Local non-profit organizations have jumped in to help Tucsonans caught in the economic meltdown. But some have become overwhelmed by the demand for services and have had to cut back.
Primavera Works, a comprehensive job placement program for homeless and “near-homeless” people, has stopped accepting new clients because there are few jobs these days to pair with the increasing number of job seekers. They have had to turn away as many as 80 people a week, simply unable to offer them even hope of work.
“We’re still committed to helping the homeless, and will do the best we can in helping them,” said to Reneé Bibby, marketing coordinator with Primavera. “It’s tough to do that at the moment.”
People in Primavera’s shelters, however, will still be able to participate in the program in which case managers work one-on-one with clients to find suitable jobs. And more than 200 people are on a waiting list to receive services when the program restarts.
“It is a big waiting list, and we’re hoping that it’s not long term,” said Karen Caldwell, director of workforce development at Primavera.
With the economy in recession, few companies are hiring. While the organization does place some workers in temporary jobs, its ultimate goal is to find permanent placement for its clients.
Primavera Works not only finds jobs for those in the program, the organization support them with transportation, food, water and safety items, if needed.
Workshops are also available to help build job skills and develop resumes.
Caldwell said she does not know how long Primavera Works will be unable to accept new clients. They will evaluate on a month-to-month basis.
Meanwhile, the organization is doing its best to drum up jobs for its clients by working its contacts and supporters, and marketing its program with public service announcements on local television.
The need to cut the program has impacted not only clients, but the Primavera Works staff, said Caldwell.
“It’s overwhelming to many of the staff because we’ve never had to turn anyone away.”
