From Crisis to Prosperity: A Sustainable Approach to Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness

Partnership for the Homeless is a New York City based nonprofit committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness by helping clients achieve long-term prosperity. The Partnership requested a Capstone team to design a Career Development Program at their Family Resource Center (FRC) in East New York. The team researched national workforce program models, housing and financial assistance policies, and the local job market. This research led to interviews with program and grant managers of nationwide Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Financial Opportunity Centers which model the bundling of financial coaching, income supports, and employment services. The team also interviewed FRC staff to understand the scope of services and its client base. The result is a center-wide service model which brings case management, career development and long-term prosperity to the forefront of the Family Resource Center’s work. The team identified a staffing structure, transition strategy, and potential sources of funding to bring the model to life.