"Want a Job. Anything Helps."
Mayor Richard Berry of Albuquerque, New Mexico saw a sign with these words and was inspired to make a change. After riding around Albuquerque and talking to panhandlers about what can be done to improve their situation, not having a job was a big concern. As a result, the " There's A Better Way Program" was born. The program hires the city's homeless to pick weeds and clear litter at a rate of $9 an hour. A Washington Post article says the program isn't a year old, and it's already removed 70,000 pounds of litter and 200 lbs of weeds from the city's streets. The program has also helped 100 people find permanent jobs.
A Better Way employs ten people per day, four days a week. Program workers concluded there was a high demand to "get on the list," so to speak, which why they increased funding for the project. The program also inspired a different program that works with employers to find the poor side jobs, which provides another opportunity to make money. Although the article seems to indicate that the program is competitive, the program is making a difference: not only making the city beautiful but renewing the spirit in those who have lost hope.
"The There’s a Better Way van employs about ten workers a day but could easily take more. When the van fills, people have begged to get a spot next time," said Kellie Tillerson, the director of the program says.
But nonetheless, Mayor Richard Berry believes that panhandlers need someone to have faith in them and that faith makes all the difference.
“You can just see the spiral they’ve been on to end up on the corner. Sometimes it takes a little catalyst in their lives to stop the downward spiral, to let them catch their breath, and it’s remarkable,” Mayor Berry said. ”They’ve had the dignity of work for a day; someone believed in them today."
But, there is still a stereotype that of homeless people are simply "lazy" that may get in the way of the program's progress.
Tillerson explains to the Washington Post that many factors make someone "not eligible for work", and you may take these reasons for granted.
“Genuinely ask why they are in the predicament they are,” Tillerson said to the Washington Post. “Many have medical conditions; they don’t have the proper identification -- you can’t get a job without one. They don’t have a Social Security card. Those little things we take for granted prohibit people from getting a job. Don’t assume they are lazy.”
The program has made such a positive impact that cities all over the United States are asking Berry for some advice about similar programs.
What I Think
I love the work that Richard Berry and his program staff are doing. The story of the A Better Way Program is a story of a person that saw who saw a problem and implemented a solution. This program may be just starting out, but I'm grateful to see someone with political power actively helping people in need. As community members, I believe it us up to all of us to be just as proactive in solving the issues within our community. My only hope is that they can delegate more funding to this program, so it will give more people a chance to participate. I would also love to see this program implemented in Delaware.
