Addressing Employment Barriers Among Persons with Homeless Experiences: Implementation Lessons For Advancing Equity From an Electronic-Bicycle-Supported Vocational Rehabilitation Pilot.

Panadero TJ, Castellon MO, Jacobo EM, Stigers PJ, Raja P, Gabrielian SE. Addressing Employment Barriers Among Persons with Homeless Experiences: Implementation Lessons For Advancing Equity From an Electronic-Bicycle-Supported Vocational Rehabilitation Pilot. Journal of primary care & community health. 2026 Jan 19; 17:21501319251381650, DOI: 10.1177/21501319251381650.

Related HSR&D Project(s)

• CDA 15-074 – Improving Housing Outcomes for Homeless Veterans

Dimensions for VA is a web-based tool available to VA staff that enables detailed searches of published research and research projects.

If you have VA-Intranet access, click here for more information vaww.hsrd.research.va.gov/dimensions/

VA staff not currently on the VA network can access Dimensions by registering for an account using their VA email address.    Search Dimensions for VA for this citation
* Don't have VA-internal network access or a VA email address? Try searching the free-to-the-public version of Dimensions

Search for Abstract from PubMed

---

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: To combat persistent health and social disparities, the VA Greater Los Angeles and its community partners piloted a novel vocational rehabilitation program that employed persons who have experienced homelessness (PEHs) as app-based food deliverers. The program focused on removing barriers to employment, providing subsidized electronic bicycles for deliveries and personal use; "priority status" as deliverers; and access to financial literacy coaching. We aimed to characterize program experiences, with a lens toward program scale-up. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of 6 participants and 5 vocational rehabilitation staff. Interviews explored motivations to participate (among participants), and program strengths/challenges. Data were analyzed using rapid qualitative methods. RESULTS: PEHs reported high motivation to participate due to the e-bike and flexible scheduling of work duties. Interviewees reported positive program impacts including: financial relief; reduced transportation barriers; and improved mental health. Suggesting for improvement included enhanced technical support (with the app and e-bike); improved communication among program partners; and more individualized employment opportunities. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest the value of this novel vocational rehabilitation model for PEHs. Specific recommendations for program scale-up include a centralized platform for participant technical support requests; and regular communication and data sharing agreements between implementation partners.