Atlantic City Launches Hope Work Initiative to Employ Homeless Residents

ATLANTIC CITY — The City of Atlantic City has introduced the Hope Work Initiative, an innovative program offering temporary employment to homeless individuals through the city's Department of Public Works. Led by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Homeless Outreach unit, this initiative aims to provide meaningful work opportunities while addressing homelessness in the community.

The program began recently, with 10 participants, identified during daily homeless outreach efforts conducted by the city’s Homeless Outreach team. These individuals now work 15-hour weeks—five hours a day, three days a week—in Public Works divisions, including Beach and Boardwalk maintenance, Sanitation, and Building Maintenance. Participants earn $75 per day, funded by the City’s Opioid Settlement resources, with no cost to taxpayers. Program supervision is managed by City Social Worker Anthony Woodard.

Mayor Marty Small, Sr. expressed his administration's commitment to addressing homelessness, a longstanding challenge for the city.“When we created the Boardwalk Improvement Group, we also launched an outreach team to tackle homelessness in the Great City of Atlantic City," Mayor Small said. "The Hope Work Initiative is just one of many solutions we are implementing to make a lasting impact."

Director of Health and Human Services Jarrod Barnes emphasized the program’s transformative potential. “Our team works tirelessly to assist homeless individuals and improve the city’s condition. The Hope Work Initiative represents a crucial first step for these individuals to rebuild their lives,” Barnes said in a prepared statement on November 20, 2024.

Woodard, who oversees the program, noted the importance of providing opportunities to those who face significant barriers to employment. “These individuals want to work but often lack access to opportunities. The Hope Work Initiative is about giving them that chance to start fresh,” Woodard explained.

At the end of the 10-week program, participants may be considered for permanent positions with the City. Officials also hope to expand the program in the future to include more participants.

For the City of Atlantic City, the Hope Work Initiative represents more than a temporary employment program—it’s a step toward restoring dignity and stability for some of its most vulnerable residents.

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