SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT – THE WAY TO INTEGRATION AND INDEPENDENCE FOR PEOPLE IN A HOMELESSNESS CRISIS

Abstract

The supported employment model for homeless people is based on a holistic approach that combines professional, housing, health, and social support. The innovative nature of the presented model includes students as assistants supporting people in a homelessness crisis since young people particularly appreciate professional activity as a way to develop and meet basic needs and, as a result, to solve problems. Students make a personal effort and, at the same time, invest in their professional future. Simultaneously, their enthusiasm and commitment to solving some problems and their innovative approach may be important for the people who are supported in a homelessness crisis. A key element of the supported employment directed at such people is an individual approach to the needs of each person and long-term cooperation between institutions.Thanks to this, people with the problem of homelessness have a chance to permanently integrate into the labor market and return to full independence in their lives.

Keywords

• homelessness
• supported employment
• student assistant
• social integration of people in the homeless crisis