeneration is keeping a close eye on gathering limits and how to form COVID-safe social circles effectively — we’ve maintained a dine-in option for Brampton soup kitchens as much as possible.
We’re also paying attention to the gap left by other soup kitchens closing temporarily to maintain safety for volunteers and guests — and working with strategic partners to combat hunger. For people facing homelessness in Brampton during these trying times, some coordinated efforts could go a long way.
Clothing
Since the COVID-19 crisis began, it hasn’t been obvious how clothing donation practices can or should adapt to the evolving situation. But there’s still a need for a decent clothing supply for people facing chronic or episodic homelessness in Brampton, especially for the winter portion(s) of the COVID-19 crisis.
A reliable practice for donating safely includes calling ahead to check on the status of clothing donation centres. If they’re closed for donation, it can pose a safety risk to dump them in front of a collection bin.
Also, hanging them on a rack in your home and merely waiting can help. If donation centres need to put a temporary hold on accepting clothing, it’s best to try again later. Because of the need for limited and sanitized contact between hands, would-be donations might not make it time for the coldest months.
Donation & Purchase
Regeneration Thrift Store is open and keeping conditions as COVID-safe as possible for shoppers in need of donated clothing. The need for clothing is here to stay, despite the dangers, but stakeholders who would like to donate clothing might be hesitant. Through it all, we’re here to help keep everyone clothed for the duration of the pandemic.
Pulling Through Together
The COVID-19 crisis has widened the cracks that people can fall through in this economy. Businesses struggle with affording to hire people, shelters can’t take as many in, and soup kitchens have to limit how many can share in meals at a time.
From shelters to clothes donation and soup kitchens, we’ve all had to rethink how we help people before they suffer from circumstances beyond their control. Don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with us if you’re in need or if you just want to see how you can help.
10 Tips for Re-Entering the Workforce
Returning to the workforce can be an intimidating feat, especially if you’ve been out of it for an extended amount of time. If you’ve experienced homelessness, you may feel discouraged – especially if your last attempt at finding work was unsuccessful.
At Regeneration, we understand the struggles that our guests have been through, and we’re sure you have your own story. We have helped countless individuals make significant changes in their life, and we want to help you change yours, too.
We’re here to tell you that you are fully capable of re-entering the workforce, no matter what your past was. If you’ve been out of work for days, months, or years, it doesn’t matter – you are deserving of rewarding employment and recognition.
1. Cultivate Your Unique Story
Everyone has a story. When you’re looking for work, you have to work your personal story to account for your uniqueness and what you bring to the table. It’s no secret that any potential employer will likely wonder about extensive gaps on a resume, but what should you say?
You should never be ashamed of what you’ve been through. Overcoming homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, or any traumatic experience is a milestone. Although you may not need to go into too much detail, your story can help paint a picture of perseverance, bravery, and dedication.
If you’re determined to gain employment, you can, and your story can simply be a stepping stone to help you get there.
2. Evaluate Your Work Experience
One of the most important things a potential employer will look for is work experience. You may have a few gaps on your resume, but any work experience can be developed to help you highlight the skills you’ve learned at past positions.
A lot can change in a short amount of time, so be sure to keep that in mind when you’re job hunting. If you can, try to catch up with a past industry you were involved in so you can comment on how it’s changed and what you may need to prepare for.
Identifying skill and knowledge gaps you may need to fill can put you at an advantage. If you let a prospective employer know what you know and what you’d like to learn, it shows you’ve put in the time and effort to evaluate your competencies and where you can add value.
3. Practice Your Interview Skills
The interview process is your chance to make a lasting impression on an employer you may want to work for. Brushing up on your interview skills will help you feel more confident and prepared for even the most obscure questions.
Start by researching common questions hiring managers ask in the industry you’re applying for. Glassdoor, a job bank site, also has an interview section where previous interviewees submit information on various companies’ interview process. Here, you can see specifics on what you can expect from your interviewer, from the overarching strategy to specific interview questions.
There are plenty of resources available online to help you land and ace an interview, but it’s crucial you take the time to do so. Being prepared for an interview will show through your answers and body language.
Take some time to learn about the company, what they do, and try to develop a few points that exemplify how you can add value to their business.
4. Be Open to New Experiences
The world is changing and evolving every day. Positions that were once integral to a company’s operations and now obsolete and positions that didn’t exist 5 years ago are now at the forefront. Because of such rapid growth and change, try to stay open-minded during your job hunt.
Even if you only worked in a handful of positions within similar industries doesn’t mean you can’t be successful at another. Many companies will hire new employees with little to no experience if you express you are willing and able to learn.
5. Tweak Your Resume
Your resume is a critical part of the job-hunting process. Your resume is the first impression that will decide whether or not you will get the opportunity to interview. Polishing it up so it truly speaks to the capable, talented human being you are is essential.
Research some jobs in your area and save a few postings you may be interested in. Then, compare your resume to the postings. Do any of the skills and proficiencies you list match those of the job posting? If not, how can you adjust it, so it feels like it fits?
Be sure to adjust each resume you hand out to the specific job you’re applying for to increase your chances of getting an interview.
6. Develop an Impactful Cover Letter
The resume is only half the battle when it comes to finding suitable employment. Crafting a job-specific cover letter to each position you apply for speaks volumes to your dedication. This also gives you a chance to talk directly to the employer before your interview.
A great cover letter should include:
Specific job skills, traits, and past experiences relevant to the position
Business letter formatting, including contact information and a formal greeting
Details about the position you’re applying for
Details about how you meet and exceed the required skills of the position
Your interest in hearing from them regarding the position
A thank you for the opportunity to apply
If you can, try to find a specific person to address the letter to. Although addressing the letter “To whom it may concern…” is suitable, addressing it to the hiring manager by name is much more effective.
Also, if you know someone that works at the company, ask them if you can mention them in your letter or use them as a reference. Having a referral from someone on the inside can help you get your foot in the door.
7. Cast a Wide Net
When you’re job hunting, push yourself to apply for positions you may not be qualified for. Often, college applicants are encouraged to apply to 3 tiers of schools; their first choices, second choices, and “fall back” schools. This increases their chances of being accepted into a school they want to be at.
The same goes for you when you’re handing out resumes. If you lack experience or feel your skills don’t quite line up with what a position asks for, apply anyway. The right employer may see your potential and give you a chance.
8. Focus on Networking
Connections are one of the easiest ways to land yourself a new position. Create a LinkedIn account and organize it so it acts as a public resume. Recruiters often seek out potential matches on LinkedIn and browse through your experience to pinpoint if you may be a good fit.
Volunteering can also be a great addition to your resume. If you’re having trouble finding work due to a lack of experience, volunteering can put some recent experience on your resume to gain valuable, employable skills.
You can also reach out to past employers, coworkers, friends, and family members to make more connections. In some cases, it really is about who you know.
9. Seek Advice
If you have the chance, reach out to some of your friends or family who are employed. Speak with people who have been at the same job for years, someone who just got hired, and someone who hires people – if you can.
Have a trusted friend examine your resume and cover letter for ways you can improve it and ask them for some interview tips. You can also practice interviewing with a friend or have them help you pick out a good outfit for interviews.
Sometimes, having a second set of eyes and ears is beneficial when preparing for an interview.
10. Have a Vision
The most important thing of all; have a vision for yourself. Picture what you want your life to look like in 5 – 10 years and evaluate how you can help yourself get there. Finding a job may end up taking longer than you anticipate and can leave you feeling frustrated or discouraged.
Try not to lose hope. Know that no matter how long and windy your road may be, at the end of it, you’ll be at your destination.
To Sum it Up
No matter what you’ve been through, you can find employment that enriches your life and serves your needs. At Regeneration, we are dedicated to helping you through the tough times to experience some good ones, too.
If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We have a bank of resources and kind, compassionate staff to help you when you need it.
Ride For Refuge 2020
Words cannot express the gratitude that we at Regeneration Outreach Community have for all of those who have continued to contribute as volunteers, donors and friends during the unprecedented events of 2020. At Regen, our mission of serving the most vulnerable in our community has not wavered in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, as we have continued and even expanded our services to individuals and families in need.
This October we ask you all to consider joining us in supporting the ongoing work at Regen by gathering your family or friends in your bubble and being part of the Ride for Refuge Freestyle.
The Ride for Refuge has been a long running fundraising cycling event that has supported many organizations, including Regen, across Canada. This year, as communities continue to practice physical distance and low contact events, the Ride for Refuge has changed it’s format so that people can fundraise and have fun safely. Here are some of the guidelines for the Ride for Refuge Freestyle:
As a thank you to all of those who are part of a Ride for Refuge team, regardless on what time or type of event you do, the Regen team would like to send you a Save the Date for a Ride for Refuge BBQ from 11:00am-2:00pm.