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This time we ran into a few guy who were probably in their late 20's to early 30's, physically fit, and just hanging out and grateful for our food and clothing packages. When we started to have a conversation with them, they were very eager to let us know that there was something they wanted more than food. They wanted jobs!
It was very important to them that we understood that they weren't just looking for handouts. They really wanted to step up and be part of a contributing society. They were frustrated by the lack of jobs and opportunities. They wanted resources, places to go that might help them get work, and get back into the main stream of Detroit.
Last week we met with the people at South Oakland Shelter who provide services to both transitional and homeless people in the Tri-County area. We talked about what more can be done, and how Heart 2 Hart Detroit can involved to be a partner in the process. They provide H2HD with a Tri-County Community Resource Guide to help us give needed information to the people we see on the streets.
Wanting a job is important but some caution is inevitable and important. Should an individual offer a person off the street a job at their home? That is a tough question their have been wonderful stories and awful stories. The question is how can one safely refer a person who wants a job an opportunity?
ReplyDeleteOne needs a phone number at least and more and more an email address.
Are systems in place to 'address' these issues?
Once in place a job might be offered, a recommendation offered or made. Once a job is obtained a bank account is needed and perhaps an address would be required. How is this done. Some homeless people are living in their vehicles. It is a huge set of social issues which need to be addressed one at a time or through a service. I wish you good luck!
M Adler
Michigan Production Alliance