Community Services League (CSL) is the largest provider of homeless outreach services in the City of Independence (COI). Jobs can provide routines for individuals, promote sobriety, self-control, and other positive outcomes. COI is home to many individuals that live on the streets or other habitats that are not ideal for healthy lifestyles.

A community concern and priority for COI is illegal dumping and trash, particularly in parks, city rights of way, and major corridors. The conditions of these areas inform the  overall perception and experience of residents and visitors to the COI.

To address this priority, CSL and COI have developed a strategic partnership to  implement a pilot project to provide meaningful job opportunities to homeless residents of COI by providing temporary jobs and steps in securing both a permanent job and stable housing. A challenge for many individuals is to transition from homelessness to housed without substantial support, including the opportunity to consistently earn a wage.

CSL will supervise and provide, on average, 166 hours of cleanup per week for 27 weeks between March 27th through September 29th. CSL will work with local trash haulers to assist in collection. MoDOT has agreed to participate in free pick up when collection is done in their right of way, they have agreed to provide high visibility vests that will be worn by the workers and bags for the trash collection. 

All workers will be offered a minimum wage of $15/hour that will be paid daily, with $3/hour being deposited into their housing support account. CSL will connect its homeless workers to mainstream benefits, resources, coaching, new skills, full-time employment, and attempt to place the workers in permanent housing. 

This program will be eligible for renewal for an additional three years beyond the pilot phase, if mutually agreed upon.