Journey2Jobs Puts a Fresh Face on Downtown Olympia

They say the first step of any journey is the hardest. But not making a brave, bold change can mean missing out on exciting new adventures. For Olympia’s unhoused community, the Journey2Jobs (J2J) program offers career development, training opportunities, and a road to stable employment. By giving hands-on skills, it not only provides hope but helps create investment in the community we all call home.

Building Community for All Olympia Residents, Sheltered or Not

Shannon Hassan, Director of Social Enterprises for Valeo Vocation, and Quillan Halverson, Operations Supervisor for the Olympia Downtown Alliance, are inspired to continue J2J’s success as well as branching out in fresh, new ways. The J2J program was originally funded to aid the unhoused in the wake of COVID-19. Today its backers are driven to push beyond the status quo and focus on long-term impacts.

It also builds pride in all that’s been accomplished. Hassan and Halverson have noticed a shift in Valeo worker’s engagement because of their stake in downtown Olympia provided through living in Plum St. Village.

“Following Journey2Jobs, the City of Olympia has funded Valeo to deploy the Calyx Plum Workforce Development Shelter,” says Halverson, “an innovative initiative that provides low-barrier access to safe, secure housing and comprehensive services for individuals experiencing houselessness, particularly those in Right of Way (ROW) chronically experiencing houselessness. This innovative shelter model offers participants not only a place to live but also a pathway to immediate access to income, workforce development, and life stabilization through a dignified approach that integrates housing and employment opportunities.”

Enhancing the Downtown Olympia Experience for Businesses, Residents, and Visitors

Hassan and Halverson love seeing how much this focused approach of workforce development plus housing stability can be truly seen in the heart of Olympia. They report a “more vibrant, inclusive, and safe downtown environment.”

“J2J has helped individuals experiencing homelessness reintegrate into the workforce through job training, employment opportunities, and career navigation services,” says Hassan. “The community sees individuals experiencing houselessness truly want to work and gain stable employment and lives. J2J has reduced visible houselessness in downtown areas, creating a more welcoming environment for businesses and tourists while adding a revitalized workforce to local establishments.”

Ongoing Initiatives Make for Stable Partnerships and Strong Local Businesses

And that’s just one aspect of how a combined approach is a win/win for the entire region. The partnership between Olympia Downtown Alliance and Valeo Vocation isn’t just limited to J2J. The HIRECREW initiative focuses on safer and cleaner public spaces. More than just a beautification project, it includes trash clean-up, public maintenance, and keeping downtown a great place to visit.

Like any successful coalition, when all parties are invested, it’s guaranteed to thrive. By hiring local workers and the chronically unemployed unhoused population, businesses and storefronts gain an increased sense of community spirit as well as keeping jobs and paychecks local.

“Working with Valeo crews in the downtown area,” says Halverson, “through our partnership we have overseen the improvement of the entire downtown Olympia footprint multiple times over on a block-by-block basis, weekly. These improvements include clearing tree wells of weeds, picking up trash, cleaning public use emplacements like parking meters, and assisting the Downtown Alliance with watering flower baskets. These improvements have allowed the business owners and pedestrians of our downtown to see people in tougher economic and social situations providing necessary services to our community and operating with integrity in their actions.”

Key Local Organizations Working Together for the Benefit of Downtown Olympia

Both Hassan and Halverson also offer a shout-out to key partnerships and downtown allies.

Peer Olympia:

• Provides internships and supports individuals in navigating the Peer Certification Process, enhancing pathways for peer support and advocacy careers.

Thurston County Food Bank:

• Offers internship opportunities, allowing individuals to gain valuable work experience while supporting community food security initiatives.

Salvation Army:

• Actively supports HIRECREW by providing work opportunities and essential resources that aid individuals in their reintegration into the workforce.

GRuB (Garden-Raised Bounty):

• Engages HIRECREW participants in meaningful work, emphasizing sustainability, and community building.

Catholic Community Services (CCS):

• Provides internships, resources, and employment opportunities for individuals working toward stabilization and self-sufficiency.

Downtown Alliance:

• Collaborates with HIRECREW to maintain and improve the downtown Olympia area, benefiting both businesses and the community.

Healing Hands Ranch:

• Supports HIRECREW by offering work opportunities that promote recovery and provide meaningful employment experiences.

Olympia Film:

• Olympia Film supported internship opportunities to individuals.

Union Gospel Mission:

To learn more about Valeo’s work, head to www.ValeoVocation.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Then look for ways you can become more invested in downtown’s vibrant ecosystem. Let your journey include the chance to shop, eat, wander, work, volunteer, or explore the arts one unique, flower-decorated block at a time.