The Pittsburg City Council Approved a Self-Sufficiency Pilot Training Program that would enroll 10 families per calendar year.
City Manager Garrett Evans said they would be looking at a better “title” for the program. Under the item, it proposes establishing and implementing a pilot program to connect Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Section 8 participants with job training and skill-building Opportunities.
The Pilot Program includes a workshop where potential participants will be able to meet service providers and ask questions, helping potential participants narrow down their interest and select their training of choice. Opportunity Junction, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, and St. Vincent de Paul currently offer their services at no cost to participants, supported by various grant funding opportunities. However, due to rising operational costs and potential funding gaps, the organizations funded by CDBG are considering implementing a minimal fee in the future.
According to the staff report, a total of 820 survey emails were sent, with 62 being undeliverable. Of the remaining recipients, we received approximately 100 responses to the survey questions. The responses received were positive, with the responders identifying the types of training desired, challenges faced in securing improved job opportunities and obtaining higher-quality employment, and what support would be beneficial for success in the program.
The top requests for job training or skills were computer skills, office and administrative skills, medical and healthcare support, entrepreneurship, resume writing and interview preparation. The challenges identified were lack of training or education, childcare needs, transportation and health issues or disability. The support identified to be beneficial for success in the program were job placement after training, flexible schedules, financial, technology or internet access, transportation assistance and childcare.
According to California State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the area median income for Contra Costa County for a family of four is $159,800. The average income for a family of four participating in the HCV program is $79,900.
The City, through its Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), and the Pittsburg Power Company fund the following organizations providing professional development and in some instances placement:
- Future Build – 16+ week pre-apprenticeship training in the solar and construction industries with a graduation rate of approximately 88% and a placement rate of around 85%
- Opportunity Junction – A 12-week career training program offering certification in Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, and Administrative career paths. Participants also receive comprehensive career counseling, including résumé assistance, interview preparation, job placement assistance, and employment matching services
- Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center – Offers professional training, expert consulting, access to capital, and a strong support network for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business. All programs and services are available in both English and Spanish
- St. Vincent de Paul – The Workforce Program is a 12-week initiative that provides comprehensive support, including résumé development, financial counseling, career coaching and mentoring, communication and interpersonal skills training, time management and organization, interview preparation, and assistance with job applications and cover letters. Participants who register and attend classes are eligible to interview for paid part-time positions at one of the organization’s locations, with roles such as cashier, shelf stocker, or heavy equipment (crane) operator.
Councilmember Angelica Lopez called it a great program with big potential.
“I love that you sent out the survey although the turnout is not as expected, I think it’s an opportunity to view this as a big potential citywide. Perhaps depending on the success of this, we can later explore opportunities to perhaps open this to those currently on the wait list so that maybe they do not have to become HCV recipients,” stated Lopez noting it was about getting the skills to gain better employment.
She added many single moms are working two jobs and still can’t afford rent and called this is a good opportunity to explore and expand in the future.
Vice Mayor Dionne Adams called this another opportunity to provide economic vitality in the city.
Councilmember Arlene Kobata called it important to help each other out in a time of need.
“When we give this type of opportunity for people to get more education, to be able to progress themselves forward, not get stuck in a rut and not have that position to where they are feeling down and feel like they cannot be productive. This is something that I am really grateful for. I really think we need to boost those who need it,” said Kobata. “This is a fantastic program and would love to see this grow.”
The item was approved in a 5-0 vote at its July 7 council meeting.
- Staff Report – click here
- Resolution – click here
- Self-Sufficiency Pilot Training Program – click here
