By Julie Zeglen
Atlanta-based nonprofit First Step Staffing is expanding to Philly following its acquisition of for-profit On Time Staffing’s local operations in order to create a job training and placement program for homeless individuals and returning citizens.
The 10-year-old organization aims to hire 500 Philadelphians in the next yearand as many as 1,000 in the next three.
“Our goal is to help thousands of Philadelphia’s most vulnerable citizens gain sustainable employment, and eventually, a permanent residence,” said Greg Block, First Step founder and chairman, in a statement. “We believe a steady and sustainable income is the only reliable path out of homelessness.”
First Step specializes in warehouse, packaging and manufacturing jobs and will be based locally in Kensington. The nonprofit will work with local homelessness agencies such as Project HOME, Broad Street Ministry andImpact Services to connect with potential employees, who will also be offered job coaching and transportation...“This type of rapid employment for homeless individuals does not yet exist in Philadelphia and will be an important addition to the continuum of care.”