Redlands Chamber takes uncommon role in tackling homelessness

REDLANDS, Calif. — Finding a job can be daunting under the best circumstances. For those without a permanent place to live, the barriers multiply: transportation, technology, paperwork, stigma and the stress of meeting basic needs.

The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is taking an uncommon role in addressing those challenges. Through its New Beginnings – Homeless Employment Services program, launched in 2024, the Chamber works directly with individuals experiencing homelessness to connect them with employers, resources and support to re-enter the workforce.

Helping Residents Rebuild

Program coordinator Kayla Santos, who began leading New Beginnings in April, works one-on-one with clients referred through local housing partners such as Family Service Association, Salvation Army and Step Up. She also meets clients where they are, whether that's at temporary housing site, partner offices or even motels.

“Transportation is huge, but so are mental health and employment gaps,” Santos said. “Many clients have strong résumés — from pharmacy techs to sales executives — but after years of instability, they need help reestablishing stability, confidence and routine.”

Santos said a lot of her clients began experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they either lost their jobs or were unable to find employment in their field.

The program provides résumé building, mock interviews, job search assistance, clothing and help with applications to caregiving programs such as In-Home Supportive Services. Clients are also referred to the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for vocational training and certifications.

Since May, Santos has helped more than 25 people secure employment.

One client described the difference the program made:

“Kayla helped me through the whole process from searching and applying to staying in touch with the hiring manager. I’m old school and not big on phones or tech stuff, so having that support made a big difference. I felt confident going into the interview, and it went well. The manager said he liked me and told me to come in for orientation. I’ve been working since, and I really like the job. I’m grateful for all the support.”

But for Santos, the goal goes beyond simply helping clients land a job. “We’re still working with them in their career goals,” she said. One client, for example, recently took a warehouse job to cover immediate expenses, but Santos is guiding him toward training for a commercial driver’s license. Others are referred to the federal WIOA, which can fund licenses, certifications, bus passes and work-related clothing such as scrubs for medical assistants. “The idea is stability first, then building toward the kind of career they really want,” she said.

Santos keeps in touch with her clients for at least a year after placement, checking in regularly as they settle into their new jobs and continue working toward long-term goals.

A Unique Chamber Role

Chamber Executive Director Evan Sanford said Redlands’ approach is unusual.

“I’m not aware of any other chamber that is doing this,” Sanford said. “When the city applied for state funding, they needed an employment partner. Goodwill and the Chamber stepped in. This helps not just the people who are our clients; it helps the businesses too.”

The Chamber began its broader workforce development work in 2022. In three years, its programs have helped more than 500 people find jobs, including more than 50 through New Beginnings alone. The initiative is funded through 2027 with State Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) Rounds 2 and 3.

“The Redlands Chamber of Commerce was already providing workforce services before the city funded them through a state grant. With the success of the services and the local business connections, the Chamber seemed like the right partner — one that has continued to foster a great relationship between the City and the local business community,” Homeless Solutions Manager David Rabindranath said in an email to CFR.

State Homeless Funding Faces Uncertain Future

As the Chamber and city find success in their collective efforts, homelessness in Redlands has dropped 31% year-over-year, according to the most recent homeless survey. At the same time, the broader state response faces uncertainty. While recent counts show modest statewide declines, the funding that fueled those gains is under threat. Cuts to state programs and shifting federal rules could destabilize the housing and employment supports local programs rely on. Read more in our CalMatters partner story.

Locally, New Beginnings is supported by Encampment Resolution Funds (ERF 2-3) – a source that was reduced by $100 million in the California 2025–26 state budget.

“The City of Redlands Homeless Services division continues to seek and apply for all grants that may sustain our existing programs and continue the great work in Homeless Services. The city team will adjust with the environment,” Rabindranath said in response questions about planning for potential state and federal changes. He said the city expects to announce new awards in the coming months, pending City Council approval.

For Santos, the work is personal. “I’ve always had a drive to help vulnerable communities,” she said. “This job aligns with my purpose. Seeing clients get hired and start paying rent again - that’s what keeps me motivated.”

Hiring event and business partners

The Chamber will host its next Hiring Event on Sept. 29, 2025, at the Dorothy Ingram Learning Center in San Bernardino. The event will feature more than 60 vendors, on-the-spot interviews, expungement services and career resources.

The Redlands Chamber of Commerce is seeking local employers to join the effort to connect residents experiencing homelessness with stable jobs.

• Become a second-chance employer by opening opportunities to qualified candidates
• Benefit from on-the-job training wage reimbursement incentives available through county and state programs
• Support a community initiative that helps residents regain independence while strengthening the local workforce

Interested businesses can reach out to Kayla Santos, Career Support and Outreach Specialist, at kayla@redlandschamber.org.