Emergency Public Jobs project has matched hundreds of workers with local non-profits
In the weeks following the devastating 2008 Iowa floods the shock, disbelief and pain were met with determination and a wide level of responses to the deep needs of the area. One positive reaction was the deployment of the Emergency Public Jobs program.
The federal-funded project has matched hundreds of participants with productive work experiences as local non-profits and public agencies reap the benefits. Funded through a National Emergency Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, the program provides temporary work in clean-up, restoration and recovery efforts for non-profit and public agencies. The program has funds set through June of 2010.
The beneficial aspects of the program have rippled out into the community in several ways, according to Gary Vogt, the local grant supervisor of the EPJ program. Vogt coordinates the program efforts under the auspices of Kirkwood Community College, working in partnership with Iowa Workforce Development.
“This project was intended to get relief and support to crucial non-profit and public agencies and offices in the Corridor. It certainly has met that need, as more than 70 offices have been helped on their way to recovery. Beyond that, supplies and equipment needed for the work were bought through local sources, and the program has supported more than $700 thousand in wages. Obviously, those earnings are re-spent into the local economy,” Vogt observed.
Under the program, local non-profit and public agencies have received support at no cost for the labor, while displaced and flood-affected workers have received a chance to earn wages and gain useful workplace skills. After the initial cleaning, disinfecting and other “muck-out” efforts were taken care of, EPJ employees moved into rebuilding and recovery mode. Recent worksite projects include deep cleaning, carpentry, drywall and painting, along with opportunities for logistical and administrative support as workers assist with all aspects of the recovery efforts.
“This is a classic example of what observers call a ‘win/win,” said Kirkwood Executive Director of Continuing Education Programs, Kim Johnson. “With the skills learned or renewed in the process, we are happy to report that nearly 300 workers have found temporary employment with the documented experiences we’ve been able to provide through the EPJ projects. We hope that non-profit and government agencies in need of restoration or recovery support, will call us to find out more about the program resources.
Shari Martinez is among the hundreds of area people who have benefitted from the Emergency Public Jobs project. Martinez (pictured) has been serving at the United Way of East Central Iowa office in Cedar Rapids and calls it “a rewarding time” with multiple benefits for her.
“There were already growing unemployment lines and a slowing economy around here early in 2008. Then disaster struck our area. Many people lost jobs or the means to get to a job. The EPJ program was a pragmatic, thoughtful concept with high ideals and a noble goal. It meant to put displaced employees to work in local government offices and non-profit organizations dedicated to flood recovery and to rebuilding the community — at no cost to those organizations. To me, that’s a kind of genius at work,” Martinez said.
Vogt expects demand and interest in the program to continue and even grow as Iowa moves through winter.
“With a program such as EPJ at first glance you anticipate seeing a large need for workers and worksites immediately following the disaster and then plateau. While this has happened we are starting to see a second wave of need as recovery efforts are still in place and worksites understand the benefits EPJ workers can provide in returning to “normal” business. All you have to do is visit downtown Cedar Rapids or the affected parts of Iowa City and Coralville and you can see opportunities in every direction. It is encouraging to see office spaces open, but in many cases this is just the first step in the recovery process. We are still taking applications for those that need assistance and workers interested in helping the community,” he added.
More information on the Emergency Public Jobs program is available by contacting Vogt at the Kirkwood Resource Center, (319) 398-5070, Ext. 110. Interested persons may also contact Vogt directly via e-mail:
gary.vogt@iwd.iowa.gov # # #
Persons interested in Emergency Public Jobs may apply at the Iowa Workforce Development Center, 800 Seventh Street SE in Cedar Rapids, (319) 365-9474; 1700 South First Avenue in Iowa City, (319) 354-2272; or at 111 Westview Drive in Washington, (319) 653-4787. Applicants are required to take a physical exam at no charge. This helps determine the types of work best suited for the applicant.
Applicants are eligible if they have been temporarily or permanently laid off as a result of flooding; if they are a dislocated worker; or long-term unemployed.