Breaking Down Barriers: How Social Enterprises Create Pathways to Employment
For many people, finding a job is not simply a matter of submitting a resume and attending interviews. Employment can be blocked by barriers that are difficult to overcome without the right support, opportunities, and understanding from employers.
Employment is not equally accessible
You might ask, “what do barriers to employment look like for youth struggling with homelessness?” According to research and resources from the Homeless Hub, youth experiencing homelessness may face several barriers, including:
Limited access to technology, childcare, or professional networks
Gaps in employment history
Discrimination or unconscious bias
A lack of stable housing
Mental or physical health challenges
Previous involvement with the justice system
Financial pressure that makes unpaid training or lengthy hiring processes unrealistic
These challenges will often overlap. A person may have the skills and determination to succeed but still be excluded by systems that were not designed with their circumstances in mind. The Homeless Hub explains that traditional employment programs may not meet the needs of marginalized youth unless they also address systemic barriers, housing instability, transportation costs, identification, education, and other forms of support.
What are social enterprises and how do they make a difference?
The Government of Canada defines social enterprises as businesses that sell goods or services while advancing a social, cultural, or environmental purpose. Social enterprises can create pathways to employment by providing:
1) Paid work experience
Participants will gain real workplace experience while earning an income. This allows them to build confidence, learn professional expectation, practice managing responsibilities and develop a strong work history.
2) Job-specific training and skill development
Participants will receive practical training related to their position. This may include learning workplace equipment, technology, safety procedures, customer service, communication, teamwork, time management, and other skills that can be used in future jobs.
3) Mentorship
Each participant will have access to guidance from supervisors, experienced employees or program staff. Mentors can answer questions, provide constructive feedback, help participants overcome workplace challenges, and support their personal and professional growth.
4) Transportation Assistance
Support may be available to help participants travel safely and reliably to and from work. This could include public transit passes, transportation reimbursements, route-planning assistance, or help finding transportation options.
5) Professional References
Participants who demonstrate reliability, a positive attitude, and strong work performance may receive professional references from supervisors or program staff. These references can strengthen future job, volunteer, scholarship or educational applications.
6) Support with Future Job Searches
Participants will receive assistance preparing for their next employment opportunity. Support may include resume and cover letter development, interview preparation, job-search strategies, application assistance, and help identifying positions that match their skills, experience, and career goals.
Here at oneROOF Youth Services, we offer our Change4Change Employment Program. The program hires, trains, and equips youth between the ages of 15 and 30, helping them gain paid work experience, workplace skills, certifications, and experience for their future careers.
How can you support social enterprises?
Social enterprises need community support to continue the work being done. Building a more inclusive workplace involves the entire community.
You can support oneROOF Youth Services and similar organizations by:
Purchasing products from businesses such as theChange4Change Thrift Store, whose proceeds help fund oneROOF programs and operations
Donating items through the oneROOF wish list
Applying to volunteer with oneROOF
Encouraging local employers to adopt inclusive hiring practices
Sharing information about social enterprises in your community
Promoting programs that provide paid training and employment opportunities for youth
To learn more, you can visit these sources:
https://www.oneroof.org/change4change
https://homelesshub.ca/book/youth-employment-toolkit/overview/employment-programs-for-youth/