New Program Helps Homeless Find Work
DENVER (CBS4) - A new program launched this month is putting those struggling with homelessness to work.
The City of Denver launched Denver Day Works on Nov. 1. The pilot program provides same-day jobs for the homeless or people living in poverty.
Many of the jobs are with Denver Parks & Recreation and Public Works, others with private companies. The goal is to connect participants to more permanent work with city agencies.
"This is one of the boldest, strongest, creative enterprising moves we as a city can make when it comes to serving our homeless," said Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.
During a launch event Wednesday morning, 17 men and women were hired for the day to plant trees in Civic Center Park outside the City County Building.
"I did a lot of time in prison and it's hard to get a job. This is helping me out a lot," said Alvin DeSersa, a new Denver Day Works employee.
The idea is to immediately put people to work.
"I did a lot of time in prison and it's hard to get a job. This is helping me out a lot," said Denver Day Works employee Alvin DeSersa.
The Denver Day Works program offers jobs at both Denver Parks and Recreation sites as well as with private companies.
The program provides the equipment the workers need as well as lunch. The employees make $12.49 an hour and be paid in cash or gift cards. A partnership between Denver's Road Home, Denver Public Works, Denver Parks and Recreation and Denver Human services is funding the $400,000 program.
Among the private companies taking part in Denver Day Works is Embassy Suites. General Manager Ed Blair said hiring homeless individuals has elevated his business.
"I want to challenge all of the employers to be a part of this solution to ending homelessness and to provide some of these opportunities for individuals," Blair said. "I assure you, you will not regret it."
Rita Robledo was among the homeless workers planting trees Wednesday. She said the new job is elevating her confidence to stay off the street and work hard for her community.
"It makes me feel good to be able to help other people and then help myself, too," Robledo told CBS4's Kelly Werthmann.
Denver Day Works is designed to run through Oct. 31, 2017. An outreach team, administered by Bayaud Enterprises, will circulate the city during the week to reach out to people who are experiencing homelessness and recruit potential participants.
"There's nothing greater than to help lift someone up, to help transform someone's life than to make sure they're able to earn a paycheck every day," said Hancock.
LINK: Denver Day Works
Kelly Werthmann joined the CBS4 team in 2012 as the morning reporter, covering national stories like the Aurora Theater Shooting and devastating Colorado wildfires. She now anchors CBS4 Weekend Morning News and reports during the week. Connect with her on Facebook or Twitter @KellyCBS4.
