DISPLACED HOMEMAKER PROGRAM

Erin Brown
State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
P.O. Box 42495
Olympia, WA 98504-2495
Telephone: 360.704.4304
E-mail: ebrown@sbctc.ctc.edu

State Website: http://www.sbctc.ctc.edu/College/s_displacedhomemaker.aspx
Local Link: http://www.sbctc.edu/college/_s-dhplocations.aspx

Participation: Approximately 40,000 displaced homemakers received counseling, job search, resume help, and local referrals through information, referral and support services during the 2005-2007 biennium. An additional 1,183 displaced homemakers participated in specially designed job and educational readiness classes to prepare them for economic self-sufficiency.

Who is Served: The program targets individuals who have worked in the home for 10 or more years providing unsalaried household services for family members on a full-time basis, are not gainfully employed, need assistance in securing employment, and meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Depend on the income of another family member, but will no longer be supported by that income.
• Depend on federal assistance, but will no longer be eligible for that assistance.
• Supported as the parent of minor children by public assistance or spousal support, but the youngest children are within two years of reaching the age of twenty-one.
• Individuals who do not meet this criteria, but are experiencing similar circumstances, may be served on a space available basis.

Program Description: The program offers free classes that help displaced homemakers identify their skills and find employment. In addition to support services and information and referral, statewide outreach educates residents about programs in their communities and the services they provide.

Other Program Characteristics: Through “Intensive Instructional Services,” displaced homemakers increase their awareness of employment and training opportunities. They also increase their awareness of transferable skills and abilities, increase self confidence, and learn new job skills. The program benefits from the collaboration of diverse agencies and organizations, and also offers comprehensive statewide coverage.

Program History: The Washington state Legislature established a pilot project to serve displaced homemakers in 1979 and made it a permanent program in 1982. The Displaced Homemaker Program provides training, counseling, job search, resume help, local referrals, and other services to help displaced homemakers find employment and become self-sufficient.

Planning Cycle: Every two years.

Outcome Measures: Completion of Intensive Instructional Services, which results in increased employability, increased earnings for those already employed or entry into career and technical education or academic programs.

Funding and Regional Division: The Displaced Homemaker Program is funded through the State General Fund to provide statewide services to displaced homemakers. Funds are distributed through a competitive application process based on organizational capacity to administer funds and geographical representation. Eligible applicants include government and nonprofit organizations.

State Funding: $538,000 (July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008) State General Fund.

Federal Funding: None.

Statutory Authority: State - RCW 28B.04 and WAC 250-44. Administered by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.