A Complicated Reality
You’ve probably heard someone ask, “Why can’t they just get a job?” when referring to those experiencing homelessness. Maybe you’ve thought it yourself, heard it in passing, or discussed it without finding a clear answer. And the reality is, there isn’t a simple one.
For many people who currently are or have previously experienced homelessness, the barriers to stability are often complex and interconnected.
Employment is often seen as a way to catalyze stability, but without considering the realities of homelessness, it can be easy to view employment as a catch-all, overarching solution.
For someone experiencing homelessness, finding and maintaining employment is rarely as simple as submitting an application and getting a job. Employment is often out of reach because of the cyclical paradox they find themselves in. To get a job, you need stability. To get stability, you need housing. And there are nine barriers that support this paradox that most people do not see.
The 9 Hidden Barriers
No Address — Most employers require an address for applications, payroll, and background checks. Shelters are not accepted, closing the door before the process even begins.
No Phone — Without a working phone, interviews can’t be scheduled, shift updates can’t be received, and onboarding instructions never arrive.
No Transportation — Calgary transit costs add up quickly. Walking long distances in extreme weather isn’t just difficult — it’s dangerous.
No Shelter — Chronic exhaustion, hypervigilance for safety, and sleep deprivation make it nearly impossible to function at work.
No Storage — With nowhere to keep personal items, people often arrive at interviews carrying everything they own. They may look “unprepared,” even though they’re doing their absolute best.
Trauma — Trauma loops the body into survival mode. When every day is spent trying to stay safe, long-term planning becomes nearly impossible without support.
Untreated Health Issues — Chronic pain, injuries, and illnesses make basic tasks draining. Without consistent healthcare, small issues become crises.
No ID or Personal Documents — Without ID, people can’t apply for jobs, access benefits, or open bank accounts. Every step forward becomes blocked.
Stigma — Appearance often becomes a barrier long before a conversation begins. Stigma closes doors to employment, support, and compassion.
These barriers existing are not about an individual’s motivation or willingness to move forward, they are structural. And they are solvable with the right support surrounding the individual.
Where Connection Creates Change
At CUPS, we see the results of these barriers every day. Many individuals who come through our doors want to move towards stability but face circumstances and external barriers that make it difficult to move forward. That’s why we meet people where they’re at.
Employment can become a possibility for those experiencing homelessness with the right support around them. Our holistic, wraparound, and trauma-informed approach to care creates real, meaningful connections. Which successfully sets these individuals up on a journey towards stability, and eventually, towards employment.
