M3
Slide 11
CONTENT
Employment Support and Vocational Reintegration
Employment provides more than income. It offers:
SOCIAL IDENTITY
SELF-EFFICACY
DAILY STRUCTURE
SOCIAL CONTACT
CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY
However, individuals who have experienced homelessness — especially long-term homelessness — often face substantial labour market barriers:
Chronic physical illness
Mental health disorders
Cognitive impairment
Substance use history
Gaps in employment history
Criminal records
Employer discrimination
Traditional employment programmes may not be adapted to this complexity.
Integrated employment pathways may include:
Supported employment models
Individual Placement and Support (IPS)
Social enterprises
Gradual return-to-work schemes
Skills development programmes
Sheltered employment
Yet it is essential to recognise that not all individuals will be able to re-enter the open labour market, particularly those with advanced multimorbidity or long-term institutionalisation.
For some, stabilisation and quality of life — rather than full labour market participation — may represent a realistic and ethical goal.