Goodwill’s Another Way program to Empower and Employ BG Homeless Population
BOWLING GREEN, Ky.
A groundbreaking initiative is set to launch in Bowling Green to combat homelessness and unemployment, starting Tuesday, July 2. This program, known as Goodwill Industries’ “Another Way” program, aims to reach out to those experiencing homelessness in the area to transform their lives by providing immediate job opportunities and extending empowerment.
Empowering through Employment
This immersive work program offers a unique approach to tackle homelessness while contributing to the betterment of the city. For four hours of work per day, which includes duties such as cleaning up trash, maintaining the cleanliness of picnic shelters, and attending to sanitation of public restrooms at Bowling Green Parks, the program participants will be rewarded with a $50 pay, complimentary lunch, and access to Goodwill Opportunity Center’s resources for cutting down barriers.
A small bus, helmed by Goodwill’s outreach coordinator will be employed to locate individuals interested in participating in the program. These are usually individuals found in areas where there is known to be a notable presence of the homeless population, frequented panhandling zones, and regular encampment locations.
In Partnership with City Authorities
The program, backed by the City of Bowling Green with a dedicated fund of $81,000, is set to onboard four participants each Tuesday and Thursday morning. It is planned to allow each participant up to 10 rounds of the program, though they aspire for transformative changes to occur in fewer rounds.
“Amid the ten rounds, what we desire to see is the limitation for them to just two or three rounds. This is to align them with their best areas of interest to ensure the reduction in housing and transportation barriers, and to address legal issues for them,” said Chad Spencer, the Program’s Director of Career Services.
A Success Story from Louisville
The success of the same program in Louisville gives a ray of hope for the Bowling Green Homeless population. Over five years, the Another Way program has positively impacted over 1,500 individuals in Louisville. The Bowling Green program will start with a single bus, but there is hope for the expansion in the future, assuming a successful start on the ground.
“Everybody has a gift to offer; all it takes is to harness and tap into that potential. We’re here to assist interested individuals in landing an employment opportunity that can offer a self-sufficient wage, allowing them to engage fully with the great community we have here in Bowling Green,” added Spencer.
Those interested in participating in the Another Way program are encouraged to meet at either the Goodwill Opportunity Center at 1806 U.S. 31 W Bypass in Bowling Green or the Salvation Army at 400 W. Main Ave in Bowling Green. The program bus is expected to depart the Opportunity Center by 8 a.m. to identify four potential participants by 9 a.m.
