Job fair aims to help keep people in their home

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A program at the Grand Rapids court is looking to give people a second chance at a career with the hope it will lead to more stable housing.

Rene Bailie was among those who attended the 61st District Court Eviction Diversion Team ‘s job fair Friday, looking for a job that can lead to getting her own place.

“I’m currently unemployed, looking for a job, so this is going to be beneficial,” Bailie said. “I raised my four children. I went through a divorce after 20 years and it’s been a struggle since.”

The event was open to the public, with the goal of helping people get a fresh start. The Eviction Diversion Team says employment can be one of the biggest barriers to maintaining housing.

“We talk to clients every day facing eviction who say they are either underemployed or lack of employment, so we came together, like, let’s do a job fair, let’s do something else and bring awareness to the court in a newer light, not being all negative all the time,” Eviction Diversion facilitator Gjenikwa Gonzales said.

The job fair was the last part of a program that previously helped job seekers polish their resumes and practice interviewing . The job fair also catered to those with criminal histories.

“Because we do have some felon-friendly employers that are here. Some other barriers that (people with criminal histories are) faced with is eviction,” Eviction Diversion facilitator Kimberly Brown said. “So not being able to stable in your house causes them to have other problems.”

Backed by funding from the National Center for State Courts , the Eviction Diversion Team worked with the Urban League of West Michigan , Express Employment Professionals and Hope Network to run the job fair.

“Coming to court doesn’t always mean paying a fine or seeing the judge or coming here for a negative experience. We wanted to be able to share with the community that you can come here, you can find resources, you can find assistance — not just a way to resolve disputes,” Clerk of the Court Sarah Breen said.

Applicants like Bernadette Collins said the program has encouraged hope for the future.

“It’s taking me a minute to find work, but I’m staying positive that I will find something. That’s why I’m here,” Collins said.

The organizers plan to continue the program next year.

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