ReNew Crew

ReNew Crew is Anawim Housing’s supportive employment social enterprise designed to remove barriers to employment and provide the opportunity for program participants to work and gain valuable life and employment skills. Although numerous community wide employment readiness services existed, few were tailored to meet the needs of the population served at Anawim Housing. This enterprise mirrors the Housing First and harm reduction practices utilized by Anawim Housing agency wide. Individuals who have a desire to work do not have to advance through a series of classes or training programs. Participants are instead placed directly into the workforce through ReNew Crew and are supported in remaining employed. Supervisors model workplace best practices and are available to offer support through mental health or substance use relapses.

ReNew Crew provides apartment unit cleaning, painting, grounds keeping, and light maintenance. There is always a need for more workers trained to provide these types of services throughout our community, and ReNew Crew is filling a gap in the workforce.

“The synergy involved in creating ReNew Crew is so exciting. There is a place in the market and an untapped and willing workforce who will benefit in a multitude of ways by being employed” – Scott Sithonnorath, ReNew Crew Program Manager.

Through ReNew Crew employment, individuals who have long been unemployed are able to increase income, gain skills, create structure and purpose, and develop support networks. ReNew Crew employees will have gained a positive employment reference, added to their work history, expanded their resume, and increased their skill level should they seek employment elsewhere.

“My time with ReNew Crew has made me a better person. I’m happy to get up and go to work every day. My coworkers and boss have become friends and confidants. They’re the glue that holds me together when I think I’m not worthy. This job has made me realize there are second changes in life. Also it has taught me your past does not represent the present.” – David, ReNew Crew member.

To learn more about ReNew Crew, contact:

Scott Sithonnorath
ReNew Crew Program Manager
ssithonnorath@anawimhousing.org