Economic Development Policy and Advocacy
Economic development returns homeless people to the workforce, improving their quality of live and ability to live independently, and enhancing the local economy.
We at BOSS believe that all homeless people who are able to work deserve help to improve their skills so they are able to secure living wage jobs. Without jobs that pay an adequate wage, people flounder in poverty and continue to use public support such as food stamps and emergency services. We also believe that people who are unable to work full-time should have income support that allows them to live independently, as well as opportunities to work part-time if they choose to—which most of them do.
Local Advocacy
BOSS participates in public planning forums that address welfare policy, employment and training resources, and education. We also participate in private business forums such as local chambers of commerce, in order to add our voice to the mix of businesses and corporations that influence business development issues and the availability of jobs.
National Advocacy
Nationally, BOSS has advocated for many years for changes to federal welfare policy to better provide adequate income support and help people escape poverty. We have created innovative employment and micro-enterprise ventures that have offered valuable data to policy makers. And we participate in campaigns for economic development legislation that affects homeless people, such as bills for publicly-funded adult education and training programs.
Useful Links
To learn more about economic development issues, visit the relevant organizations listed here.
What can you do?
Call or write to your elected officials to support legislation that expands access to education, training, and employment services for poor and homeless people. See if the company you work for has any training or internship programs and inform BOSS, or hire someone yourself who is striving to overcome homelessness.
To contact us call (510) 891-8773 ext.324
