Creating Opportunity
Worksystems’ goal is to ensure all job seekers are connected to the training and support necessary to enter quality jobs.
Why Creating Opportunity Is Important
Increasing resources for people who have struggled to engage in the workforce system – including people who are low income, in the housing and homeless continuum of care, disconnected youth, and those with prior justice involvement – is a focus for our organization and community. These populations were hit hardest by the pandemic's economic downturn and risk falling further behind in the post-pandemic economy.
7,072
people in Portland Metro experienced homelessness in 2023
8%
of the population (105,542 people) 5 years and older in Portland Metro report speaking English less than very well
5,095
adults in Portland Metro were under supervision (local control, post-prison, probation) in May 2024
The unemployment rate for BIPOC workers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro MSA is
5.3%
compared to 3.6% for white, non-Hispanic workers
13%
of BIPOC people in Multnomah & Washington counties live in poverty, compared to 10% overall
HOW WORKSYSTEMS CREATES OPPORTUNITY FOR JOB SEEKERS
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to building and sustaining an integratedeffective system. These efforts expand access, offer population specific expertise, increase efficiency, and generate better outcomes for job seekers.
Strengthen community connections to WorkSource Portland Metro and meet people where they are.
Increase access to vital employment programs that help participants achieve economic independence.
Foster professional growth and connection among Career Coaches through a dynamic community of practice and enhancing customer experience with trauma-informed and responsive support.
Deepen partnerships by streamlining processes, improving communication, and incorporating partner feedback into continuous improvement efforts.
Key Programs
By the Numbers
Worksystems partners and programs help people change livesrealize dreamsgain skillsconnect to quality jobs From July 2023 to June 2024, we:
Supported
17
partners
63
career coaches
across Multnomah and Washington Counties
Served
6,470
BIPOC participants
Served
2,160
participants with prior justice involvement
Served
1,666
participants experiencing homelessness
Served
1,023
participants receiving LEP assistance
Real-life Impact
Stories From Our Community
TF arrived at Central City Concern’s downtown Employment Access Center ready to move forward in recovery and into the next phase of their life. Through the Portland Economic Opportunity program, TF received critical financial support for essentials like rent, work clothing, and phone service. These supports weren’t just helpful—they were life-changing. They allowed TF to stabilize their housing and focus on rebuilding their life.
The impact extended beyond financial assistance. TF took full advantage of career services, including resume development and personalized career mapping sessions with a career coach. Together, they worked to find a job that offered both financial security and personal fulfillment—ultimately helping TF obtain a living wage and no longer rely on public assistance.
Today, TF works for a local fencing company, building and repairing fences—an active, hands-on job they find deeply satisfying.
From day one, TF’s determination and work ethic have been clear. With the right support and resources, they’ve stepped into a place of stability, confidence, and self-sufficiency. Their journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in people—not just with funding, but with trust, guidance, and opportunity.
The participant enrolled in the Department of Community Justice Economic Opportunity Program in May 2023, while residing at the Men’s Residential Center (MRC). From the beginning, they made it clear that recovery was their top priority. Respecting this, their Career Coach provided space and consistent support, meeting monthly to check in and stay aligned with their treatment journey.
In April 2024, after successfully completing treatment, the participant transitioned into Bridges to Change housing. They proactively reached out to schedule an in-person meeting with their Career Coach to explore employment and long-term career goals. Their dream: to become a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) and use their own lived experience to support others on a similar path. To help them achieve that goal, the Career Coach guided the participant through the scholarship application process and they were awarded a $425 scholarship to cover the cost of CRM training.
Understanding the importance of immediate income while pursuing certification, the Career Coach also helped them secure a “survival job” at a local 7-Eleven. It was the participant’s first job in over 15 years—a major milestone. They were overjoyed to be employed and eager to attend CRM training on weekends while working during the week.
Once the CRM training is completed, the participant plans to register with the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon and begin applying for Certified Recovery Mentor positions. This journey—from prioritizing recovery, to stable housing, to meaningful employment—reflects their strength, resilience, and commitment to giving back.
Their progress is a testament to what’s possible when recovery is honored, and support is personalized and consistent. With the right guidance and resources, they are not just rebuilding their life—they’re preparing to help others do the same.
KT came to AHFE struggling with rent and feeling stuck in her career. With the help of her AHFE Career Coach, she explored new opportunities while receiving three months of rental assistance, allowing her to maintain transitional employment and enroll in doula training.
AHFE covered training costs and provided gas assistance, ensuring KT could attend. She excelled, earning certification as a Traditional Healthcare Worker in Oregon and gaining approval to serve OHP and Medicare clients.
Now, KT has launched her own doula business and is a thriving, self-sufficient entrepreneur. AHFE’s vital services equipped KT with the tools and support she needed to change her life.
In 2024, DR joined AHFE while living in a NW Portland shelter. He was eager to rebuild his life, but struggling to find stable employment.
With his AHFE Career Coach’s guidance, he updated his resume, practiced interviews, and identified more sustainable job opportunities. However, missing his Social Security card was a roadblock. His coach helped him navigate the replacement process, and he soon secured a temp job near his shelter.
AHFE also provided essential support, including work attire and a phone for timekeeping. While at his temp job, DR began a welding program at PCC, a career path inspired by his passion for bike building. With the help of AHFE, he is now working to secure an apartment near his job and public transit to PCC.
DR acknowledges that without AHFE, he would not have made as much progress toward starting work and finding housing.
After getting a divorce, K turned to substance abuse. He also had a history of adolescent criminal charges (which were later expunged). The Imani Center provided him with mental health treatment while he was living in transitional housing at the Richard Harris Building, helping him build new skills and learn new habits.
The Imani Center referred K to A Home for Everyone (AHFE), where a career coach helped him obtain a flagging position. The program broke down barriers and bought him the tools he needed to be a successful flagger. As a result, K was able to save money and buy his first car.
When K was stable and ready for a career path, his coach at AHFE stepped in again. The program provided work clothes, paid for required training and testing for K to receive his guard card license, and helped him secure a permanent position as a security guard. After a few short months, K was promoted to supervisor! He recently graduated from Imani Center Mental Health services and moved into his own place, thanks to the program also covering the move-in costs and rent.
DR joined A Home for Everyone (AHFE) in 2024 while living in a NW Portland shelter. He wanted to get out of his current situation but was having difficulty finding supportive employment. His career coach helped him identify more sustainable job opportunities beyond fast-food customer service. Together with Express Center staff, they updated his resume and conducted practice interviews. They also identified temp agencies, but “DR” was missing his Social Security card, which he needed to obtain new employment. His coach guided him on how to apply for a replacement, which he successfully obtained.
DR then applied for temp jobs, securing a position with an agency near his shelter. The AHFE program supported him with clothing and a working phone, crucial for timekeeping. Inspired by his interest in bike building, DR identified welding as a potential career path. At the suggestion of his career coach, he attended a PCC “on-ramp” session for the welding program.
Until he begins his courses at PCC, DR is working with his TPI housing specialist and AHFE career coach to secure an apartment at Gretchen Kafoury Commons, conveniently located near his current job and the MAX line to PCC. In a recent message to his coach, “DR” expressed gratitude for the support he received, noting that it helped him gain momentum and make progress toward starting work and finding housing.
When FR enrolled in an EOP in February 2024, she and her child were on the verge of losing their home and facing eviction. She was unemployed, and her partner was in jail for a violation. FR had a long-term goal of becoming a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM).
Her career coach acted quickly, first securing her family’s home with rental assistance. Next, they helped her secure a scholarship to obtain a CRM certificate and connected her with financial literacy classes so she could establish credit. She is currently waiting to obtain her peer wellness support specialist certification so she can seek employment.
When her partner was released, her coach referred him to the Portland Clean Energy program so he could also obtain permanent employment.
