Arizona nonprofit providing job training to combat homelessness

Entryway is a nonprofit that offers job training and pathways to careers in the apartment industry to people facing homelessness. Not only can graduates find stable employment as leasing agents, maintenance specialists and landscaping professionals, they typically receive discounted rent to live on-site and are often provided with high-quality furnishings donated by program partners.

Although the nonprofit operates in other states, the local chapter is one of its most successful. So far this year, 18 program participants have landed jobs and housing in the Phoenix area, with 33 additional family members housed as a result. Last year, the total was 31 participants employed/housed plus 36 family members.

Mandy Porter-Griffith, Executive Director of Entryway Arizona, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss more about Entryway and what they do.

Porter-Griffith described Entryway as a growing organization, now operating in 11 states and just three years old, that focuses on “upscaling individuals to get them work-ready in multifamily housing.”

The program offers three career pathways and partners with referral agencies such as Community Bridges and Maggie’s Place. Participants receive job training and interview preparation before being connected with apartment industry employers who agree to provide discounted housing onsite.

At the national level, Entryway partners with apartment owners and operators who commit to hiring program participants and providing stable housing as part of the placement.

“They’ll provide a housing discount, and through grants and donations we cover first month’s rent so they can move in right away and start work,” Porter-Griffith said.

She emphasized that participants must meet certain requirements, including having no felonies within the past ten years. But once accepted, the program can dramatically reshape a family’s trajectory.

“Each family lifted out of homelessness is changing the family tree,” she said. “Stable housing means better education and setting them up for success.”

Porter-Griffith shared the story of Lily Anna, a single mother of three who once relied on fast-food restaurant Wi-Fi and struggled through dangerous summer homelessness. After completing Entryway’s 40-hour leasing consultant training, she was hired by a property management company, moved on-site with a housing discount, enrolled her children in school, and has since been promoted.

Entryway hopes to expand with more industry partners, volunteers and mentors.

“We walk with folks for 12 months,” Porter-Griffith said. “If someone is willing to mentor, we’ll guide them. It takes a community to keep people out of homelessness.”