Our economy is going to fail. With an unemployment rate going up around one percent each year, and the homelessness rate going up around three percent each year, our economy needs to take action for those in need, and fill the jobs available in our society without needing a home address.
Not having a permanent address is the number one reason that companies overlook the homeless in an applicant pool. There are many other reasons as well, such as limited access to proper hygiene and clothing, unreliable sources of transportation, and gaps in employment history.
Most businesses discriminate against homeless people with just one look. With this glance they suddenly know their education background, their skills, their years of experience, and much more.
Luckily, Sarah Price, the Wendy’s General Manager (GM) on Campbell is one of the few employers that are willing to help the homeless find a job.
“When I was the GM for another location, there was a young boy whose family kicked him out. He didn’t have great shoes and he didn’t have many clothes. Me and some of the people I worked with went and bought him clothes and personal hygiene things,” Price said.
With our unemployment rate increasing each year, homeless civilians should be able to get a job at a retail store or in the fast food industry without needing a home address, phone number, or someone judging their physical appearance.
Although I don’t struggle with this, many people in our community do. My mom being a prime example. When I was young, my mom suffered from a drug addiction, and could not afford a house, car, or even a can of food.
She lived out on the streets for months, and when she tried to find a job, no one would hire her. The only reason for this was that she had no form of address and did not look presentable to the company’s liking.
I hated that my mom could not work when she wanted to so badly.
She eventually was able to get a job at Pizza Inn, a local pizza parlor. My mom had to borrow my grandma’s clothes and use her address just to even be considered in the working field.
When she eventually got the job, she managed to start her work life again. The problem is that even with companies refusing to hire homeless people, they still say that people are needed for work.
Homeless people are citizens just as much as people with homes are, so we shouldn’t treat them any differently.
For example, companies don’t look at teenagers the way they do the homeless, although both are looking for the same thing, a job to prepare them for the world and help them get on their feet.
Both are looking for a new start, whether it be their first time getting a job, or trying to recover from a traumatic event that could have made the person homeless.
With knowing this information, there are ways to help. Different charity organizations are here in Springfield to help the homeless; they just need our help as well.
Victory Mission and Ministry is a helpful homeless charity, located at 1715 N Boonville Ave, Springfield, MO 65803.
Their main goals are to break poverty cycles and help the homeless with various opportunities. Their website, victorymission.com, claims they help with crises, and they bring immediate help with food, clothes, and shelter.
In order to help this charity, you must go to their website, and there you will see a big red donation box. All you have to do is click and donate. Remember, even a dollar can help someone in need.
For anyone who is homeless and struggling to find a job, Wendy’s is a great place to start. This restaurant has a program known as the Hero Fund.
“As an employee, you can donate to the Hero Fund. Anywhere from a dollar to whatever amount and Hamara [the corporation that owns Wendy’s,] will match that and put it in the fund. After 30 days of working here you can apply for it,” Price said.
This fund can be used for many things such as helping with car and housing expenses as well as many more needs.
Although some restaurants have programs that are helpful, many are not and still reject those who are trying to apply for jobs. This discrimination in the work field needs to stop.
