When NYC’s new Citywide Ferry Service launches in 2017, it might do more than cut commutes and offer up scenic views for passengers. The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced today that the ferry service will also participate in an expansion of the existing Quality of Life program, which partners with nonprofits to train and employ formerly homeless, formerly incarcerated and low-income people to work on city initiatives.

Today, the program employs 86 individuals in projects to keep the city clean, maintained and graffiti-free. After the expansion, in partnership with the Doe Fund, NYCEDC expects to hire between 20 and 25 new employees for graffiti clean-up, sidewalk power-washing, ferry service and other initiatives.

“Many homeless, formerly incarcerated and low-income New Yorkers face unnecessary obstacles to employment, discrimination among them,” said Carmelyn P. Malalis, the chair and commissioner of the NYC Commission on Human Rights, in a statement. “Although the city now has stronger laws to protect individuals against credit and criminal history discrimination in employment, it is equally important that these vulnerable communities receive the tools and training they need to find and maintain stable employment. We applaud the New York City Economic Development Corporation and The Doe Fund for partnering to expand this critical program.”

Through its Ready, Willing and Able initiative, the Doe Fund has providing work training and opportunities for the formerly homeless and incarcerated since 1985. Under the city partnership, the nonprofit will also supply social services to the new employees, such as occupational training, education and career development. The Doe Fund contract, which the nonprofit secured by responding to an RFP, begins in October. Existing Quality of Life program participants will have the option to transfer their employment to the Doe Fund — at the same wage rate — at that time. Workers will be paid at least $15 an hour.