Peer Workforce Development
Policymakers must invest time and resources to upskill the existing peer workforce and expand career pathways for people experiencing homelessness.
Defining Peer Workers
Peer workers are commonly known as peer specialists or individuals with lived experience/expertise. They are uniquely qualified individuals whose lives mirror those they serve.
Their work is grounded in a place of shared real-world experience beyond the boundaries of clinical theory and application that is taught in a classroom.
Over recent years in the homelessness sector, funding dollars have fostered increased momentum, representing expansion in direct services and supportive housing developments. But leaders are struggling to fill vacancies and upskill the existing workforce, especially the peer workers, who are the backbone of the homelessness sector. CSH’s initiative aims to create career pathways for people experiencing homelessness and fill the existing vacancies.
Our Work with Peer Workers in Los Angeles
We collaborate with peer workers to advance peer workforce development.
In 2016, CSH launched the Healthcare Employment Advancement Ladder (HEAL), a Peer Specialist program in Los Angeles that creates career pathways for individuals with lived experiences of homelessness.
Through continued engagement with Peer Workers, we have published two reports with recommendations for meeting the growing demand for positions such as Peer Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Peer Housing Navigators in Los Angeles County and supporting individuals exiting homelessness in gaining employment.
CSH gratefully acknowledges Cedars-Sinai for their generous support of this work.
Carmen Miller
Carmen’s easy-going, friendly personality instantly makes you want to sit down and chat more. But behind the warm smile of this mother of three daughters is a story of resilience, courage, and healing through life’s trials.
Jayden Alexander
Jayden began suffering from depression at the age of 10. Jayden’s road to gain housing, transportation, and employment has been a turbulent yet inspirational journey.
Robert Diaz
Robert’s words are thoughtful and honest as he describes the many challenges he has managed to overcome, including a violent gang attack that left him fighting for his life after being stabbed 16 times. Robert is a true survivor.
Thomas “TP” Hearn
Thomas served the nation through his service in the Army and Air Force reserves. His military career would later evolve into another endeavor that was extremely different – comedy.