Even professionals who have aced multiple job interviews sometimes get butterflies before a big opportunity. The right preparation ensures that, despite the nerves, you’ll look and sound confident. New job seekers typically enlist the help of a parent or someone more experienced to lead them through the employment process.
Youth who have been homeless are unlikely to have a trusted guide to explain the basics of a job search. Without this valuable support, acquiring the skills to secure an interview and stand out in a competitive market is a significant challenge.
Recently, members of the Harbour’s Board of Directors stepped in to offer their insight and help our residents access expert advice to prepare for their next important career move. Board member Robert Malench, Managing Partner of Blue Star Partners, generously arranged for representatives from his consultancy to present an employment search workshop for our youth.
Blue Star specializes in talent search and leadership development. “As experts in executive placement, recruitment, and a wide range of human resources and management services, Blue Star Partners brought a wealth of experience to our community. We were delighted that our residents had the opportunity to benefit from their expertise,” said Executive Director Melody Rose.
Acquiring the skills to earn a living wage is critical for building a strong and independent life. Blue Star Partners brought our residents closer to that goal. “Being homeless presents barriers to employment that most people do not fully understand,” Rebecca observes. “For example, without a permanent address, obtaining critical documents like a Social Security card can be a high hurdle. It becomes a challenging cycle to break.”
The Harbour’s case management services provide that intervention. With help from our donors, volunteers, and other community groups, we empower residents to take control of their futures.
Barrier to Employment for Homeless Youth
- Lack of a Permanent Address and Documentation—Employers often require a permanent address and identification documents (such as a Social Security card).
- Transportation Challenges—Without reliable transportation, homeless youth struggle to attend interviews and maintain regular work attendance, limiting their ability to secure and keep jobs.
- Discrimination—Homeless youth face both conscious and unconscious biases from potential employers.
- Educational and Work Experience Gaps—Disrupted schooling and limited prior job experience reduce competitiveness in the job market.
- Mental Health and Trauma—Many homeless youth cope with mental health issues and past trauma that affect their ability to secure and sustain employment.
- Loss of Benefits—Transitioning to employment can lead to losing critical government benefits before financial stability is achieved.
Despite these challenges, research shows that access to job readiness programs, mentorship, and comprehensive support services significantly improves employment outcomes for homeless youth, helping them break the cycle of homelessness and build stable futures.
Going green is good for people and better for our planet, but the transition to more energy-efficient living can also be extremely expensive. When the Dewan Foundation, a long-time partner and donor to The Harbour, proposed supporting the installation of solar panels at our residences, their generous offer was eagerly accepted.
The Harbour is proud to be a Dewan Foundation grantee since 2006. The foundation was established by John and Sue Dewan in 2000 with a focus on addressing poverty through education, stable housing, community development, and green energy.
In January 2024, Dewan realigned its priorities. The shift was made “in response to the current political climate and the increasing uncertainty surrounding future renewable energy funding.” Beginning in 2025, the Foundation began prioritizing solar projects. They believe that “the long-term savings from green energy will far exceed what they are able to provide through their traditional grant program.”
The foundation gives this example of the impact of this transition. “One of our partners, currently in the process of implementing solar, received a $2,000 grant in 2024 from the Dewan Foundation. Instead of a traditional grant in 2025, we are providing $200,000 in funding to support their solar installation. We have approximately $2 million available to support our grant partners.”
“We are thrilled to be beneficiaries of this program,” said Kelli-Ann Alcott, Director of Operations. “Without the Dewan Foundation, this project would not have been possible. The Foundation has absorbed the cost of the installation, and we can look forward to incredible future savings from being able to supply our own electricity.”
“Dewan Solar guided us through the weeks of complex planning that led up to the installation of panels at Staffire House on July 23,” Kelli-Ann said. “The work will begin at Safe Harbour House in mid-August.”
Dewan Solar, the Foundation’s lead on this initiative, partners with nonprofits such as The Harbour and other organizations serving low-income and equal justice communities. They oversee the entire installation process—handling everything from initial analysis and contract negotiations to financial arrangements and final buildout. Their expertise and resources made each step of the work plan seamless and efficient, enabling The Harbour’s team to concentrate effort where their experience is most needed.
“This was a complex project with many moving parts,” said Kelli-Ann. “Harbour board member, Martha Spatz, played a key role in championing the initiative. As an architect with deep expertise in sustainable design and green building practices, she brought invaluable insight to the process. Martha joined us for our weekly meetings, offering thoughtful advice and constant encouragement. We are deeply grateful for her guidance and unwavering support.”
“Our new solar panels are an example of how nonprofits, funders, and individuals can work together to create positive change,” said Melody Rose, The Harbour’s executive director. “By making our residences more energy-efficient, we’re helping build healthier communities in Schaumburg and Park Ridge. The cost savings will allow us to direct more resources toward the well-being of our residents. We’re honored to be part of the Dewan Foundation’s mission to promote the benefits of solar energy.”
“Our donors’ generosity is always appreciated, but at a time when many nonprofits are struggling, support from our constituents is more meaningful than ever.”
