The Housing Support Services program at Catholic Charities New York—established in 2021 alongside the long-standing Case Management and Preserving Housing programs—continues to grow and adapt to meet the evolving needs of its residents. By providing on-site social services at affordable housing sites, the program aims to stabilize families and guide them toward personal development in areas such as education, income, and health. Yet, as Richard Espinal, Director of Housing Support Services, observed, there has long been a missing piece: employment.
“Many of our residents were either without work or underemployed, struggling to get by,” Richard explained. “This new initiative allows us to take a more strategic approach in linking our residents with meaningful employment opportunities.”
The latest job-training initiative, part of the Housing Support Services program, is designed to address this gap by offering residents a clear path to stable employment. The initiative launched with a partnership between Catholic Charities and Mulligan Security, a leading firm in the security industry. Recognizing the importance of not only providing training but also ensuring it leads to job placement, Richard collaborated with Mulligan to create a program that offers comprehensive security training, including an eight-hour course, a 16-hour course, and fire guard certification.
The results have been remarkable. Every participant in the program has successfully completed the training and secured a job, with starting wages of around $24 per hour—far exceeding their previous earnings. To further remove obstacles to employment, Catholic Charities has also provided participants with a monthly MetroCard, ensuring transportation costs do not hinder their ability to start work. This initiative has not only improved participants’ financial stability but has also opened doors for career growth within the security industry.
“The key was ensuring this wasn’t just another training program where participants earn certificates but never secure jobs,” Richard emphasized. “With Mulligan Security, we ensured that completing the training meant a job was waiting.”
This job-training initiative reflects Catholic Charities’ commitment to not just offering relief but also fostering long-term self-sufficiency among its residents. Lakisha Morris, Director of Operations for the Community Outreach Services division, which oversees the Housing Support Services program, expressed her excitement for what the future holds.
“This initiative is just the beginning,” Lakisha said. “With additional funding, we plan to extend these opportunities across our various programs, and will be able to help more families achieve the financial security they need to prosper.”
Lakisha also highlighted the broader impact of the program, noting, “This isn’t just about employment; it’s about empowering our families to aim higher. When residents witness others in their community succeeding, it inspires them to pursue similar goals. This program has allowed us to think creatively about how we can support our families beyond just addressing their basic needs.”
One example of this success is a young mother who, after completing her security training, secured a night shift position that provides her with a much-needed sense of financial stability. Her story is just one of many, showing how this initiative is transforming lives and empowering residents to move toward a brighter future.
Looking ahead, Catholic Charities is already planning to expand its job-training efforts. The next phase will focus on the food service industry, offering residents the skills they need to thrive in restaurant settings. This new initiative aims to replicate the success of the security training program by providing residents with practical training and guaranteed employment upon completion.
Both Richard and Lakisha expressed their profound gratitude for the support that has made these programs possible. “We are incredibly thankful for the resources that have allowed us to make a tangible difference in the lives of our residents,” Richard said. “This is more than just financial aid; it’s an investment in our community’s future.”
Lakisha echoed his sentiments: “This support has been a true blessing. It has allowed us to provide services that were previously out of reach, and we are excited to continue this work and help more families realize their full potential.”
As Catholic Charities continues to develop and refine its offerings, the success of this job-training initiative has laid the groundwork for future collaborations. These efforts are helping to build a more sustainable and inclusive future for the communities they serve, ensuring that residents not only have access to stable housing but also the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of life.
