Sponsor the homeless to get off the streets

Summary

We give homeless people the opportunity to work in exchange for food vouchers and shelter. After several successful months, they also get the resources that they need to find full-time employment.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

The money is used to help pay members of the team. They initially are paid in food vouchers ($100/week), which is their 'salary' for working on the team. The program also helps with shelter. The combination helps them not to rely on panhandling and to be able to spend time to work on their resume building and job acquiring skills.

How will this project solve this problem?

We are only able to support a limited number of participants at a time and this funding will help support additional spots for candidates who are currently on waiting lists.

Potential Long Term Impact

Since 2005, the Downtown Streets Team has helped 70 participants go from panhandling to tax paying. Your donation could help one such individual regain his/her self esteem, find a job and become established in permanent housing.

Project Message

"The executive of DST invited me to team. It completely changed my life. I have money, my rent is paid up. I have lost 25 pounds and feel much better about myself. I'm happier with self worth."
- David Shippen, Downtown Streets Team member

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources