Across the Portland-metro region, Worksystems is showing what’s possible when employment services are integrated into broader efforts to reduce homelessness and expand opportunity for low‑income residents.

The Economic Opportunity Programs (EOP) are designed specifically for people facing the highest barriers to employment, including housing insecurity, justice involvement, language barriers, and recovery challenges. By pairing foundational supports with relationship‑based career coaching and connections to employment, EOP helps people move into steady jobs that pay a living wage.

In this short video, EOP participants share their journey in their own words—showing how personalized support and guidance opens the door to new opportunities and a stronger future.

As City and County leaders face difficult budget decisions, now is the time to prioritize solutions with proven, lasting results. Employment is a critical part of housing stability. When paired with housing assistance, employment services help participants increase income, shorten the time they need rent assistance and other public support, and sustain housing long term.