Second Shot helps break down barriers
THE organisers behind a Toowoomba traineeship and employment program for those facing homelessness and other challenges say they’ve been shocked by the amount of applications.
Second Shot launched in 2017 as a food truck and the following year as a CBD cafe.
It has already helped more than 30 people escape barriers like homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction and mental health.
With just 15 spots available, Base Services coordinator and program co-founder Tiff Spary said received more than 80 applications.
What was most interesting to her was the types of people applying.
“We’re about to offer a 22week traineeship between the Basement and Second Shot, for people who have barriers to employment,” she said.
“We got over 70 applications on Friday, and we probably received 10-15 more this week.
“Not everyone who applied was homeless, but over 55 per cent were.
“Last time we probably did get similar overall numbers, but we’ve had a lot higher response from those who were homeless.”
Mrs Spary said people facing homelessness faced unique challenges to being part of the program, particularly around identification and hygiene.
“When we work with people who are homeless, it’s so hard to even get them engaged with our project,” she said.
“To register with the Cert I traineeship, they need ID. When you’re homeless, you often only have what you carry with you.
“We have to help with stuff like accessing a washing machine, accessing a shower to make sure they can come to work clean, because hygiene is important to the hospitality industry.”
Despite the challenges, Mrs Spary said the program offered Toowoomba people real opportunities to exit tough situations.
“Since kicking off Second Shot, we’ve helped over 30 people who were homeless exit it, we’ve taught them skills like tenancy and budgeting,” she said.
“Most people who are homeless have not completed Year 10, so to get them the chance to complete something, it lifts their confidence.”