Pathway to Employment Succeeding in First Month

Mayor Joe Hogsett in the IIB studio, September 2021. (IIB Photo)

The city of Indianapolis says its Pathway to Employment workforce development program is providing results in its first five weeks. The program launched May 20 through the Department of Public Works and Office of Public Health and Safety and connects people experiencing homelessness with paying jobs and work skills.

Mayor Joe Hogsett says the program has connected 21 people to daily jobs for a total of 1,974 work hours. Program participants make $10 an hour working 8-hour days cleaning up litter and other beautification projects. 

"We are very encouraged by what we have seen in the first few weeks of the Pathway to Employment program,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett.  “The numbers show we are making progress toward this innovative program’s twofold goal – giving our city’s most vulnerable residents a viable option for work that promotes dignity and self-respect, while also helping them use that work experience as a bridge to long-term, more sustainable job options.”

Partner organization, Keys to Work, has averaged over 10 workers per day, and currently has a waiting list of 23 people who want to participate. The pilot program is 20 weeks and will continue through the end of September.