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 move towards self-sufficiency.

  • 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

Aligned Partner Network
Career Boost
Economic Opportunity Program
Support Services
White WorkSource Portland MetroLogo
WORKSOURCE PORTLAND METRO

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

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.

Additional Resources

Self Sufficiency Report
APN Resource Hub