YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Re-entering the labor force can be difficult, so Yuba City makes it easier with the Pathways to Work program.

At the May 5 Yuba City Council meeting, officials passed a resolution to continue the program offered through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

Yuba City is one of several jurisdictions that fall under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) formula entitlement programs. These programs require that each jurisdiction complete and submit an Annual Action Plan (Action Plan) for annual funding.

Sutter County Director of Health and Human Services Sarah Eberhardt said the small pilot project allows the county to engage with small business cleanup and city beautification efforts while supporting residents "on their journey to being housed."

"Offering daily work opportunities in increments under the supervision of The Salvation Army as a part of Homeless Support Services is important because re-entering the workforce on a daily basis, even for a couple of hours a day, helps individuals get connected in the community, gain independence, build confidence and gain a sense of belonging," Eberhardt said.

Yuba City Deputy Director of Development Services Doug Libby said the purpose of the CDBG program is to provide housing with suitable living environments while expanding economic opportunities for primarily low—to moderate-income residents.

"The services funded within the Action Plan are applied for by local community organizations that have identified a community need that is consistent with the City's priorities identified in our adopted CDBG program," Libby said. 

Eberhardt said Sutter County Health and Human Services partnered with The Salvation Army to provide job training activities to individuals in various local homeless services programs. Pathways to Work offers eight interested individuals the opportunity to work for up to 12 weeks on sidewalk and external building cleanup, trash removal, and minor landscaping projects.

"The pilot's scope of work was designed based on feedback from those struggling with homelessness and interested in daily work opportunities while undergoing program services," Eberhardt said.

Libby said, "CDBG funding allows the city and community partners to address these needs in a way consistent with the city's priorities and the purpose of the CDBG program." Other public service agencies that address homeless needs in the Action Plan include the Regional Emergency Shelter Team (REST), Hands of Hope, and the FREED Center for Independent Living.

The Yuba City Downtown Business Association and Chamber of Commerce assist in identifying Yuba City areas needing beautification for the program. According to Eberhardt, Pathways to Work is an excellent example of jurisdictions, homeless services programs, and business associations working together to develop innovative ideas to help the community.

"Sharing information, working side-by-side, and addressing issues together keeps us collectively reaching towards the north star of creating a healthier community for all," Eberhardt said. "The overall goal of the Pathways to Work pilot project is to help empower individuals, provide opportunities for engagement, and enhance the job skills of program participants."