building lasting stability: our economic advancement services help families thrive

For a lot of families at Mary’s Place, it just took one unexpected event—like losing a job or facing a rent hike—to find themselves in a situation they never thought possible: without a place to call home. 

Mary’s Place guests get guidance from an Amazon volunteer during a computer basics class.

At our emergency family shelters, staff like Tyler Hutchinson, Economic Advancement Coordinator, meet these families with ways to overcome their barriers to housing and stability with financial literacy courses, computer classes, and more! 

With the support of volunteers from partner organizations like Amazon, Bank of America, and DocuSign, Mary’s Place guests get help with resumes, job applications, and interview skills, that lead to successful employment. “For many of our guests, securing a job with a living wage and hours that allow them time with their children is an essential step toward moving into permanent, long-term housing and finding stability” shares Tyler. 

Computer basics classes provided by Amazon and Financial Literacy classes taught by Umpqua Bank teach guests how to apply for jobs online, navigate online health, financial, education, and job services, build credit, develop a budget, and reduce debt. “Basic computer skills are necessary for day-to-day life these days,” shares Tyler, “and financial skills are crucial for securing and maintaining housing- it teaches people to manage rent, utilities, and other housing-related expenses responsibly. Many of these skills weren’t taught in school, but they’re so important for getting and keeping stable housing. 

The Goodwill Training and Education Center Digital Equity Bus brings computers, educators, and language interpretation services right to our shelter parking lot!

“We know parents of small children, especially single parents, and moms with infants, have limited opportunities to leave shelter to attend classes and job training because they're caring for their little ones,” shares Tyler, “this impacts their ability to find housing, employment, and so much more. Partners like the Goodwill Training and Education Center Digital Equity Bus provide low-barrier access to resources by bringing them directly to families in our shelters. In addition, for some of our guests, English is their second language or they may not speak English at all. We’re grateful to have access to language interpretation services to make these resources available to all guests.”

In addition to the services provided by our volunteers, Tyler and our staff assist with college enrollment and signing up for adult education and financial aid for guests who want to further their education in pursuit of their careers. Navigating these complex systems can be daunting, especially for families experiencing homelessness.

“I work at the food bank, and it’s a step towards housing, but I needed help managing my finances so I can remain stable when I leave Mary’s Place. The classes were really helpful with getting my finances in order,” says one participant in Umpqua’s Financial Literacy course. Another guest attending computer classes shared, “If I had work, we would be able to move out of Mary’s Place and make space for another family who needs help. The courses I take at Mary’s Place are helping me build new skills for a job”.  

“When families leave Mary’s Place, we want to make sure they have the tools to remain stable for the long-term,” says Tyler, “Employment assistance, computer skills training, financial literacy, and educational support increase income potential, improve financial health, and equip our guests to overcome barriers to stable housing, fostering long-term stability. 

“For me, the most valuable aspect of working at Mary's Place is witnessing the tangible difference our economic services make in the lives of our guests,” she shares, “I truly believe everyone should have access to economic opportunity. Our mission is all about ensuring children don’t sleep outside by putting equity and opportunity at the heart of what we do for the families we serve—and these services are a perfect example of that in action. I feel grateful to walk alongside our guests on their journeys to economic self-sufficiency!”  

- Tyler