End Homelessness, Support Home Free Organization

I stumbled across a very compelling article on Change.org today called "Don't Be Homeless, Get a Job!", outlining just a few of the reasons why telling a homeless person (or "Home Free" person, rather) to "Get a Job!" is not as effective as you think. The fact of the matter is, most of society at large would like to themselves to be 'different' than those who are seen sleeping and living on the streets and when one says this to another who is in need, they are basically kidding themselves. Getting a job is not as easy as one may think, especially in these times and especially for those who have the disadvantage of having to make huge decisions while hungry, exhausted and without shelter. There are basic needs that must be met before getting a job is even remotely possible.  The article outlines them in depth, but briefly here are the things that are needed to obtain employment which the majority of those living on the streets do not have: 1) A Phone 2) An Address 3) Clothes 4) Transportation 5)Personal Hygiene  6)Meals  7)Personal Limitations  8)Background Issues

Home Free Organization's Answer 

Ironically enough, this is the exact list of necessities which Home Free Organization intends to tackle with our mobile learning hubs.  We compiled a list of our own almost identical to this back in 2006 when the idea was born.  When a 'home free' person walks up to the truck looking for assistance, we first present them with the option of being given an email address, a mailing address and some sort of initial token of our intention to help such as an item to be used for personal hygiene or a gift certificate for a meal at some place local (that's 4 of the 8 right there).  Not to mention, we immediately go to work, helping them to learn the power of search technology on our donated computers in order to find that resource which they feel they are in need of the most-whether it be a family member, a job or any number of things unattainable on the streets. The next time they visit, perhaps they will have mail waiting for them at the truck from the new PO box, or email from someone they sought out on their initial visit.  Perhaps this time, we'll issue them a thumb drive to keep all of their personal information on, which will make their following visits even more effective.  If it is an interview for employment that they need, this is what we will help them achieve, by providing them with nice clothes that have been donated and perhaps a haircut from a stylist that has donated their time.  We will assist them in having their picture taken by a photographer, showing them in a presentable fashion, which will boost overall self esteem and show them that it truly is possible to get off of the street with the right kind of help. As time goes on, through engaging with others in similar situations on Home Free social network and assistance with their learning how to search for people and resources, the "home free" will, in many cases, start to feel less helpless and begin to move in a solid direction.
 

If this seems at all far-fetched, then you haven't spent the time that I have with those living off and on the streets of big cities.  The majority of them just need that spark that can only be delivered from an outside force. That spark of motivation can become inspiration and the light at the end of the tunnel can start to be fully realized.  Those with drug addictions can and just may start to see alternatives if presented options and counseling from the right mentor.  Professionals in this field will receive tax incentives for donating their time to this much needed effort. Donation of food, clothing and unwanted gift certificates will help tremendously with tackling the eight necessities listed above for obtaining employment- especially when they have been brought to the streets and given to those who need them on their own turf and terms.  The Home Free Truck™will be a mobile symbol of hope and an ever present source of motivation for those who have lost their way.  Of course there are those who choose to stay on the streets and only time will tell how our organization might be able to help them, but as many who I have spoken with have said, "Home Free might actually be just the thing to change their minds. "