Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
Individuals encountering homelessness face some of the most severe barriers to employment and economic stability. Across our service area of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, more than 83,300 individuals are unhoused, often due to a complex mix of rising housing costs, mental health challenges, job loss, and systemic inequities. Without stable shelter or consistent access to food, hygiene, transportation, and healthcare, securing and maintaining employment becomes extremely difficult. Many also lack identification or connections to supportive services that facilitate re-entry into the workforce. Targeted intervention and coordinated support are essential to breaking this cycle and fostering sustainable independence.
Each year, Goodwill Southern California supports 2,600 individuals experiencing homelessness through a compassionate, person-centered approach that meets people where they are—physically and emotionally. We bring workforce development services directly to shelters, encampments, and community-based locations, removing barriers to access and building trust. Participants receive paid training and transitional employment through our retail stores, which serve as a Social Enterprise and a supportive entry point into the workforce. In addition to skill-building and income generation, individuals are connected to critical resources such as housing assistance, mental health care, transportation, and legal services. Our holistic model promotes stability, dignity, and long-term economic mobility.
- City of Rosemead
- City of Redlands
