CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Housing & Stability Support
Moving toward independence to build a brighter tomorrow.
Overview
Housing & Stability Support—also known as SJ Bridge—is here to help unhoused and sheltered individuals take meaningful steps toward lasting stability. In partnership with the City of San José, our support services combines paid transitional work, vocational training, and personalized case management to help participants rebuild confidence, develop new skills, and reconnect with their community.
Recognizing that homelessness involves more than just a lack of housing, the program offers a compassionate, holistic approach. Participants work with our dedicated team to set goals, create an action plan, and access essential services like job readiness support, housing navigation, and life skills training with the aim of fostering long-term independence and a brighter future.
We understand that overcoming homelessness takes more than just a place to stay, it takes trust, opportunity, and support. That’s why our dedicated team works with each participant, helping set goals, create a personalized action plan, and access essential services like job readiness coaching, housing referrals, and life skills development.
With Housing & Stability Support services, you’ll gain access to:
Six Months of Paid Transitional Employment – Build real-world work experience and earn a steady paycheck while regaining your confidence. Join our Litter Abatement Crew and earn $18.50/hour for 4-hour shifts, Monday through Friday.
Basic Computer & Job Readiness Training – Strengthen essential workplace skills and prepare for the next step in your career.
Access to Vocational Training – Build skills and open doors to lasting employment through our paid, industry-recognized Career Technical Education (CTE) program
One-on-One Case Management – Work closely with a dedicated case manager to create a personalized plan based on your goals and needs.
Help Obtaining Vital Documents – We’ll assist you in securing key identification documents like your ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, and other right-to-work documents (vouchers available to cover associated costs.)
Vocational Service Planning – Develop a customized roadmap to employment, tailored to your strengths, needs, and aspirations.
Housing Support and Referrals – Connect with local resources and housing partners to access shelter, permanent housing, and other essential services.
Pathways to Long-Term Employment – Our team will help you transition into sustainable job opportunities with livable wages and upward mobility.
Who We Serve
Housing & Stability Support Program supports adults who are:
- Currently unhoused or staying in temporary shelter
- Authorized to work in the U.S. (with valid ID, Social Security card, or passport)
- Motivated and ready to work in a supportive, team-based environment
Program Impact
With Housing & Stability Support, every participant represents more than a number; they’re a testament to resilience, growth, and new beginnings
Qualifying for Support
Housing & Stability Support is designed for individuals who are ready to take the next step toward stability and success. To join, participants must meet the following requirements:
- A positive attitude and a strong desire to create change
- Authorization to work in the U.S. (valid ID and Social Security card or passport)
- Basic English speaking and reading skills
- Willingness to work outdoors and follow direction from supervisors
- Availability Monday–Friday, either 8:30 AM–12:30 PM or 12:30 PM–4:30 PM
- Ability to participate in guided classroom learning
- Must pass a drug and alcohol screening
Key Outcomes:
- 241 individuals served (2023–2024)
- 64 participants secured permanent employment
- 137 unhoused residents employed since March 2022
- Graduates have landed jobs at Tesla, Goodwill, Santa Clara County Reentry Resource Center, and San José Airport
- 351,450 pounds of litter removed from city streets and trails through community beautification efforts
How to Apply
Ready to rebuild your future? Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Get Referred – Have your housing case manager send us a referral.
- Meet with Us – We’ll schedule an intake to assess your needs and set goals.
- Start Your Journey – Begin working toward employment, stability, and independence with our support.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
SUCCESS STORY:
Nicholas Washington
Nicholas Washington came to our support services through City Team Shelter, determined to build a stable future for himself and his family. He joined the program while finishing his CTE Electrical course, and he didn’t waste any time putting his training to work.
With guidance from the support team, Nicholas quickly transitioned from classroom learning to full-time employment, securing a position as Maintenance Lead at a residential property.
Nicholas’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed. He earned a raise to $28/hour, and even more promising, his role includes eligibility for on-site housing. Within three months, he’ll have the opportunity to move into a permanent apartment of his own.
Nicholas’s journey shows that with support and drive, real change is possible.
Housing & Stability Support
In-Custody
GoodStart Store
Overview
Goodwill of Silicon Valley’s In-Custody GoodStart Store is a first-of-its-kind initiative providing women at Elmwood Correctional Facility with hands-on job training inside a fully operational retail store. Launched through a decade-long partnership with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and the Reentry Resource Center, this groundbreaking program reflects our commitment to redefining second chances through community collaboration.
Participants gain real-world experience across retail roles, building the skills, confidence, and sense of purpose needed to successfully reenter the workforce and their communities.
Before GoodStart, women were often released with only the clothes they were wearing when arrested. Today, they leave with fresh clothing, meaningful work experience, and a renewed sense of dignity, supported by a stronger path to employment and long-term independence
What Participants Receive
- 60 hours of hands-on job training in a real retail environment
- Practical experience in warehousing, sales, merchandising, and logistics
- Two complete outfits and a backpack at no cost upon release
- Workforce skill-building in a supportive, dignity-centered setting
- A stronger foundation to pursue employment and long-term stability
Who We Serve
This program serves women incarcerated at Elmwood Correctional Facility who are approaching release. Many face steep barriers to employment and reintegration. GoodStart helps close that gap.
Program Impact
- First retail store in the nation inside a correctional facility
- 600+ women housed at Elmwood, with 8 participants running the store at a time
- Three soon-to-be-released women shop daily, using prepaid gift cards to choose items that support their reentry
- Fosters dignity, reduces recidivism, and supports community reintegration
How to Support
It all starts with your donation. Clothing donated to Goodwill’s retail locations is sorted and delivered to Elmwood, where women select outfits for their reentry. Every gently used item creates opportunity, transforms lives, and helps rebuild futures
Mission Services, LLC