A TED Talk about a program in Albuquerque called A Better Way left San Diego's Kevin Barber inspired. The 16-year-old saw how readily A Better Way served two needs - cleaner city streets and paying jobs for the homeless. Through his mother's work as an ER physician, Kevin was aware of San Diego's own homelessness problem and the downward spiral that so often haunts the people affected. He and his mom talked about it and came to a decision. With her emotional and financial support, Kevin launched Wheels of Change.The program's van picks workers up at one of the city's homeless shelters and takes them to a location in need of clean up. They may pick up trash, clear weeds or brush, whatever needs to be done. At the end of the work day, they are brought back to the shelter and paid $11.50 for each hour worked.
For many of the program's participants, this is the first paid work they've done in years. They report feelings of empowerment and restored dignity, as well as the hope they can eventually care for themselves.
This win-win program has received support from San Diego's mayor and city council. A GoFundMe page takes donations to expand the program with more vans to transport more workers around the city.
Kevin hopes the program's success in Albuquerque and now in San Diego will serve as a model for similar programs around the country.
No comments:
Post a Comment