May 22, 2010 ... The Bergen One Stop Career Center and the new Housing, Health and Human Services Center intensified their collaborative efforts recently to help the County’s homeless find jobs.

The Center, which opened late last year on nearby River Street in Hackensack, was designed to place the homeless in permanent residences as soon as possible, rather than to simply provide one-night shelter. The facility offers several social services under one roof to greater assist individuals who are either homeless or are in danger of being so. In addition to providing over-night shelter, meals and showers, the Center provides its “guests” with services such as counseling, medical and dental care, and now – training and employment opportunities.

Staff members from both organizations met last month for a special work session to develop strategies to best serve clients. We explored the possibility of having One Stop staff periodically provide eligibility sessions onsite, and to educate guests of the close proximity to nearby computer labs and workshops.

Barry Lowe, Manager of Counseling & Training visited the Center with John Bautz, Veterans Services Representative and Jerry Calabrese, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. They spoke to guests there about services at the One Stop, including opportunities for training, resume writing, and job search.