In 1997, thirty percent of workers were employed in non-standard work arrangements ("HomelessnessÉ"). These consist of independent contracting, working for temporary help agencies, day labor and regular part-time employment. This type of work typically offers lower wages, fewer benefits and less job security. The underemployment rate stands substantially higher than the unemployment rate. Measures of underemployment reflect not only individuals who are unemployed, but also involuntary part-timers that want to work full-time. Thus, for many Americans, work provides no escape from poverty ("Homeless").
The difficulties of job seeking as a homeless person can be almost insurmountable barriers to employment. Obstacles to employment by the homeless people include lack of education or competitive work skills, lack of transportation, lack of day care and disabling conditions. In 1988, the U.S. Department of Labor set up the Job Training for the Homeless Demonstration Program. This program provides funds for basic skills and literacy instruction, job training, and job search activities ("Homeless"). Some city officials believe that the homeless choose not to work ("Introduction"). This is where the sympathy has been lost when people see the homeless on the streets when they are on their way to work. Ann Braden Johnson argues this point in her book Out of Bedlam: The Truth About Deinstitutionalization, "the homeless people who do work tend to be eligible only for non-skilled, low-paying jobs- jobs that often do not pay enough for rent" ("Introduction"). If homeless persons are to benefit from national employment and training programs, those programs must include specific components to meet a specific person's needs. Successful employment programs must provide access to a wide array of services, including housing. As bad as it is for the twenty percent of homeless people, who have jobs and can't escape homelessness, climbing out of homelessness is virtually impossible for those without a job ("HomelessnessÉ").
