Tempe expands works program to provide jobs for those in need

Tempe is expanding its works program to better provide job opportunities, along with access to housing and social services for those in need. We learned more about the program from Tempe vice-mayor Randy Keating.

“Tempe Works is Tempe’s version of a homeless day worker program we saw all those cities across the country trying to introduce a homeless day work opportunities, we wanted to do something a little more,” Keating said.

Keating said the city of Tempe wanted to offer homeless individuals opportunities for self-sufficiency, which is a step further than many day worker programs in the nation.

“We’re pretty proud of this model, because we think it’s not just putting a band-aid on a severe cut we’re really addressing some of the systemic problems that these individuals are going through,” Keating said.

Access to housing and social services are also provided via this program, and are partnered with several companies to provide job openings. The program provides necessary equipment and necessities for the jobs as well.

“We tried to offer a very clear path to self-sufficiency, but if you’re in a situation you don’t want to be in and you’re homeless in the city of Tempe and you enroll in this program if you stick with it you show up to work every day you will not fall back into the cycle of homelessness,” Keating said.

Keating said the problem of homelessness has gotten worse over the decades, however he is proud of how Tempe Works has been approaching the issue. Keating said he has seen less complaints and less police and fire department contacts over homelessness recently.