MadisonHome launches new program to help unhoused community find jobs, permanent housing

RICHMOND, Ky. (WKYT) – The process of getting off the streets isn’t as simple as some people might think.

“Here they are starting all over again. I can’t get a job if I don’t have a place to take a shower or I don’t have an address to put on an application. I don’t have a phone number. You know, I don’t have a reference,” said Melissa Slone, assistant director of MadisonHome.

The team at MadisonHome says they’re working to remove all of these barriers and help people get back on their feet.

“We are offering people a chance to come off of living in the streets and truly work on transitioning into the next phase of their life,” said Slone.

Through a new program, they’re giving people a place to stay, while helping them find a job, a permanent place to live, and teaching them necessary life skills.

“How to build a resume, how to dress appropriately to go to an interview, they’re learning how to save money and budget, their finances all of the things that they’re going to need to know how to do, not only while they’re here, but once they’re out of the program,” said Slone.

Participants must apply and agree to a few rules, such as doing ten hours of volunteer work a week.

“Whether that is here in the building, or outside of the building, and we try to accommodate as we can,” said Slone.

The program is less than one month into its six-month trial period, and the work is already paying off.

“We have three individuals so far that are actively working. We started the program with like nine or ten people, we’re up to 13,” said Slone.

Slone says those participants are not only grateful to have a roof over their heads but that someone gave them a chance.

“We have an individual who has literally been kicked out of our winter shelter three times, but they’re here in this program, and they are now working, you know, so it’s just those little things. Sometimes folks just need a little bit of grace,” said Slone.

Slone says there is still room for a few more people to join the program. To contact MadisonHome about applying for the program, click here.

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