Glendale program connects 250 homeless people to services in 1st year

PHOENIX — A Glendale program that provides day work and services to the city’s homeless population saw success in year one.

More than 250 people experiencing homelessness took part in Glendale Works, a collaboration between the city of Glendale and the Phoenix Rescue Mission, according to a press release.

“With programs like Glendale Works, which specifically targets the rising unsheltered and chronically homeless populations, we fully expect future point-in-time counts in Glendale to show a decline in these populations, ultimately leading to less property damage and trash buildup and improved health and safety throughout the community,” Nathan Smith, director of community engagement for the Phoenix Rescue Mission, said in the release.

The program was started to counteract the homelessness rate in Glendale, which rose 290% from 2011 to 2018, according to the release.

Participants in the program work five-hour shifts for a daily rate of $55 and are provided a meal and transportation.

They conduct beautification projects around the city, such as removing trash and performing landscaping duties.

As part of the program, participants can also connect with a Phoenix Rescue Mission case manager, who can help them receive behavioral health services, job preparedness training, health care, housing opportunities and other potential resources.

“Many participants have been placed in long-term recovery programs and housing, while others have found stable work and have lifted themselves out of their situation,” Smith said in the release.

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