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Work program builds skills and stability.
What if when it came to addressing homelessness, employment was the goal instead of housing?
That’s the spirit of the Homeless to Work (H2W) program at The Salvation Army Riverside (California) Corps—helping people experiencing homelessness restart their lives and sustain them as productive members of society.
In the 90-day program that collaborates with local government officials, businesses and residents, participants earn income through community beautification projects—planting flowers, maintaining trees, removing graffiti and collecting litter—while gaining workforce experience.
Launched in 2017, H2W started with just 10 participants annually in Moreno Valley. It has since expanded to other parts of Riverside County, including Banning, Beaumont and Cabazon, serving 178 individuals to date through small cohorts of 8-16 participants. This year, 50 more individuals will go through the program.
“We’re incredibly proud of each individual’s journey and deeply grateful to the dedicated staff, volunteers and community partners who make this work possible,” said Mark Davis, Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army Riverside and Moreno Valley.
Recently, H2W enhanced its impact by adding a Life Skills Program, which aims to address everyday challenges individuals face and help guide them to make better decisions.
Topics covered in the programming include time and money management, verbal and non-verbal communication, conflict resolution, stress reduction, decision making and goal setting.
Also included? Recovery topics like setting boundaries, healthy coping skills, building support systems and positive thinking. Participants also receive one-on-one help with filling out job applications and transportation to and from job interviews, if needed.
“I’m learning more about myself too. Besides trying to find a job…I’m learning how I still have it in me—working hard and being a person without stressing out a lot.”
Lewis Ball, Homeless to Work participant
The move has supported successful outcomes, said Davis.
“Thanks to this added support, the program now boasts a 78 percent success rate, with many participants securing stable employment, accessing housing and healthcare and rebuilding independent lives,” he said.
After years of struggling with addiction, Lewis Ball found himself homeless. He celebrated one year of sobriety in April, and joined H2W Jan. 30 after being referred by the Path of Life shelter, where he was living.
“It has helped me a lot,” he said. “It helped me to build up my skills.”
For Ball, actively engaging in life skills workshops, resume-building sessions, mock interviews, and receiving support in crafting a compelling cover letter have helped him in his job hunt.
Previously, Ball said he worked at a gas station for 15 years. While the role was heavy on customer service, working the register, maintaining inventory and maintenance work, he said he was in the “stone age” when it came to current web applications—something required for applying to jobs in 2025.
“My problem was online, so they helped me become a little bit better at how to go search for jobs online,” he said. “It helped me…I had a couple calls back for jobs.”
Currently, Ball is waiting for his background check to clear for an opportunity, but he’s optimistic about the future.
“I’m learning more about myself too,” he said. “Besides trying to find a job…I’m learning how I still have it in me—working hard and being a person without stressing out a lot.”
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